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I was WOWed by Pow WowBy Madelyn Miller, The TravelLady
But never have I seen anything as breathtaking as Pow Wow in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This annual event brings out the finest in Indian native costumes and regalia from all over North America.
For more information about the Gathering of Nations: www.gatheringofnations.com More Great Things to do in Albuquerque WHERE TO STAYDoubletree Hotel Albuquerque The brand-signature warm giant chocolate chip cookies available free at front desk and at turndown every night to guarantee sweet dreams. Sheraton Old Town Historic Hotel in a great location right near Old Town shopping area and all the museums. Cinnamon spice cookies always available at the front desk. Restaurants to TryFLYING STAR 3416 Central Ave SE 505-255-6633 Gold Street Cafe is legendary for their breakfasts. 218 Gold SW 505-765-1633 Best Free internet access Coffee houseSatellite 3513 Central Ave NE (owned by same people at Flying Star) SHOPPING AREASRevitalized downtown (best place for authentic Indian jewelry is Skip Maisel and the prices are great, too. Ask to see the vintage Indian pawn.) Nob Hill. This is part of the original Route 66 and combines the kitschy stuff of the Old West with funky new things that appeal to the nearby University of New Mexico students. Not one mall-store to be seen. Old Town. This is a shopper’s paradise in a pueblo style setting. You could spend days here. Learn to make your own jewelry at the Bead and Fetish store, or buy from the Native Indians selling across from the historic church Don’t missAlbuquerque is famous for balloons. Soar over the sky with Rainbow Ryders, Inc. They have the best safety record and are the official balloon ride company of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Sandia Peak Tramway. World’s longest tramway. 10 Tramway Loop NE. 505-856-7325. www.sandiapeak.com Flea Market. Good deals but buyer beware. Weekends 7am to 2pm at Expo NM State Fairgrounds Explora! Science Center and Children’s Museum. Great for kids of any age. And a wonderful gift shop for educational souvenirs. I bought a kaleidoscope program based on one of the exhibits. NM Holocaust and Intolerance Museum. A history of all persecuted people, including Jews, Indians, Albanians, and others. Staffed by helpful and knowledgeable volunteers Turquoise Museum. First place to go if you are serious about buying Turquoise Jewelry. This small museum is a jewel in itself. GREAT GUIDEBOOKSHidden Southwest LET’S GO ADVENTURE GUIDE SOUTHWEST USA 2003 Ski America and Canada has the best and most detailed overview of Santa Fe from a winter tourist/skier/snowboarder's perspective. The new edition (15th) will be in bookstores about mid October. Available from most bookstores, Amazon, bn.com and www.worldleisure.com THE OLD WEST MOON HANDBOOKS NEW MEXICO BEST NEW MEXICO DESTINATION RESORT Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa |
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I have been to the Miss America Pageant and other
spectacular events all over the world, sometimes as a judge, other times as a
very interested journalist and observer.
The 22nd. Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow will take
place in Albuquerque, New Mexico April 29, & 30, 2005. More than 150,000 people
are expected to converge on this Southwestern city during "Native American
Week", and for the largest annual gathering of Native Americans in the World.
This proud and beautiful culture comes alive with traditional and competition
singing and dancing, coupled with the crowning of Miss Indian World, and the All
famous Indian Trader's Market.
The University of New Mexico is the setting for this very
special event held in the legendary arena, known as "The Pit", April 29 & 30,
2005. Over 3000 American Indian Singers and Dancers will be participating, as
more than 800 US and Canadian tribes will be represented.
The Indian Trader's Market and Native Food Court, located
on Powwow Alley offers a very special shopping experience with more than 800
artist, craftsmen, and traders will be displaying their wares for sale. Others
included in the Market include colleges and corporations doing recruiting. An
added feature on Powwow Alley is the "Reach The Rez Concert Stage", which will
feature various contemporary musicians and other entertainers (all with a
positive and uplifting message) such as Litefoot, Red Hand Rhythm Band, Doug E
Fresh, Malo, Eli Secody, & More.
Each year at the pow wow a young Native American Indian
woman is crowned Miss Indian World. The selection is based upon an assessment of
personality, knowledge of tribal tradition, and dancing ability. Over 30 native
young ladies from throughout Indian Country, (representing their tribe and
traditions), will be competing for this most prestigious title. The young lady,
whom selected as Miss Indian World, will represent all native people as she
serves as a cultural ambassador to all cultures. Her travels will take her many
native as well as other communities throughout the World. The Traditional
Pageant will be held Thursday April 28, 2005, at the Albuquerque Convention
Center. The Show begins at 7:00 p.m.. The public is welcome. The crowning of
Miss Indian World will take place on Saturday evening, April 30, 2005, at the
Gathering of Nations Powwow.
The Gathering of Nations Powwow is April 29 & 30, 2005 at
the University of New Mexico Arena. The powwow will begin with the Grand Entry
of all the dancers at noon and 7:00 p.m. both days. There is an admission charge
to all events.
The Gathering of Nations Powwow has been hailed as among
the top folk festivals in the World. Everyone of all cultures are invited to
Attend. The Gathering of Nations Powwow is open to the general public. Picture
taking is permitted.