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BANNING, CA - Native American dancers, singers, artists and craftspeople from Indian tribes throughout the United States and Canada will gather Friday, September 28th through Sunday, September 30th, for the 11th annual Morongo Pow-Wow. The event is free to the public and last year more than 15,000 visitors came to view the dance competitions, eat genuine Indian foods and shop among the various artisans on display.

This year, at the beginning of each grand entry, there will be a special candle-lighting ceremony to honor those killed in the recent terrorist attacks and those active in relief efforts. The pow-wow grand entry traditionally features a color guard of American Indian veterans and is a moving custom. In addition, the Morongo tribe is hosting a booth for the American Red Cross to accept donations and will also offer voter registration.

Morongo tribal vice chairwoman Luanne Martin: "Like the rest of the world, all of us at Morongo were shocked and dismayed by the horrific terrorist attacks leveled at New York and Washington. The thoughts and prayers of our members across the country go out to the victims, the survivors and their families. When such tragedy strikes, we can all help."

The Morongo Tribe has given $25,000 to American Red Cross to fly Red Cross disaster team to New York.

One of Southern California's most colorful and exciting Native American events, the Morongo pow-wow provides the color and sound of Native American dancers dressed in stunning regalia and competing in dazzling dance and drumming competitions. There will be more than $80,000 in dance and drum prizes awarded at this year's pow-wow.

Guests will be able to try a variety of Native American foods and can watch Indian silver and turquoise craftspeople at work. Shoppers can browse through the colorful bazaar featuring sand paintings, Indian pottery, katchina dolls, moccasins and caps, Native American beadwork, belts, shirts and other artwork.

On Friday the pow-wow's Indian market, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, opens at 4:00 p.m. with the dramatic grand entry of all dancers starting at 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday pow-wow events kick off at 10:00 a.m. with grand entry at noon with another grand entry ceremony Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.

The pow-wow will be held on the Morongo Indian Reservation, just west of Casino Morongo, located along Interstate 10 between Banning and Palm Springs. The pow-wow grounds are marked by a giant tent surrounded by the vendor booths of the Indian market. Parking and nearby camping is free. For more information on the pow-wow call toll free 800-252-4499 and visit the Casino Morongo web site.