32nd annual Numaga Indian Days Pow Wow underway

Each Labor Day weekend, the

hosts its Numaga Pow Wow. This free event designed for the family features Native American dancers, singers and drummers. Besides the pow wow entertainment, vendors sell traditional Native foods and handcrafted silverwork, beadwork, baskets and other American Indian traditional and fine art.

This two-and-a-half day event is August 30 to September 2 in Hungry Valley, 19 miles north of downtown Reno and west of Spanish Springs, in Eagle Canyon.

The Grand Entry, which will include more than 200 dances from toddlers to golden age (50 years and older) starts at 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Saturday, then at noon Sunday. This year's drum contest includes $24,000 for five places.

The pow wow is named after Chief Numaga, a Paiute Chief known for peace. Chief Numaga was a 19th century leader who counseled against war. According to a tribal news release, "Facing severe threats to his people by invading white forces, Numaga repeatedly chose peace. His successful peace negotiations helped set a precedent for future disputes."

Ancillary events during the weekend celebration will include the princess pageant, hand games, a 3-mile walk / run and 7-mile Warrior Run, plus a community feed. All of these events are free and open to the public. Camping spaces are available as well as free parking.