9th Annual Klamath Tribes Restoration Celebration kicks off today

	A dancer competes during the 2004 Restoration Celebration powwow last August in Chiloquin. This year's celebration kicks off tonight.

August 25, 2005

Klamath Falls Herald and News

The 19th Annual Klamath Tribes Restoration Celebration kicks off tonight with the Restoration Royalty Pageant.

Events, including a competitive powwow, no-cost barbecue and youth rodeo, fill a schedule for Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Chiloquin. All events are open to the public, and are alcohol- and drug-free.

"It's a celebration of the Klamath Tribes," said Amanda Mellentine, restoration royalty president. "It's a chance for people to celebrate us being federally recognized as a tribe."

After being terminated in 1961, the Klamath Tribes were restored in 1986 by the federal government. They have held a celebration every year since.

The powwow usually draws a crowd of about 300 to 400 people, including 100 to 150 dancers, from around the state, she said. Turnout usually depends on weather, so with a good forecast for the weekend, turnout should be strong.

But first, it's pageant time.

The pageant is set to start at 6 p.m. at the Tribal Administration Building just off Highway 97 in Chiloquin. Two Klamath girls, age 10 and 9, are vying for the title of princess, while the 2004 queen, Katerra Hicks, 13, will keep her crown for another year.

Mellentine said another Klamath girl turned in an application to challenge Hicks, but she lived out of Klamath County so it would have been difficult for her to make appearances in Chiloquin and Klamath Falls.

During the pageant, the princess contestants will give speeches, dance and answer questions about restoration history in hopes of earning the title, she said.

Other events during the celebration include:

Fun run and walk - 10 a.m. Friday, beginning at Chiloquin High School, raffle to follow for participants; call Emily Bogatay, 882-1487 ext. 205.

Free barbecue - 12 p.m. Friday, Chiloquin High School; call Bogatay, 882-1487 ext. 205.

Parade - 10 a.m. Saturday, Main Street Chiloquin, prizes for different categories, line-up 9 a.m. and judging 9:30 a.m.; call Loren Schonchin (800) 524-9787 ext. 166 or Ed Case 783-2218 ext. 184.

Dinner, 5 p.m. Saturday at Downtown Chiloquin Community Center.

Competition Powwow - Chiloquin High School Football Field, including dancing contests, camping, food and vendors: 7 p.m., Friday, Royalty Crowning immediately following Grand Entry; 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Grand Entry; 12 p.m., Sunday, Grand Entry; call Coke Crume 882-7248 or Jonie Townsend 273-0711; vendor registration required, call Tony Ford 883-2795.

Open Youth Rodeo - 12 p.m. Saturday, Chiloquin Rodeo Grounds, custom buckles awarded in all events. Contestants are already registered.

For more information, call the Klamath Tribes government at (800) 524-9787.

 

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