The 30th Annual American Indians Reaching for Opportunities (AIRO) Powwow will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Saturday, April 5.

The powwow will be held in Berg Gym, at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Reserve Street, with Grand Entries at 1 and 7 p.m. A feast will be served at 5 p.m. at Debot Residence Center, included in the admission of $4 for the public and $3 for UWSP students with ID.

"It�s an unforgettable experience you won�t want to miss," said Sharon Cloud, director of the Native American Center and adviser to the AIRO student organization. "A powwow is a social event filled with the sounds of the drum, singing, dancing, browsing, buying vendor�s goods and visiting."

The Grand Entries are the main feature of the powwow, with dancers in full regalia and several drum groups performing. Any veterans present may carry eagle staffs and various other flags as they lead color guard units and a variety of dancers into the gym. Members of many tribes attend the event, Cloud said, with their colorful dress influenced by tribal affiliations, status of an individual within the tribe, honors bestowed to them or personal preference.

"The beating of the drum represents the heartbeat and life of the people," said Cloud. The Host Drum group sings special songs throughout the day. Age-old songs call dancers into the circle, and anyone may join in when the master of ceremonies announces inter-tribal songs.

The powwow also features an Ambassador Contest, in which contestants are judged though an interview, questionnaire, dance ability, knowledge and values. Male and female dance competitions are held, with winners often becoming the Head Dancers for next year�s event.

A raffle will be held with prizes including a Pendleton blanket, a DVD/VCR player and a Native American feather fan.

For more information, contact the Native American Center at (715) 346-3576 or go online at www.uwsp.edu/stuorg/sga/mc-director/airo.htm

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