The Haliwa-Saponi Tribe will host its 61st Annual Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow from April 17–19 at 130 Haliwa Saponi Trail in Hollister. 

The three‑day cultural event will feature dance contests, drum competitions, art exhibitions and multiple grand entries open to the public. 

The Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow is the oldest powwow in North Carolina and has historically drawn as many as 10,000 visitors in a single weekend.

This year’s powwow will include a drum contest offering a $5,000 first‑place prize, followed by awards of $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000. 

Dance categories include Golden Age, Adult, Teen, Junior and Tiny Tots, with cash prizes awarded across all divisions. 

Registration is $10 per person, and tribal identification may be requested.

Grand entries are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at noon and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m., with a worship service set for Sunday at 9:30 a.m. 

Daily admission is $10 for ages 7–61, $8 for ages 62 and older, and free for children 6 and under. A weekend pass is available for $20. Admission and on‑site purchases are cash only. Camping is available, though pets, alcohol and drugs are prohibited on tribal grounds.

Featured staff include Head Male Dancer Eric Plainbull; Head Female Dancer Charlize Evans; Arena Director Will Richardson; Head Judge Kevin Chavis; and MCs JD Moore and Sandon Jacobs. 

The Pine Lodge Singers of Pembroke will serve as this year’s host drum.

Traditional and contemporary art entries should be delivered to the Haliwa‑Saponi Tribal School cafeteria by 9 a.m. Saturday. Host hotels include the Holiday Inn in Rocky Mount and the Hilton Garden Inn in Roanoke Rapids.

Vendor applications will be accepted exclusively through the official online form. The only way to apply for vendor spaces is by submitting an application at this link

A sovereign Indian nation headquartered in Hollister, the Haliwa‑Saponi Indian Tribe serves as an active advocate for the well‑being and prosperity of its citizens. “The tribe is dedicated to protecting the interests, identity and cultural heritage of the Haliwa‑Saponi people while advancing its community through vital educational, health, economic development, housing, cultural and social programs,” the tribe said. “The tribe also seeks partnerships with local, state and federal governments and other entities to address critical community needs and support long‑term stability, public health and infrastructure for the region.”

For more information, call 252-586‑4017.