41st Annual Barona Powwow Set for Labor Day Weekend

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Aug 16, 2011) - Experience San Diego County's largest celebration of Native American tradition and culture at the 41^st Annual Barona Powwow, September 2-4. Since its inception in 1970, the Tribal celebration has grown into a three-day event drawing over 10,000 Native Americans and visitors from across the nation and featuring more than 200 dancers competing for $60,000 in cash prizes.

"Over the past four decades, the Barona Powwow has grown to become such a wonderful cultural celebration and we are proud to be able to share it with visitors from San Diego and throughout the United States," said Edwin "Thorpe" Romero, chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "During Labor Day weekend, guests will have the opportunity to come out to Barona and experience traditional Native American culture by watching a variety of performances, tasting traditional Indian foods and visiting crafts booths. It is an exciting event for all."

Throughout the Labor Day weekend celebration, the Powwow will showcase traditional Tribal dances from dancers of all ages, singing and music, a hand drum contest and exquisite handcrafted arts and jewelry. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste a variety of authentic Native American cuisine, including Indian Fry Bread, and take part in games and contests for all ages.

To help celebrate the 41^st annual Barona Powwow, the Barona Cultural Center & Museum has extended its 40^th anniversary Powwow exhibition for its final year. The Barona Band of Mission Indians invites all to visit the museum exhibit to learn about the event's history and traditions. The commemorative retrospective, Barona Powwow Celebrates 40 Years!, is available for viewing in the Barona Museum Community Center now through September 4.

The Powwow festivities will take place at the Barona Baseball Field (just one mile north of Barona Resort & Casino) on the Barona Indian Reservation, located at 1095 Barona Road in Lakeside. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please call 619-443-6612 or visit www.barona-nsn.gov.

About the Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932. Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego's leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.