The 44th annual Powwow at Three Rivers Indian Lodge featured many of the familiar faces Friday during opening day.

For starters, Randy Pico once again served as emcee while Charlie Brown headed the opening Gourd Dance at the three-day event as presented by Native Directions, Inc.

The Gourd Dance, according to Pico, came to the West Coast in 1971 via an Oklahoma family, introducing it in southern California.

“There’s not too many Gourd Dances at powwows (in California),” he added.

The Gourd Dance will continue today (Saturday) at about 11 a.m., followed by the Grand Entry at noon, and the Traditional Dinner at 5 p.m.

Pico announced that a Fire Dancer will perform in the arena at dusk – about 8:30 p.m. – with the Bear Dance scheduled at 10 p.m.

In addition, the day will feature the coronation of Princess Summer Harrison (Outgoing Princess Imani Manuel) at 1 p.m.

The theme for this year’s Powwow at Three Rivers Lodge, located at 13505 Union Road, is “Honoring All Mothers.”

The public is invited to this free event (strict rules do apply since Three Rivers is a treatment facility, meaning no alcohol or drugs).

Parking is available across the street from the lodge.

As in previous powwows, many of the attendees are expected to include hundreds of Native Americans from throughout San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties as well as various tribes from throughout the country.

The Lodge, as a fundraiser, will be selling Indian tacos, fried bread, and drinks this weekend.

A variety of vendors are on hand, offering up Native American arts and crafts, and souvenirs, to name a few.

For more information, call 209.858.2421.