The Three Rivers Pow Wow — a Manteca summer tradition since 1977 — gets underway today and runs through Sunday.

It starts with gourd dancing at 5 p.m. this afternoon.

Gourd dancing starts the Pow Wow at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday’s highlights will be the two colorful Grand Entry festivities featuring participants from various tribes throughout California, and some from other parts of the country.

They show off their handmade tribal attires in full display while they perform their own traditional dances around the circular tent-covered arena.

 In some cases, participants are entire families — parents along with their children wearing intricate regalia that they themselves made.

The first Grand Entry on Saturday will begin at noon, with the second Grand Entry at 7 p.m. ceremony.

The Bear  Dance at 10 p.m. caps Saturday events.

Sunday’s Grand Entry is at noon with the retiring of the flags at 6 p.m.

The grand entries provide a visual sampling of the dance contests that immediately follow.

There is no charge to attend the 44th annual event that was held annually until the pandemic in 2020 prevented public gatherings.

It takes place at Three Rivers Indian Lodge at 13505 North Union Road north of Lathrop Road between Del Webb at Woodbridge and Lovelace Road.

Thirty vendors offering various Native American arts and crafts including costume jewelry, dolls, colorful beads and other souvenirs for sale are taking part in the celebration.

Indian tacos, Indian fried bread, and drinks will be offered for sale by the Lodge as part of their fund-raising effort during the three-day event.

Given Three Rivers Indian Lodge is a treatment facility, absolutely no alcohol or drugs are allowed. 

No pets are allowed either.

People are asked to bring their own lawn chairs as no seating is provided.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com.