Heat???

[thizgirlpowwows]

Adequate hydration is essential. Water, water everywhere. Athletes need to drink water well before starting (i.e. "camel-up"), they need to take frequent water breaks, and they need to replenish lost fluids after practice.
If you are a parent, coach or athlete, learning more about heat-related illnesses can save a life. Remember, serious heat-related problems, including death, are totally preventable. Don't let the heat get you down

so remember people next powwow, dont forget to "camel up", that's funny.......LOL but seriously, there are a lot of good points made here.........like TKMJ stated, you can run powwows in the afternoon, but take lots of breaks and drink lots of water and NO spot checks.........thats a idea, having an arbor by trees for shade.......the dancers are dancing under the hot sun while us spectators are in the shade hmmm...........

[hobbs49]

In the NC and VA area, many of the PW's that I've been to haven't been contests. And they aren't been in city limits either. But they still dance in midday and early evening. It seems that most are over before dark. I think that lighting is one of the main causes for this scheduling. Although I've been to a couple of powwows that are using the portable work lights to provide some light for the dancers, they work OK. I've been to a couple of dances this year where people were carted off in the ambulance, one was a spectator I think, the other a dancer, in both cases, I think it was the lack of water.

I'm guessing too that another reason for the early starts/ends may have to do with church on Sunday morning and getting back home to work on Monday morning. There are a lot of good hard working christian families here in the Bible belt after all. Just a thought.

[timmy tiger]

I know what Nezbah is saying. There is a pow wow that I go to that they not only pass out water, but they have a 1st aid tent right there and they have kids bringing around Watermellon and vegetable plates to everyone there: Staff, Dancers, Drums, Vendors and spectators and they don't just do it once, but all weekend long and throughout the day. They also feed all participants breakfast and dinner for both days and that's really nice. There is only one that I know of, but there may be more. I have seen a little here or a little there, but not like this. But then I don't get all over the place like some may.

It was hot and there was only one drum and they really took their time for the drum and the dancers. It was nice to see. They tried and then they fed everyone afterwards.

[Lakota_winyan]

yeah I think the later ge's and the night dancin would be ok..prob not everywhere...but where its possible.....

[TKMJ Productions]

OK is a state that is "native friendly". Most states are not. Try running a powwow past midnight in the midwest inside city limits. The cops will shut you down for noise restrictions. Besides most powwow committees can not afford the extra costs involved in lighting the circle for dance at night, and the extra costs involved in keeping the sound techs happy. My guys work 12 hours a day on a powwow weekend now. Add a night session and they must then work 16 to 18 hours or double the sound staff and create shifts. You also need to look at the drums too. It's hard enough to sit in the heat all day singing. Our drums work 4 to 8 hours a day under the arbor. Now push their voices an additional 4 hours at night. You will also need to pay the drums more and feed them extra meals. Rock stars only work 2 or 3 hours a day then retreat to an air conditioned area. (Real Tough Guys.... Put them inside the drum arbor! The wouldn't last the day, let alone a full weekend!!! LOL!!!) Gotta look at the MC an AD as well. You may need to get more people to work those jobs.

Keep the powwow going in the afternoon and take breaks often to cool the dancers. Dancers can come and go as they please. Have a huge supply of water on hand along with a good med staff in the circle checking the dancers. Have fresh fruits available to replace electrolytes. Planning out the circle is the key. Place the circle near a grouping of tall trees to make shade from the afternoon sun.

Just a little note: You can always start Grand Entry at 9:00AM when it is cooler in the daylight on a Sunday. It sure beats a Grand Entry when the hot sun is high beating on your head. It is also a lot easier on everyone involved. And everyone gets home on time for work Monday morning along with a little rest.

[Nezbah]

Uck.....these dupe posts!!!! LOL

[Nezbah]

Yeah........later GE's!!! LOL. I just don't like it when they have the JR's, Teen's, and Golden Age running their contests during the day, the hottest point of the day. Plus having spot checks during the height of the heat too, that's really too wrong. I see the points of the 'point system' and trying to get us to dance, etc. But there should be a limit, since powwows do get cancelled or postponed due to rain, storms, and wind, come on committee's need to really pay attention to the temp too.

I think it was Indio, they used to, not sure nowadays, have the misting in the arbor. Man, that was nice. Oh well, maybe we'll see some changes next year....maybe not....

Actually I found this on Yahoo, today.

Normally, sweating allows you to cool yourself if the sweat-related liquid that forms can evaporate into the air. This becomes more and more difficult as the moisture in the air, i.e. humidity, increases. It is important to recognize the early symptoms of heat-related illness, because your condition can deteriorate quite rapidly and become a serious health emergency.

There are important ways to stay out of trouble when staying active in the heat. This is true not only for football players but also runners, tennis players, soccer stars and virtually every athlete. Even non-athletes, who don't exercise, can suffer the effects of heat related illness. This is especially true for the elderly who are particularly susceptible to heat.

To beat the heat, keep the following in mind:

Your body needs time to acclimatize to the heat. This acclimatization process occurs over a 7-14 day period. This means that the first few days of training camp or exercise in a hot environment should be relatively easy. Better yet, athletes should spend several weeks before getting to training camp practicing some activities in the heat to allow their body to adapt, and become more efficient at dealing with the heat.
Adequate hydration is essential. Water, water everywhere. Athletes need to drink water well before starting (i.e. "camel-up"), they need to take frequent water breaks, and they need to replenish lost fluids after practice. Some individuals are more prone to heat exhaustion because they tend to sweat more and lose more fluids. Weighing yourself first thing in the morning (after urinating), before practice, and after practice will help you know how much fluids you're losing. A 2 percent drop in body weight due to fluid loss is considered significant and means dehydration. Unfortunately your body is not very good at giving thirst related signals. It is not like your car where a red light goes on when it is ready to overheat. Once you're thirsty, it is usually too late to replenish fluids if you're continuing to play and sweat. You can not play catch-up. There should be easy access to fluids and intake should be encouraged by coaches and trainers. In the "old days" it was a sign of weakness to drink. Now it's an absolute sign of stupidity not to.
Practices should be held in the early morning or later in the day before heat and humidity rise. Lightweight, light colored "breathable" clothing should be worn. There are many new options in terms of clothing materials in terms of keeping you cool. I find Nike's Col-Max particularly helpful. In football practice, avoid full pads, uniforms, etc. the first few days or in extreme conditions.
Athletes who are overweight, out of shape, or have certain medical conditions are more prone to heat-related illness. Sunburn can predispose to problems, as can alcohol use and certain medications, especially diuretics.
Once you develop signs of heat illness, you must stop the activity immediately and get to a cool, shady place. Remove any extra unnecessary clothing. Elevate legs higher than your heart and drink plenty of fluids. Ice packs can be placed in the armpit or axillary area, as well as the front hip/groin area. This helps rapidly cool the body. Early signs of heat illness can include fatigue, weakness, dizziness and even muscle cramps. Heat stroke is the most serious version and usually involves mental status changes, and even collapse. If this occurs or is suspected, then it is a medical emergency and immediate medical help should be sought.
The American Council on Exercise offers heat-related advice and a handy "Heat Stress Index" chart, as well as some excellent tips on "Healthy Hydration" (focusing on how much to drink before, during and after exercise).

If you are a parent, coach or athlete, learning more about heat-related illnesses can save a life. Remember, serious heat-related problems, including death, are totally preventable. Don't let the heat get you down

[Wojapi4Me]

I think 8PM grand entries are best. I know some people have to get out of the park or whatever by a certain time but I think keeping the "working" indians in mind is always a good idea.

I would agree...8pm is a good time to start. It's cooled down...people have had a chance to get off work, eat, get to the dance and get dressed.

What do you guys think the chances of some of these pow wows changing to night contesting only? It'd be nice that's for sure.

And why did we start having to dance multiple sessions of contest songs? I remember dancing to one session...maybe 2-3 songs and that was it...the contest was done...judge it...turn it in...award the $$...

[superndngyrl]

Another good reason for later grand entry starts is WORK! If you work and all the good pow-wows happen to be in one month, then its hard to take off EVERY friday just so u can pow-wow.

I think 8PM grand entries are best. I know some people have to get out of the park or whatever by a certain time but I think keeping the "working" indians in mind is always a good idea.

[Coyot_In_The_House]

....

Sang in Ethete WY. back in 2002 N it was Hot! Good powwow.....I remember starting in the late afternoon....Didn't really run too late but we were there till 1am or so....Sure beats 4am! Dry air is by far less stifling then humid! So I can deal with dry heat. Barona was a scorcher too in 2004, good powwow though. Recently Alexis Powwow in AB Canada was purty warm and Sioux Valley MB was soupy too....Both good ones too....Remember Hollywood and a few powwows down in Florida felt like I just got out of a hot shower! Hinckley MN can get toasty! Shawnee OK was 110 the last time I was there! To sum it up.....You don't want to see folks passing out or hiding from the sun....So if the staff running da show can hustle up....Certainly later starts are good.....

[thizgirlpowwows]

I know at Rosebud they did have a tent that was giving free water to the dancers........run by some ministry, but it seems liked if they were running behind, they should have exhibitioned the junior category and gave the teens one song............hopefully this weekend, i dont end up at a powwow where its african hot...LOL

[ok24stacey]

I remember one year at Hinkley, bout what 7 years ago or so, anyway it was so hot we were like spritzing the elders with water bottles and them songs were just going and going. they were dropping that year also. never been to an OK powwow, but that was my thought, that it would or could get way to late.

Well you need to!!

[Nezbah]

@#[email protected]#%@#$%@!!!!!!

Dupe.....LOL

[Nezbah]

Okay......... let's stop and look what's been happening around the world with the heat..... 2 very well known and very in-shape soccer players just died because of this heat exhaustion. There has been other powwows in the past in which dancers have fallen or passed on because of diabetic attacks due to heat exhaustion. When is a committee going to say ........ 'enuff'...... I have been at powwows that are soooo hot not even the dancers, singers, or people other than headstaff are not given food or water. What happened to 'hospitality'??? Why should only the headstaff be given water, fruit, or whatever to keep them hydrated. Why isn't the committee's fully prepared to attend to someone who may be having a diabetic attack or heat exhaustion. I have friends who have passed out or fainted in the arena, or even had diabetic attacks, and the committee/hosts didn't even come over to help. If these so called big powwows have all this contest $$$$, etc well dammit use some of it on helping the dancers/singers, not just the headstaff. Feed the people, water the people, help the people, its those who come to support your powwows from long ways who should be helped out too, not just fend for yourself. Powwows have become so selfish and self absorbed, its disgusting. Maybe its time to start giving back to those who support you. I dunno, I run powwows and make sure the committee is giving back as much as we can to the people, the elders, and the kids. I was taught it was a community helping out the community, being there for others to have a good time singing and dancing. Maybe that's why I haven't opted to do contests at the powwow yet, I do ours to benefit the children during the Holiday season. But, hey, that's just me.

I have seen sick people at powwows, cared for them, stayed with them until the ambulance came, including following them to the hospital to make sure they were okay. But the disheartening thing was that the committee didn't even give a 'rats a**' about them. There was only one committee down in Indio one year that really cared about someone to go that road, kudos to them. But, so many committee's are so self-involved that no one goes to check on someone. All it takes is 1 person, just one. Okay......... I am getting all urked here........LOL

Soooooooo I say, those of you who go on committee's start remembering those who support you and pay them respect by honoring those at least with some fruit and water...... The one's who do, yeahhhhhhh, thank you.

[Wojapi4Me]

Wow, I couldn't agree more with Lakota winyan and Lakota wiyan :)

Spot checks are one of the most idiotic ideas ever to come to pow wows. I try to dance just about every intertribal that comes along...not for points, but just because I enjoy the music and like dancing. I might go take a break and get something to drink if a stinky drum comes up in rotation...but if the singers are jamming, I'm out there!! I've argued before that spot checks are unfair to families...especially to women contestants who, a lot of times, have to look after several children and might be in the middle of a feeding, a changing, or simply handing out snacks and juice boxes when they call for a spot check. It just doesn't make sense to me. Even if they have help from their spouse or an auntie...one of them is going to miss that spot check.

Going back to the heat...I'd love to see contests just be at night. It's just getting too hot...I read today that Phoenix broke their record by having 29 days in a row where the temps. reached at least 110 degrees!!!!!!!!!!

I contend that it's very, very possible to have night-only contests and get in plenty of dancing and still get all the specials and honorings in...and there's really no reason why we should have to contest for four-five sessions...get it done in one...give us two songs and let that be that.