Head Gourd Dancer John Cozad leads a gourd dance, a traditional Kiowa ritual dance, at the start of the Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Head Gourd Dancer John Cozad leads a gourd dance, a traditional Kiowa ritual dance, at the start of the Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Clifford Cayou, left, and John Cozad, head gourd dancer, perform a gourd dance, a traditional Kiowa dance, during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Misunkala Clairmont adjusts the feathers on his headdress as he prepares to dance during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Rose Red Elk sells her handmade dreamcatchers and jewelry during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Clifford Cayou participates in a gourd dance, a traditional Kiowa dance, during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Andy Cozad participates in a Gourd Dance, a traditional Kiowa dance, during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Head Gourd Dancer John Cozad leads a gourd dance, a traditional Kiowa ritual dance, at the start of the Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Misunkala Clairmont adjusts the feathers on his headdress as he prepares to dance during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Drummers provide the strong beat for a Gourd Dance, a traditional Kiowa dance, during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)A kid leaves money at the feet of Gourd dancers as they perform during the second Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Leaving money at the dancer’s feet is a sign of respect and encouragement for the dancers.
(Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)Head Gourd Dancer John Cozad leads a gourd dance, a traditional Kiowa ritual dance, at the start of the Arvada Powwow at the Arvada Center Sculpture Field on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
