Mike Henre said more than the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds’ logistical advantages of easy access and nearby shopping attracted him and others with the Indian Council of Many Nations four years ago when they were looking for a site a summer powwow.

“All of Tonganoxie at one point was Delaware ground,” the Tonganoxie man said. “When we went to scope out having a powwow, we just got a feeling of inner peace about having it at the fairgrounds.”

The group’s 49th summer powwow will start at 5 p.m. Friday and continue from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds. It will be a traditional powwow with tobacco, alcohol and firearms forbidden, he said.

The Indian Council, which encompasses a 150-mile radius from the Kansas-Missouri state line at Interstate 70, has representatives from about 20 Native American tribes, Henre said. But he said members of many more tribes could be present because of the presence of Haskell Indian Nations University students.

“Everybody is invited,” he said. “We encourage everyone to come out and have a good time. Everything is free, parking and camping. The only cost is if you want to buy something from vendors and food. Otherwise, come out and spend all three days and enjoy it without spending a dime.”