TAMA - Members of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa will welcome visitors from around the nation beginning today for the 93rd annual Meskwaki Powwow.

The modern event is derived from the Green Corn Dance, an ancient ritual held during the harvest, and is seen more as a social gathering rather than a spiritual ceremony, according to tribal officials.

The four-day powwow appeared in its current form around the turn of the 20th century. From 1902 to 1912, the event was known as Field Days and lasted about a week. The name changed in 1913.

The powwow is marked by colorful costumes and a variety of dances handed down from generation to generation. Traditional art and history exhibits will also be on display, and food will be for sale.

The event is held at the Old Battleground about four miles west of Tama on County Road E49 along the east bank of the Iowa River. The powwow continues through Sunday.