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It’s time for the one of the city’s signature events: the 56th annual Pow Wow Festival is just around the corner, running from March 6-9 at the Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. N. The city added a day to the festivities this year according to Ashley Frydrych, Recreation Program Coordinator for the city of Seminole.

“New this year, we have expanded the event to include Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m.,” Frydrych said. “This first evening will feature only the carnival rides, games, and favorite carnival-type of foods. Our entertainment acts, sponsors, vendors, etc. won’t be on site until Friday evening.”

The annual event is an integral part of Seminole’s history. According to a timeline on the city’s website, the inaugural Seminole Pow Wow Festival & Parade took place in 1967. It was conceived with a need to raise funding for lighting at Seminole High School.

Jimmy Vines, historian with the Seminole Historical Society, said that first year was all about barbecued chicken, beans, and coleslaw.

“[The high school] needed $8,000 to complete the lighting system,” Vines wrote. “The Seminole Volunteer Firefighters and Seminole High School Boosters Club said, ‘Let’s barbecue chickens and raise money to take care of this situation.’”

Cat Mangum, wife of Seminole Fire Department president Holland Mangum, suggested calling the fundraiser “Pow Wow.” The name stuck. In addition to the barbecue, organizers added a parade that drew 45 units. The campaign raised $1,600.

Vines also explained that the 1969 Pow Wow welcomed Chief Joe Dan Osceola, chief of the Seminole Tribe in Florida and a direct descendent of the famous Chief Osceola.

“Chief Joe Dan, grand marshal of the parade, rode in a 1968 Lincoln Continental convertible,” Vines said. “Chief Joe Dan’s gift to Holland Mangum, leader and future mayor of Seminole, was a beautiful, colorful vest made by his tribe. The chief also left a written memento giving his blessings to Seminole, which became a city in November of 1970.”

The Seminole Historical Society has both items in its collection.

The carnival aspect of Seminole’s Pow Wow Festival — with midway rides and concessionaires — was added in 1970.

On Friday, March 7, the City Council will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. to officially kick off the event. Afterwards, DJ Columbo will provide the evening’s entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Saturday, March 8, the day will get underway when Vibe Dance Studio performs a demonstration of their dancing skills.

Saturday’s lineup includes live performances by Jessica Rose, Luminosity, and Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio. At 9 p.m., festivalgoers will be treated to a fireworks display.

Sunday, March 9, has been designated as “Family Fun Day.” The schedule includes the following performances and activities:

• Mascot Mania Character Meet & Greet

• Florida Twisters Baton Presentation

• Irish Dance Presentation

• Trike Races

• Pride of Wrestling Show

According to Frydrych, Pow Wow Festival continues to bring people and the community together.

“Although the entertainment aspect looks different than what it originally started out as, people in our surrounding communities continue to bring their families for a fun experience in a safe environment,” Frydrych said. “Parents can enjoy live entertainment, try various types of foods, browse through vendor tents, etc., while their children ride the rides and socialize with others from their school and/or neighborhood.”

There is no admission fee to attend Pow Wow, although the cost of tickets for the midway rides and games will vary, depending on the day. Armbands that allow for unlimited rides will cost $25 on Thursday; $30 on Friday and Saturday; and $25 on Sunday.

For more information on the 56th annual Pow Wow Festival, visit www.myseminole.com or www.facebook.com/getseminole.

TALLAHASSEE – Florida State's Jalen Crawford bleeds Garnet and Gold.

Literally.

The freshman guard is living proof that some legacies are meant to continue. For Jalen, attending Florida State as a student-athlete isn't just about basketball -- it's about family, tradition, and carrying on the garnet and gold legacy started by his parents.

Crawford and his teammates continue that garnet and gold legacy as the Seminoles (13-7, 4-5 ACC) play host to Virginia Tech (8-12, 3-6 ACC) on Wednesday night at the Donald L. Tucker Center at 7:00 p.m. The game will be played to benefit the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to raise placards honoring those they "suit up for" during the game. Cancer awareness ribbons will also be available at the marketing tables. A special Diaper Derby, sponsored by TMH, will take place at halftime.

Both of Jalen's parents are proud Florida State alumni with rich athletic ties to the university. His mother was a Golden Girl, and his father played basketball for the Seminoles. His grandfather (Adrian's dad) was an assistant coach for the Seminoles from 1997-2002.

Now, the next generation is following in his parents' footsteps, and Jalen is making his mark as a Seminole.

"It's been incredible watching Jalen grow up in Florida State basketball -- literally," said dad Adrian who played in 75 games as Seminole from 1999-2001. "From playing at home with a monitor to running around the Basketball Training Center as a kid, this program has been part of his life since he could walk.

"His favorite players were Luke Loucks, Toney Douglas, Trent Forrest, Terrance Mann, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, and so many others. He's always bled Garnet and Gold, so seeing him get the chance to live out his dream is everything a parent could hope for."

Adrian is still ranked in the school's top 20 for 3-point field goals made (135) and attempted (375).

The Crawford family couldn't be more thrilled to see Jalen thriving at their alma mater, representing a legacy they hold dear.

"I couldn't be prouder to see Jalen following in my footsteps by attending my alma mater and my husband's footsteps by continuing the legacy of his father who not only attended FSU but played for FSU," said mom Wendy Crawford. "Even with a semester already under our belt, I am still weekly aware of how special it is to know he's stepping onto the same campus that shaped me and his father, and that led us to getting engaged after a holiday game back in 2000."

For Jalen, being a Seminole was always the dream.

"To be a Seminole is an honor," said Jalen. "I'll give everything I have to uphold the traditions and values of this school, always striving to be the best I can be, both on the court and off."

"Being able to play basketball for FSU, just like my father did, adds an entirely new layer of excitement and pride," said Jalen. "The love for the game, the competitiveness, and the passion for wearing the garnet and gold are things I inherited from him, and it's a privilege to step onto the court where he once played."

Jalen's passion for basketball started early, largely thanks to his dad.

"I began playing basketball at a young age since I was three," said Jalen. "I've continued playing ever since I picked up a basketball. My dad is the main reason why I play basketball, especially because of the success that he had during his playing career."

While Jalen always dreamed of being a Seminole, he's proving he's more than just a legacy player.

He embodies what it means to be a Seminole every day -- through his energy, teamwork, and dedication both on and off the court.

This fall, Jalen showed his dedication in the classroom, earning a spot on FSU's Academic Dean's List while balancing a rigorous schedule of practices, games, and academic demands.

On the court, Jalen is known for his infectious energy and unwavering support for his teammates. Whether he's playing, cheering from the sidelines, or hyping up the team during practice, his presence makes a difference.

"Being on this team means a lot," said Jalen. "Just helping the guys every day with whatever they may need on the court or off the court. Knowing my role, which obviously is to help bring all of the energy I can bring to the team means everything to me."

"I love watching him contribute to the team," said Adrian who is also the Seminoles' color analyst for the Seminole Sports Network. "I always tell Jalen, 'Wherever you go, add value.' That's exactly what he does. He has the ability to change the energy in a room. He believes in the best of his teammates and consistently brings energy, positivity, and encouragement. That's who he is, and I couldn't be prouder of the young man he's becoming," said Adrian.

Jalen's enthusiasm, positivity, and passion for Florida State basketball embodies what it means to be a Seminole.

Whether it's making a big play or encouraging a teammate, his love for the garnet and gold is evident in Jalen Crawford.