The 27th annual Indio Powwow over the Thanksgiving weekend will honor soldiers who have returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was announced Friday.

Performers from the Cabazon band of Mission Indians and tribes from across the United States will dance for the 27th annual fall gathering to celebrate the successful harvest, said Frank Torok, the tribe's spokesman.

Powwows have traditionally been used to honor feats of bravery and achievement and to trade and socialize, Torok said.

The grand entry, when all the dancers form a procession into the arena, will take place at 8 p.m. next Friday, Torok said.