ITHACA, N.Y. -- Two major family-oriented events, the fifth annual Pow Wow and Smoke Dance competition and the 37th annual Veterinary Open House, will be held at Cornell University on Saturday, April 5.

The Pow Wow begins at 10 a.m. in Barton Hall. This stunning variety of Native American dancing, singing, chants and drumming begins with a resplendent and picturesque Grand Entry of participants commencing at noon. The Pow Wow will continue until 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to performances, there will be exhibitions of Iroquois social dances and a smoke dance competition. The event also features Native American vendors with displays of handmade arts and crafts and foods. The event is sponsored by the Native American Students at Cornell (NASAC). For more information, contact Brandon Ashley at (607) 255-1919 or e-mail nasacpowwow@yahoo.com .

Another perennial "photo op" on campus is the Veterinary Open House, bringing together animals and children in an event hosted by students of Cornell's New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. The open house, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature an equine treadmill, exotic birds and reptiles, the Cornell Companions pet-therapy corps and the Teddy Bear ER, where students showcase their surgical skills on stuffed animals.