WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Where some celebrations across the city ring in the new year by popping a bottle of champagne, the Wichita United Methodist Church ushered in 2026 with drums and dancers for the 15th annual Sobriety Powwow.
Organizer and pastor for the church, Robert Kempton, says their main goal is to provide anybody, Native American or not, with a sober way to celebrate New Year’s. After 15 years, they hope it catches on with younger members of the community.
The heartbeat of the event: the drum circle surrounded by dancers. Shannon Leroy, the head singer, says he got sober 30 years ago…