San Benito County residents can take a walk back in time and
enjoy a bit of California and United States history this weekend,
but not the gold rush or Mayflower kind. For its 20th and final
year, Native Americans will bring crafts, food and entertainment to
San Juan Bautista for the Indian Market.
Sponsored by the American Indian Council, organizer Laynee
”
Bluebird
”
Reyna said time has taken its toll on the market, and that it’s
time to pull the curtain on the show.
San Juan Bautista – San Benito County residents can take a walk back in time and enjoy a bit of California and United States history this weekend, but not the gold rush or Mayflower kind. For its 20th and final year, Native Americans will bring crafts, food and entertainment to San Juan Bautista for the Indian Market.
Sponsored by the American Indian Council, organizer Laynee “Bluebird” Reyna said time has taken its toll on the market, and that it’s time to pull the curtain on the show.
“Many of the chiefs and medicine people have passed on,” she said.
Those who will be returning this year include the Navajo tribe, who will run a food booth complete with Indian fry bread and Indian tacos, and the La Kota people will bring their beading skills to share with the public.
The Indian Market is a fundraiser for Peace Vision, Inc., a nonprofit Reyna said promotes peace through the arts.
The festivities will begin both days at 10am, with the opening prayer and drum song that honors ancestors. Following the opening ceremonies, children and their parents can paint their handprints on the Prints for Peace Teepee, and dance around the teepee with songs and drum by musician Kanyon Sayers-Roods at 11am.
Along with browsing through the bead work, pottery, oil paintings and other pieces of art for sale, visitors will have the chance to enjoy a variety of Native American music and entertainment. Featured Apache singer-drummer Yolanda Martinez will entertain the crowd for the 20th year in a row.
“We are very fortunate to have her here again to celebrate our last show,” Reyna said.
Martinez has been nominated for an American Music Award, and has been making her own drums since 1987. Also returning to this year’s market are the Xipe Totec Aztec Dancers. Hailing from Mexico City, the dancers have also performed all 20 years, and just like they always have, they’ll perform the Fire Dance, the White Eagle Dance and will ask participants from the audience to join in the World Friendship Dance.
The market, which will be located in the open field next to San Juan School, will be open from 10am to 7pm both Saturday and Sunday, and Reyna said, cash donations are appreciated. For more information, call 831-245-5440 or log onto: www.peacevision.org.
Christine Tognetti covers education and arts and religion for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566 ext.330, or
ct*******@fr***********.com
.
