Ethnic Fair set

CLOVIS - Entering its 28th year, Clovis' annual Ethnic Fair has found a good rhythm and harmony bringing educational and cultural programming into a family-friendly day at the park.

New to the afternoon entertainment Saturday at Hillcrest Park are "Izcalli In Nanantzin," a traditional Aztec dance group from Taos. They were formed in 1981 and represent a "living thriving culture that has coexisted for more than 500 years and continues to unlock the mysteries of our universe, cosmos through each dance step," according to promotional materials.

Many favorite performers are returning as well, including Catalina Rio Fernandez with her signature dance interpreting the matador, Fusion World Dance led by Eastern New Mexico University yoga and dance instructor Yolanda Chavez and "Agalu," an ensemble Nigerian drum and dance troupe from Santa Fe.

Performers will take the main stage near the west of Hillcrest Park starting at 11:30 a.m. and continuing through 4 p.m., when the events conclude with a street dance to wrap up the day. Meanwhile look out for a car show in its 24th year, a handful of food booths to keep the guests sated and a number of booths on healthcare, arts and crafts, Blackwater Draw prehistory and firefighting.

"Particularly, it's a learning process for everyone," said Selmus Price, who has coordinated the event since its inception on Clovis' Main Street. "Especially in showcasing the different cultures, it tends to broaden one's ideas or knowledge, and overall it makes us all unique."

Kicking off the day is a fun run/walk starting at 8:30 a.m. from the parking lot at the intersection of 14th and Main streets. Advance sign-ups through today at city hall are $12 for the 5 kilometer or 1 1/4 kilometer race and $15 on Saturday morning, with a t-shirt included.

With high temperatures expected in the 90s, it's a good thing for the free admission Saturday at the splash pad as well as the Hillcrest Park zoo.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 11 a.m. , with a city proclamation and performances of the National Anthem and "America the Beautiful."

Find more information on the day's programming in booklets at City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, the library, Clovis Community College and local banks and businesses.