Ethnic fair gearing up

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Staff writer

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Navajo dancers, Nigerian performers, Japanese customs and flamenco flair — the sights and sounds of cultures from around the world will gather in Clovis during the 23rd annual Ethnic Fair on Saturday at Hillcrest Park.

“It’s an effort to better understand and appreciate the different cultures we have in our community,” said the fair’s Event Coordinator, Selmus Price.

Also chairman of the Clovis Cultural/Ethnic Affairs Committee, which sponsors the event, Price has occupied himself for the past few weeks securing and promoting the fair’s events.

The fair will provide a chance for the community to partake in one of its mainstay annual performances. The Agalu “Spirit of Drums and Dance” cultural troupe will be performing, but anyone can attend a series of workshops that will teach two major components of the performance: Nigerian drums and dance or Batik tie dye.

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The Dineh Tah Navajo Dancers of Albuquerque perform a weave dance at the 2013 Clovis/Curry County Ethnic Fair at Hillcrest Park.

The drums and dance performance will be during the fair’s entertainment segment. Items created during the Batik tie dye workshops will be displayed at the fair.

Other ways members of the community may participate in this year’s Ethnic Fair is through a talent show, a car show, a fun run/walk and a speech and artwork contests open to area youth.

Other performances during the fair are set to include:

• Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dancers: Based in Albuquerque. According to the troupe’s website, its mission is to share, through traditional songs and dances, the culture of the Navajo or Dineh people.

• Flamenco Nuevo Mejico Dance Company: A dance troupe originally from Santa Fe.

• Japanese Bon Odori dancers: Price said this group is comprised of Cannon Air Force Base spouses. It’s the first time this group will be performing at the Ethnic Fair, he said.

• Gospel music groups.

• Music by Blue Thunder DJ Services.

The event will also feature arts and crafts booths and food vendors.

Although the Ethnic Fair’s opening ceremony is at 11 a.m., several events associated with the fair will kick off the event much earlier:

• 8:30 a.m.: A Fun Run/Walk begins at Lowe’s Marketplace parking lot on the corner of 14th and Main streets;

• 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: The 19th annual car show is scheduled at Hillcrest Park. Awards will be given at 3 p.m.;

• 10 a.m.: Healthcare fair at Hillcrest Park to feature various healthcare providers and information.

With its numerous family-friendly activities that community members may join in on as either participants or spectators, Price said he is hopeful many will find a reason to go to the fair.

“I’m hoping that (individuals) will encourage members of their families to either participate or enjoy in the events of the day,” Price said.

Fast facts

Batik tie dye and drums and dance workshops

When: At 10 a.m. and at 5:30 p.m. every day Monday-Saturday

Where: Roy Walker Gymnasium, 316 W. Second St.

Cost: $5 for four sessions

Information: Entries can be picked up at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, Clovis Community College, or the Clovis-Carver Library.

Ethnic Fair talent show

What: Two categories: song/dance and open expression

When: Deadline to submit entry form is Wednesday. Talent show is set to take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Cost: Free. Prizes will be given to first-, second- and third-place winners in each category.

Information: Entries can be picked up at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, Clovis Community College, or the Clovis-Carver Library. Entries must be turned in to the Chamber.

2014 Ethnic Fair annual car show

When: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hillcrest Park

Who: Those who would like to show stock and modified vehicles, production cars, street rods, minis, race cars, pick-ups, 4x4’s, Euros, motorcycles, classics or antiques.

Cost: Entry is $15 before Wednesday; $20 thereafter. Each additional vehicle is $5.

Information: Selmus Price, 749-6570 or [email protected]

Annual Ethnic Fair fun run/walk

When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday

Where: Lowe’s Marketplace parking lot

Cost: Entry is $12 before Wednesday; $15 thereafter.

Information: Selmus Price, 749-6570 or [email protected]

Poster/art project contest; speech contest

Theme for both: “Celebrating the opportunities of ethnic diversity”

Who: Contests have two age categories: One for children in grades 6-8; the other for students in grades 9-12.

Where: Entry forms and more information for the contests is available at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, the Clovis Carver Library, or at the Clovis Community College information desk.

All speeches, artwork and entry forms must be dropped off at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

When: Deadline to enter either contest is Wednesday, with winners recognized during the 2014 Ethnic Fair on Saturday at Hillcrest Park.