Plenty to do on fair's final day

With a myriad of cultural workshops throughout the week now in the books, the 25th Clovis / Curry County Ethnic Fair culminates Saturday with a wide array of activities at Hillcrest Park. The fair is sponsored by the City of Clovis, local businesses, veterans organizations and the New Mexico Humanities Council.

Officials said Saturday’s effort, which starts at 8:30 a.m. and is scheduled to come to a close at 4 p.m., includes a fun run (5K) / walk (1.25 miles), a health care fair, car show, arts and crafts and an all-day food drive conducted by the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico.

Meanwhile, the afternoon entertainment will feature a talent show, food vendors, games and activities and an appearance by the Buffalo Soldiers Society of New Mexico.

There will also be various dance performances from groups including the Agalu “Spirit of Drums and Dance” Cultural Troupe of Nigeria, the Flamenco Nuevo Mejico Dance Company and Fusion World Dance, among others.

“Our goal is to bring together entities that appeal to all ages and backgrounds,” Ethnic Fair Event Chairman Selmus Price said. “We are very pleased with the success of the past events and stand excited about what Saturday has to offer. We’re inviting everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and share with friends and family.”

Clovis resident Chandler Brown relocated to the area with his family four months ago from Nevada and is looking forward to Saturday’s events.

“I’m excited and so are my wife and kids,” he said. “Anytime you get a chance to celebrate diversity under the umbrella of unity, it’s a beautiful thing. I imagine it takes a lot of thought and planning to pull something like the fair together, so I tip my cap to the organizers for taking the reins.”

Angie Cardova said the fair has become a staple of her family’s calendar.

“Once the dates for the fair are determined, we save the date,” said Cardova, a lifelong Clovis resident. “The event brings people together and celebrates our differences — which is always great. It’s something we anticipate and plan for each year while also inviting others to do the same.”