Elko's 45th National Basque Festival 2008

The 45th National Basque Festival hosted by Elko Euzkalduank Basque Club was celebrated by many Basques and friends who came from many corners of the globe including the Basque Country and many US states.  It was a wonderful occasion for family and friends, old and new, young and old, to gather, meet again and enjoy each other's company and the multitude of festivities that Elko Euzkaldunak Club offered.  The festivities included a wide variety of activities including;  dance troupes from Elko and Boise and game exhibitions on Friday, a parade, a 5-mile run/walk, Basque rural sports competition such as wood chopping and weight lifting, a sheep dog demonstration and folklore dancing on Saturday.  Pilota games and competition were held in Elko's beautiful outdoor fronton as well.   On Saturday evening, Steve Bass gave a presentation on "Basque Involvement in the Exploration and Development of the Southwestern US".   It was very well attended and sparked conversation among people afterwards.  The dance was held after Steve Bass' presentation with “Amuma Says No”, a Basque rock/folk band from Boise.  The dance was fun for all ages and it went on until the early morning hours; true to Elko spirit.

The festival culminated on Sunday with more tradition; the picnic, irrintzi and aizkolariak (wood chopping) contests and more music and dancing in the city park.

The following is a schedule of events that were celebrated:

6:00 pm - “Festival Kickoff”- Dance and Game Exhibitions will be held at the Fairgrounds in conjunction with the VFW and Elko County Fireworks Committee.

8:00 am - 5K Run/Walk - Morning Signup - 7:15 at Elko Basque Clubhouse

11:00 am - Parade hosted by Lions Club will start in front of Crystal Theatre on Commercial St.

1:00 -5:00 pm - Old Country Games - Sheep Dog Demonstration, Basque Dancing, Food and Vendors  at the Elko County Fairgrounds

6:00 pm - Handball  Finals at the City Park

9:00pm  Steve Bass from Bakersfield will present, "Basque Involvement in the Exploration and Development of the Southwestern US". Steve is author of  "A chronology of Basques in the Americas, 1492 -1850"  in the Elko County Fairgrounds - Goicoechea Home Arts Building

10:00 pm  - Basque Dance at Fairgrounds at the Cowboy Bar

10:30 am - Sheepherder Bread Baking Contest. Proceeds to benefit Wells Earthquake Fund.

11:00 am - Catholic Mass, Aita Martxel Tillous presiding

12:00 pm - Basque Picnic at the City Park followed by Music, Dancing, Irrintzi contest, Jota contest, and more wood chopping. (Admission: $5.00 - Younger than 12, Free) 

Menu for Basque Picnic on Sunday: Beef tri-tip, lamb steak, Basque beans, paella, Basque green salad, French bread, ice cream, wine and coffee.