Celebrating cultural diversity

CLOVIS - Residents of eastern New Mexico were transported all across the globe without ever having to leave Hillcrest Park on Saturday as the 27th Ethnic Fair celebrated cultures from around the world.

A martial arts team demonstrated traditional Asian combat techniques before the Flamenco Nuevo Mejico Dance Company showed off its popular Spanish dance moves.

Other performances by Wayne Stinson and the Agalu Cultural Troupe of Nigeria performed African-influenced dancing and drumming.

Still too there was more to be learned about native New Mexican culture, including the Navajo Nation whose sovereignty was recognized following the signing of the Treaty of Bosque Redondo, which took place just an hour away from Clovis near Fort Sumner.

While the Dineh Tah Navajo Dancers are no strangers to the Ethnic Fair, this year's appearance was special as Saturday's event was held in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the treaty.

"That's the essence of what this event is all about - being able to share the culture, history and background. That was a big plus right there," Event Coordinator Selmus Price said of the Navajo presence.

The traditional Navajo dances and blessings that were performed were one of the highlights of the day for many attendees.

"They're sharing their gift of dance and open their hands to us just to understand their culture," Betty Bolin said. "I think it's very important because we are one race, the human race. So it doesn't matter race or creed, we are one."

Price estimated around 300 people took part in Saturday's Ethnic Fair. While he said that attendance was down compared to past years, it did not put a damper on the event for those who were in attendance.

"It's going pretty smooth," Price said. "The attendance is down but there's a number of things going on today. But those that are here, what they've seen so far I think they've enjoyed that."

David Dawson was happy to see different groups of people coming together to celebrate diversity, even while the temperature teased triple digits.

"It's very nice, especially on a hot day, it kind of takes your mind off the heat," Dawson said. "I like all of (the performances). The dancing and learning different things about the cultures was really good. There's different people out here; nobody's trapped up in their own little corner. That's the thing that I love."