The popular Basque rock band Amuma Says No, from Boise, is the featured band at the annual Elko Basque Festival this weekend. Boise’s Oinkari and Utah’s Basque dancers will also make the trip for the Fourth of July weekend festivities. The National Basque Festival is always held on the weekend closest to 4th of July.
The big three-day festival starts off at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3, in front of the Stockman’s Hotel with dancing, music and wood chopping. Running from the bulls, popular in previous years, is not on the calendar this year. See the Elko Basque Club Facebook page for more info.
The city is opening 13th Street for the festivities. It has been closed for construction as the city put in a new sewer line.
A 5K run starting at 7 a.m. Saturday is thrown into the mix. Then at 10 a.m. is the traditional parade down Idaho Street to the fairgrounds (13th and Cedar streets), where exhibitions will include dancing, sheep dog demonstrations, Contests include irrintzi-yelling, weight-carrying, wood chopping, tug-of-war and three man races. Admission for the afternoon is $5.
At 6 p.m. the city will sponsor its fireworks display while the party moves to the City Handball Court for handball competitions. Amuma Says No plays Saturday night starting at 10 p.m. at the Elko Basque Clubhouse, where admission is $10.
On Sunday, handball competitions start at 9 a.m. at the court. A mass starts at 11 a.m. in City Park. The picnic lunch will include tri-tip, lamb chops, paella, salad, beans and wine. Tickets for the meal are $12 for adults and $6 for children. The club will sell chorizos for $3. The afternoon includes more contests: jota and bread-making.
