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Edition 62 l FEBRUARY 2020
FIRE STATION #3 GROUNDBREAKING Pg. 4 ROBERT J BLACK YOUTH BOWLING TOURNAMENT Pg. 9 ALL STATE MUSICIANS NAMED Pg. 10 A HOT SPRINGS DILEMMA Pg. 14
52nd Annual Caldwell Basque Festival
On January 18th, 2020 the EuzkaldunaksCaldwell Basque Charities hosted their 52nd annual Festival which typically raises $25,000 to fund annual grants. The organization was founded January 1968 and many of the current organizers are second and third generation members. The first event, the “sheepherders ball” was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, but soon outgrew that venue and is currently
held at the Caldwell Event Center. Each year includes festive cultural dancing, a live auction, silent auction, weightlifting competition and open dance. This year the basque dinner was catered by Jesus Alcelay of the Cottonwood Grille and the Boise Basque Center. The silent and live auctions are filled with an assortment of donated items and trips to be purchased. It is a favorite for all when the Oinkari dancers take
the floor, beginning with tiny kids and progressing through to young adults. Caldwell Basque Charities-Euzkaldunak Charities is very unique. They are seen each year at the Caldwell Night Light Parade, the College of Idaho tailgating and their annual Basque Festival, but I assure you they are hard at work every day changing lives in our community. The charities have helped pay the rent and/or utilities of struggling fami-
by Chantele Hensel, Publisher
lies, purchased glasses, artificial limbs, medical procedures, wheelchairs, mobility equipment, groceries, travel expenses for emergencies, often times to the NICU units in the hospitals. They help those who would otherwise fall through the cracks with normal epenses. Sometimes providing a gas card to a family member just so they can simply go to see a loved one in the NICU units. This past December ,
their annual Meat Drive was a huge sucess! They distributed 320 cases of food to local churches and food banks with a combined value of $15,000! You can learn more about ways you can help the charity make a difference by visiting their facebook page Caldwell Basque Charities-Euzkalduank Charities. Thank you to the basque community and the organization for sharing your beautiful culture!
Gina Bicandi Dowen, Euzkaldunak Charities Secretary and spokesperson for the event.
L to R: Michael & Chantele Hensel, Mike Pollard, Richard, Susan Miller, Don & Theresa Hardin, Kristina Pollard, Wendy & Roger Price
The Caldwell Basque Charities-Euzkaldunak Charities wagon.
The dancers are dressed vibrantly and every year are full of energy and pride as they share their culture.
Weighlifters competing in the competition.
photos by Valden Christensen
The Children Basque dancers are always a big hit. These kids work very hard to provide a great performance sharing their heritage.