Children who competed in a sack race received Frisbees and fidget spinners.
Treasure Valley families explored the world Saturday, sampling traditional dishes, making crafts, facing off in competitions and watching cultural performers. America’s Global Village Festival, organized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, brings international cultures and the area’s own history at Lions Park. This year’s event featured eight villages: African, Basque, Hawaiian, Japanese, Mexican, Native American, Pioneer, and Scottish.
Native American
James Dionne (left), a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas, danced with Apshàn Crawford, a member of the United Cherokee AniYunWiYa Nation, during a Saturday demonstration.
Legend Dionne, center, decides she has had enough of dancing in her jingle dress, walking to join her mother and leaving her sisters, Spirit and Emerald, on stage.
Japanese
Kawa Taiko, a traditional Japanese drumming group, moved fast and sometimes even moved their drums during five songs. The 18-year-old taiko group’s name means “River Drum.”
Scottish
The Boise Highlanders formed in 1961 and are considered Idaho’s oldest highland band. They were joined at the festival by a troupe of dancers.
While the Boise Highlanders Pipe Band played, dancers tapped and twirled a Seann Truibhas, a type of Highland Dance whose Gaelic name translates to “Old Trousers.” For a second performance, they demonstrated a lilt.
