Cocopah celebration is free event Saturday

  Learning about another culture couldn't be tastier or more entertaining when homework consists of sampling new foods and taking in colorful performances of song and dance.

  That's why hundreds of people attend the Cocopah Cultural Celebration, an annual event that swings open the doors on the Cocopah Indian Tribe.

  "This is an opportunity for visitors to the reservation to learn more about the tribe, to see some of the Cocopah bird singers and dancers and tour the Cocopah Museum," said Liz Pratt, director of communications for the Cocopah.

  This year's Cocopah Cultural Celebration is set for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cocopah Reservation West, which is located northwest of Somerton (See directions). Admission to the family event is free.

  "The celebration is open to the public, to the tribe's neighbors," Pratt explained, adding that the event is popular with residents from throughout Yuma County, plus with the many winter visitors who come to this area.

  About 600 people attended last year's event, bringing together a mix of non-native people with members of the Cocopah and other regional tribes.

  The Cocopah Cultural Celebration began 12 years ago when the tribe put together a celebration to honor the opening of the Cocopah Museum.

  "This event serves many opportunities," said Lisa Wanstall, museum director, "not only as a special gathering time for the Cocopah people, but as a time to share our culture through music, dance and our historical perspective. It's an opportunity to make new friends."

  The celebration marks the debut of a new, major exhibit at the museum, which this year has built a traditional tribal home from trees and arrowweed.

  The event will begin with an opening ceremony and free community lunch.

  Performances will follow, giving audiences the chance to enjoy Cocopah singers and dancers, as well as performers from invited tribes.

  Numerous food booths will able to available on the grounds, selling Indian fry bread and all kinds of other foods. Vendors will also be on hand to sell their arts and crafts.

  Pratt stressed that lots of things will be available for free throughout the event. Young and old will be treated to free hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy and freshly made tortillas. There will also be free drawings throughout the day.

  A fun area for kids will also be offered. There will be train rides, face painting and inflatable jumpers. 

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DIRECTIONS
• Take Highway 95 (Avenue B) south, following the signs for Somerton or San Luis.
• Go through Somerton, turn right a mile later onto Avenue G.
• Turn left onto County 15th, go two miles, cross the railroad tracks and follow signs for the Cocopah Museum.

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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.