Basque heritage celebrated

Refusing to be cowed by terrorist attacks on the United States, scores of Carson City residents celebrated being American at the same time celebrating the Basque culture on Sunday at Fuji Park.

"I was asked why don't we cancel the Basque Festival in the midst of this tragedy. But after talking to a few people I thought to myself, 'That's what (the terrorists) want,'" said Father Jerry Hanley during the noon field mass that started the fourth annual St. Teresa of Avila Basque Festival. "We need to be together as family to remind us that there is something bigger than this horror and that's why we are here, because we are doing something good for our kids, we're doing something good for our land. So God bless you for coming.

"We cannot become a people like the ones who did this ugly savage act. One quarter of the world lives everyday the way you and I lived this past week. Perhaps the good that can come with the grace of God is to remind us that we belong to a bigger world."

Festival-goers recieved an American flag sticker which they placed on their shirts, jackets, purses and babies. They talked about the recent events in New York and they enjoyed each other's company.

Ticketholders were treated to a feast of Authentic Basque cuisine. Plates were piled high with barbecued lamb, turkey, lamb stew and Basque beans. In addition to the native food were games, music, and costumed dancers.

Carson City judges Mike Griffin and Bill Maddox, as well as Justice of the Peace Robey Willis, served up piping hot chorizo sandwiches to the hungry masses. The festival was a fund-raiser for St. Teresa's.