Basque Festival pulls in crowds

High winds did little to hamper the enthusiasm Sunday at St. Teresa School's annual Basque Festival fund-raiser.

Hundreds milled about Fuji Park or lounged in chairs on the lawn at the school's largest fund-raiser of the year.

Sunday was the event's fifth year.

Rick Redican was at his second festival as the school's principal.

Suitably decked out in beret and scarf, Redican was enjoying the spirit of the event.

"It's a blast," he said, adding that without the support of countless community organizations and volunteers the festival wouldn't be the success it is.

"It's a really nice event and one for the whole family," he said.

Ticket holders were treated to a feast of authentic Basque cuisine. Plates were piled high with barbecued lamb, turkey, lamb stew and Basque beans prepared by cooks from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ely.

The festival featured traditional Basque music, dancing by the Zenbat Gara Basque Dancers and food, including Picon Punch.

Scores of children took advantage of the flag football, sack races and face painting.

Carson City district judges Mike Griffin and Bill Maddox donned aprons and grilled chorizo for the masses.

When asked if he was fair and unbiased to the chorizo, Griffin yowled in jest, "No way!"

There were sheep herding demonstrations, wood chopping contests, and a raffle for a for a trip for two to Basque Country, all to benefit St. Teresa's school and parish youth programs.