Mendiko Euskaldun Cluba celebrates Basque heritage

Carson Valley’s Basque community’s 43rd annual festival in Minden on Saturday featured dancing, lamb and a few piçons.

Held in the CVIC Hall, the festival hosted by the Mendiko Euskaldun Cluba spilled out into Minden Park.

The Basque Mountain Club formed in 1981 after organizers Jeanette Idiart Blanco and Anita Izoco decided the community needed to have a means to come together and share their culture.

The Basque have a long history in Carson Valley having arrived just before the turn of a century to herd thousands of sheep. One of the Valley’s most popular restaurants, the JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, was just one of several establishments owned and operated by the Basque in town over the years.

Among those were the Pyrenees, the Adaven and the original Overland, which provided food, lodging and company to the shepherds when they were in town.

Still in the sheep business, the Bordas provided lamb for Saturday’s barbecue and stew.

Children from the club and Elko performed Basque dances at the CVIC Hall on Saturday, according to its social media page.

The club participates in the annual Carson Valley Days Parade and the Parade of Lights, in addition to entertaining at events.

Saturday also featured a youth flash mus (a Basque card game) tournament.