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Reno, USA. “The program is kind of unraveling as time approaches,” stated Woodin, as he laughed. Nonetheless, Reno is more than prepared to host its 47th annual Basque picnic, one of the oldest ones in the West. The picnic will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will last until 4:00 p.m. Nevertheless, the Basque-American band from Boise (ID) Amuma Says No target=_new will go on stage between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. with everything taking place at Wingfield Park.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy all things Basque: from “bertsolaris” (oral improvisers) Johnny Curutchet from San Francisco and Jesus Goni from Reno to Basque dance groups from Reno, Elko, and Winnemucca; and from wood-choppers and weight-lifters to a “txinga” contest (weight-carrying races) and a “txalaparta” (Basque wooden-percussion) demonstration.

“Everything will be free, in a park near the river, so that people can stop by. Our goal is to attract more people to our culture, not just Basques”, explained the president of the Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Club. There will also be food and beverages at reasonable prices. “We expect music and food will attract people and beer and wine will keep them,” said Woodin. Around 1,000 and 1,500 people usually attend this festival annually.

The night before the picnic, Amuma Says No will also go onstage for a kickoff social, at the Ceol Irish pub, from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Txorizo sausages will also be available.