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Celebrating Basque culture in Gooding
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Location: Blogs Jim's Blog |
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| Posted by: Jim Hansen |
7/19/2006 |
It was an honor to share in a celebration of Idaho's Basque community at the annual Basque Picnic in Gooding. This is a community rich in diversity and people who are are incredibly generous and who step forward to serve each other. It was a fun time for my family and another reminder of why local communites deserve better.
Idaho has a rich diversity of people, something that is always worth celebrating. Last Sunday, I had the honor of celebrating the heritage, culture, dance and food of Idaho’s Basque communities at the annual Basque Picnic in Gooding. My wife, Joan, and son, Harrison, joined in visiting with people from all over southern Idaho – and several folks from Nevada – who never miss the Gooding gathering.
The sun was hot, but that did not stop the Oinkari Basque Dancers as they performed all of their favorite dances. A large crowd stood and cheered on the dancers, despite the hot afternoon sun. Fortunately, there was ice cream and other cool treats to keep us going. Harrison figured that out right away. He also found the train ride and joined with some of the other kids while Joan and I watched the dancers.
Gooding has one of Idaho’s largest Basque communities. I have been to Gooding often over the years and have made lots of friends there. I was sorry when the Basque restaurant closed about 15 years ago or so but am thrilled that there is now a new Basque Cultural Center, which opened three years ago. I encourage you to time your visit to Gooding in the future to make sure you are there on the first Friday of the month so you can enjoy a great Basque dinner. (By the way, I found out you can also rent the center for special occasions.)
Two of the special people I have gotten to know in Gooding over the years are Martin and Carolyn Elexpuru. He is first generation from the Basque country and she is one of Gooding’s County Commissioners. They are among the most generous people I have met. They have given a lot to their community. Carolyn is very concerned about the influence that big private interest money has in federal and state elections. Local communities like Gooding end up paying the price when local issues are brushed aside by the agenda of the big money interests. We are encouraged by the public financing system in Arizona, which has increased competition and led candidates to spend more time in small communities rather than at big fundraisers.
I looked for Carolyn and Martin at the picnic but missed connecting with them this time. I’m sure they had their hands full with all the activities going on. I did, however, meet three of Carolyn’s brothers and now know now why she is so tough, smart and independent-minded. Theirs is one of so many families I have met who make me so proud to live in Idaho. We are stronger because of the rich diversity of our communities, a diversity that changes with each generation, and we are connected to each other through the values of generosity, serving the community and, of course, good food and dancing!
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