Demonstrations, music, traditional dances, and a juried art competition will be highlighted through the two-day event. The festival also features food, a silent auction, and activities for children. KRTZ, 98.7 radio from Cortez will be broadcasting throughout the day Saturday.
Kids can learn about people in the past with games including atlatl throwing, and art activities, such as learning to make a coiled clay pot.
One-of-a-kind artwork by award-winning artists from as far away as Phoenix and St. George, and artists representing the Four Corners region will be available for sale throughout the event. Awards for the art competition will be announced at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Traditional piki bread will be made on a fire-heated polished stone, and the art of traditional Navajo basket-making and beadwork will be demonstrated. Hopi basket-makers will demonstrate the art of coiled and twined baskets, and Ute basket-makers will be on hand weaving traditional Ute baskets.
Visitors may also learn the intricacies of spinning wool and weaving Navajo textiles, and traditional Hopi carving.
The sounds and color of traditional and contemporary music and dance will be featured, and Ute flute-maker Aldean Ketchum will play his hand-crafted flute and tell stories of his grandfather and of the Bear Dance. The Desert Mountain Navajo Dancers from Blanding Elementary School, will perform their carefully choreographed steps in the Basket and Ribbon dances, and Maranie Clah, a senior at Monument Valley High School will play his hand drum and original songs on traditional flute.
Rock group Native Reign, and NAMMY award nominee, James Bilagody will perform, and the Qua Hola Hopi Singers and the Hopi Dancers will perform their traditional dances and music. The Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dancers will invite the audience to participate in their traditional celebration.
For more information, call 435-678-2238. The Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum is located at 660 West 400 North in Blanding.