The California Indian Days Celebration will again take place at the Hidden Oaks Park in beautiful Round Valley, located 1/4 mile north of town. Hidden Oaks park is a 40 acre recreational park owned and operated by the Round Valley Indian Tribes. The area has two baseball diamonds, numerous camp sites, horseshoe pits, a BBQ/Picnic area, and a full-blown rodeo arena, all shaded by giant oak trees.

This year's celebration will be held September 27-29, 2002. The Round Valley Indian Health Center starts off the weekend with a Health Fair-including a variety of live entertainment, a 5 mile Walk/Run, as well as a Chicken BBQ lunch for a minimal fee. Traditional Indian dancers will perform in the early afternoon. Also on Friday, at 7:30pm, the winners are announced for the Indian Princess, Little Miss Moccasin and Little Warrior contests.

Saturday morning begins with the Co-Ed softball games at 9am. At 11 am a parade with many colorful entries, floats and dancers will proceed through downtown Covelo and continue on to Hidden Oaks Park. The theme this year is "A Step Back in Time".

At 1 pm, California Indian Dance Groups begin and will continue throughout the afternoon. Fancy dancers are welcome. Drummers are welcome. This is not a contest nor is it an event that pays a large sum of money to its participants to perform. This event is a time to celebrate with a gathering of many, many tribes to share songs, dances, stories and food. It is a time to meet new friends and relatives, a time to experience a true cultural connection. A time to stand tall and be proud of our American Indian heritage. All tribal nations are welcome, as well as the general public. We offer free camping. The cool shade from the lovely valley oaks surrounded-by patches of blackberries offer an invitation to a lovely campground. There are no RV hookups, but there is plenty of space for parking.

The unique feature that our annual celebration offers is the opportunity to visit Round Valley and experience and take part in the events. Visitors will enjoy the panoramic view of our very "round" valley. Breathe clean, fresh air and slow down, if only for a few hoursand step back into a time zone free from the fast pace of the new millennium. No four walls to close one in, no concrete floors, only nature at her best. Very few gatherings can offer the same.

Round Valley may be located in a remote area, but the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, the majestic Eel River, the groves of conifer trees and the monumental valley oaks are an experience to long remember.

Arts and crafts booths are located in the center of the park near the Pow Wow area. A minimal fee is charged for a space. Cultural food, including "Indian Tacos" along with other favorite appetite pleasers are available. California Indian Days Tshirts will be available for anyone interested in purchasing a souvenir of the event.

On Sunday at 2pm, a favorite event begins in the rodeo arena. A Western Play Day featuring sheep riding, calf riding, steer riding, wild cow riding, barrel racing, and finishing with an animal scramble for kids 10 years old and under.

Also on Sunday, the Co-Ed Softball Tournament winds down and top winners are awarded their prizes.

The California Indian Days Committee stands proudly behind the theme of "A Step Back in Time", and our longstanding tradition of this being a Drug & Alcohol-Free Event. We look forward to you joining us for three days of family-oriented fun.

For more information, or to get a booth space, contact Mitzi Frazier, Coordinator, at (707) 983-9496 9am5pm, or (707) 983-6388 after 5pm.