A beautiful voice was belting a cover of “Walking on Sunshine” as I strolled into the Ski Run Farmers Market (I love a good foreshadowing). Laughter lit up the faces of passersby as they sipped on local craft beer, nodding their heads to the strumming of an acoustic guitar.
The smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafted from a stand selling home-made churros, and a long line of people waited patiently for their turn to order a refreshingly juicy, jar-served lemonade.
I’m convinced that farmers markets can cure even the dullest of moods, and after a long week, I knew I needed a bit of self-care. It’s easy to get bogged down by the pressures of life — deadlines, unexpected bills, sick pets — and yet, as I moved along each booth, I could feel myself getting lighter.
Fresh strawberries were lined in rows, $18 for a large crate of two. Grapes the color of crimson red and bright green sat, waiting to delight the next person to indulge in them. Wine fermented and bottled from a local vineyard was being passed from vigneron to buyer.
I admired hundreds of hand-made jewelry, all as unique and precious as their makers. A woman asked how my day was going. I complimented her artwork, and the way her eyes twinkled as she recalled the exact moment of inspiration for a color palette she chose to use, I swear, I couldn’t stop the smile from finding the corners of my mouth.
Hand-made, Tahoe-inspired jewelry at the Ski Run Farmers MarketVictoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
The strong, deft hands and tender hearts of those who put time, effort and love into their crafts, it’s all enough to make a community feel like home and a brief exchange be the thing that could help you get up in the morning.
What a treat it is to be told: “Yes, I did make this knitted sweater myself. Here, try it on!”
What a treasure it is to admire panels of photographs of the beautiful Sierra Nevada landscape I’ve grown to love so much through the lens of someone who loves it too.
After a few hours of fighting my impulses to spend all my money on everything in sight, I left with a jar of delicious, mushroom-infused raw honey and a spring in my step.
The 34th Annual Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ Festival will take place at Meeks Bay on July 25 and 26Provided / Rosalinda Gabriel
TAHOMA, Calif. – For its 34th year, the Wá∙šiw (Washoe) Indigenous Culture and Arts Festival is taking place on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at Meeks Bay Resort. The festival honors Native American art, in all its forms, while spreading cultural awareness to the public through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances.
“This event has always been about bringing people together,” says Rosalinda Gabriel, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California’s Community Resilience Center, Public Relations. “After 34 years, it’s more than just an annual tradition, it’s an opportunity to celebrate our community, honor our history, and create lasting memories for future generations.”
The festival will offer two days of celebration, including a handgame tournament with first and second- place cash prizes, a basketweaving competition, fashion shows, indigenous story-telling, dance performances, along with dozens of craft and food vendors.
The Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ Festival will hold a number of exciting events including Sigáyuk Demonstration (Women’s Stick Game) and a basketweaving competition Provided / Rosalinda Gabriel
There will be opportunities to participate in a raffle on Saturday, with tickets ranging from $2 each, three for $5 or seven raffle tickets for $10. Winners will be announced throughout the day and will receive some incredible prizes.
At the Main Festival Booth, folks can purchase t-shirts, tank tops, hats and other items available on both Saturday and Sunday.
Taking place at Meeks Bay Resort, owned and operated by the Washoe Tribe, the festival makes for an amazing, family-friendly outing and is a great way to learn more about the indigenous cultures that have called the Sierra Nevada mountains home for more than 10,000 years.
The two-day event is free to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $12 parking fee per day.
Some things to keep in mind if you plan on attending:
Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ is a tobacco-free, drug-free and alcohol free event.
The Washoe Tribe requests that you ask permission before taking pictures of videos of indigenous artists. Unless permission is granted, do not touch their regalia.
Parking is allowed only in authorized parking areas. Do not block roadways or other vehicles. Violators will be ticketed and/or towed.
Refrain from using plastic water bottles.
For more information about the festival or to learn more about the Washoe Tribe, visit https://washoetribe.us/.
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