20th Annual Big Time Festival At Kule Loklo

Date: July 5, 2000
Contact: Kim Linse, 415-464-5100

Point Reyes National Seashore
Saturday, July 15, 2000
10:00 am – 4:30 pm

For thousands of years, the Native Americans of this area have gathered each summer for one of the most exciting events of the year -- Big Time. It is a gala reunion for relatives and old friends. A time for trading, dancing, matchmaking, gambling, and feasting. Tribes from areas now known as Vallejo, Concord, Mendocino, Sacramento, and Point Reyes converged at a central, pre-arranged site carrying everything they needed for the journey and the month long encampment. They brought makeshift shelters of tule, food to contribute to the feasting, tools for food preparation and hunting, and items for trade.

Point Reyes National Seashore is hosting the 20th Annual Big Time Festival on Saturday, July 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Kule Loklo, a Coast Miwok Cultural Exhibit. Throughout the day demonstrators will illustrate their skills in basketry, flint knapping, clam shell bead making, and more. Californian Native American crafts will be available for sale and Native American dance groups will be performing after noon.

Please be aware that dogs and alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Kule Loklo. Free parking is available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center where you may access the 0.4 mile long trail leading to Kule Loklo.

This event is great for the whole family and is free of charge. The festival is sponsored in partnership with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the Miwok Archeological Preserve of Marin, Point Reyes National Seashore Association, and the National Park Service. For more information please call the Bear Valley Visitor Center at 415-464-5100.

-NPS-