News Release

16th Annual Big Time Festival at Kule Loklo

Date: July 11, 1996
Contact: Leslie Price, 415-663-8522 x225

Point Reyes National Seashore
Saturday, July 20, 1996
11 am–4 pm

Every summer for hundreds of years the Native Americans of this area walked for sometimes weeks to what was probably the most exciting event of the year: Big Time. It was a gala reunion for relatives and old friends. A time for matchmaking, gambling, feasting, dancing and trade. Tribes from areas now known as Vallejo, Concord, Mendocino, Sacramento, and Point Reyes would converge at a central, pre-arranged site, carrying on their backs everything they would need for the journey and for the month long encampment. They brought makeshift shelters of tule, food to contribute to the feasting, tools for food preparation and hunting, and articles they would offer for trade, such as baskets or obsidian.

Point Reyes National Seashore is holding its 16th Annual Big Time Festival Saturday, July 20 from 11 am to 4 pm, at Kule Loklo, a Coast Miwok Cultural Exhibit. Throughout the day demonstrators will show off their skills in basketry, flint knapping, clam shell bead making, and acorn preparation. Native American crafts will be for sale and several Native American dance groups will be performing after 1 pm.

This year there will be no food booths at the festival so picnic lunches are recommended. 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 can 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 Point Reyes National Seashore Association, the National Park Service, the Miwok Archeological Preserve of Marin, and the Federated Coast Miwoks. For more information please call the Bear Valley Visitor Center at 415-663-1092, extension 405.

-NPS-