Elayne Silva Reyna, founder and owner of the California Indian Market taking place for the 34th year, said she is ready to sell the operation after this May’s event.
Reyna came up with the idea more than three decades ago while walking by Old Mission San Juan Bautista with former husband and current friend Sonne Reyna, and launched the nonprofit festival featuring Native American arts, crafts and entertainment.
At age 83 now, though, she wants to sell the operation after this year’s event May 5 and May 6. Officially called the 34th annual California Indian Market and Peace Dance, it is taking place on the San Juan School soccer lot along The Alameda from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Reyna mentioned how she does all the legwork until some of the vendors handle major booth setup for event days.
“I do all the paperwork,” she noted, adding how she’s finishing a romance novel and staying busy enough with that.
One day, she hopes to get an option for a free booth at the Indian Market where she can sell her own items, like her book, “Wolf Dreamer of the Longest Night Moon.”
Reyna mentioned this year’s festival will have interesting food options such as Indian fried bread. There will be Aztec dancers celebrating Cinco de Mayo, she said. On Saturday, the event will host Amah Ka Tura Ohlone performers doing a deer dance as well.
“The big thing we do every year, because Sonny and I are military veterans, we honor our troops and veterans,” she said, noting how they are working to set up a ceremony to honor a World War II and Korean War veteran from the area.
As for the art itself, sold at various booths, Reyna said it’s all juried art that is made by the sellers.
“They make their own jewelry,” she said. “I have some really fine Navajo jewelers.”
The festival requests a $1 donation, while kids ages 12 and under are free.
See a recent San Benito Live video interview with Silva below:
http://sanbenitolive.wpengine.com/sunday-guest-artist-elayne-reyna-founder-california-indian-market-part-1/
In 34th year, Indian Market founder eyes transition
