If you plan to be at the Best Western Plus Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites Hotel between January and April of 2015, you won’t want to miss the free Native Trails Event at the amphitheater of the Scottsdale Civic Center Park. The amphitheater is located just adjacent to the north entrance of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Now in its 13th season, the Native Trails Event treats visitors to the traditional music, art, food and dancing of the First Nations of Arizona and North America, showcasing the history and culture of Arizona’s more than 20 Native Tribes. The event is produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Performers wear Native American clothing and perform musical selections with traditional instruments.
The Native Trails performers represent a variety of North American First Nations including Hopi, Choctaw and Apache. The event includes colorful cultural stories as well as the Southwest Horse Dance, pow wow dance and hoop dance. During the round dance, the audience is invited to participate. These open-air performances introduce visitors to Native American culture, traditions and principles. On average, each presentation is attended by about 300 people.
After the performance, visitors can enjoy a lunch of traditional native foods like mesquite muffins, cactus chili, fry bread and bluecorn mush. After lunch, you can shop for traditional Native American arts and crafts by artisans, tribal elders and jewelry makers from all over Arizona. Hand-crafted items include flutes, textiles, pottery, baskets, jewelry and paintings.
Native Trails is a free event that starts at noon on most Thursdays and Saturdays between January and April. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic lunch to better enjoy this historic presentation.
During your stay at our luxurious Best Western all-suite, pet-friendly hotel, you’ll be treated to exquisite accommodations at an affordable price, along with high-speed Internet and complimentary breakfast. With easy proximity to the Native Trails Event as well as nearby boutique shopping, art galleries, Old Town Scottsdale and fine dining, our smaller hotel has all the perks of a large resort minus the hefty price.
Information and Directions: http://www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
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Out and About in Scottsdale AZ 