Apache Jii a pageant of colorful sights, sounds

On Oct. 21, historic downtown Globe will transform into a lively celebration of Native American culture when the 34th annual Apache Jii event gets underway.

Ellen Kretsch, executive director of the Globe-Miami chamber of commerce, said the event will feature plenty of entertainment, arts and crafts booths, Native American foods and much more.

“There is so much color and excitement. You have the drummers in the background and the jingle from the ladies’ dresses as they dance,” Kretsch said.

“Each booth has something different; visitors will see everything from sand paintings to woven baskets and each tribe having a unique style, to jewelry and carvings and more. The day is a feast of color, music and enticing smells from the food court,” she said.

Although the event is called Apache Jii—“jii” means “day” in the Apache language—Kretsch said they have invited artists and entertainers from any tribe to participate.

“We have called it ‘Apache Jii’ to honor our neighbors, the San Carlos Apache Nation,” she said.

In addition to booths that feature jewelry, painting, beading, and wood and stone carvings, Kretsch said the event will also feature demonstration booths where artists will show the crowd how they do their beautiful work.

“The wide range of artwork on display is phenomenal. We have many visitors who come every year to do their Christmas shopping,” she said.

Kretsch said the crown dance groups are always especially popular with attendees.

“While the groups participate in many ceremonial and important tribal events such as Sunrise Ceremonies, for this event they will be doing dancing of a social nature,” she said, adding that Apache Jii will also feature several other dance groups, along with flute players who will be performing original compositions.

When hunger strikes, Kretsch said people of all ages will find plenty of tasty treats at the food booths.

“Anyone who loves fry bread will be in fry bread heaven with all the vendors here, each offering a little something special to make their fry bread stand out, whether it’s sweet or savory,” she said.

Kretsch is looking forward to the festivities and watching as people who are interested in Native American culture and art gather in downtown Globe.

“We have a good mix of attendees with visitors from overseas as well as hometown attendees. We actually just took a call from visitors from Germany who are in California who will be coming over for the event,” she said.