Springfield Summer Plaza Series Concludes with Two Cultural Celebrations

Indigenous Cultural Celebration moves inside Springfield City Hall due to wildfire smoke

Due to wildfire smoke conditions, the 4th annual Indigenous Cultural Celebration will take place inside Springfield City Hall on Wednesday, August 5 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

The free event will feature Kailayne Jensen, who won the Women’s World Champion title in Men’s Fancy Dance last week in Oklahoma, along with award-winning hoop dancers Lane and Tyrese Jensen. The performers represent the Navajo, or Diné, and Maricopa Tribes of Arizona.

The Indigenous Cultural Celebration is one of two remaining events in the Springfield Summer Plaza Series. More than 4,700 community members have participated in the series so far this summer. The free programs bring people together through arts, culture, music, dance, literacy, and community partnerships.

“It has been a joy to welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to the Springfield Fountain Plaza this summer. Every Wednesday, artists have shared music, dance, and culture with our community. We are excited about the two events we have left, and everyone is invited.”

– Mindy Linder, Community Engagement Specialist, Springfield Public Library

Event Schedule
4th Annual Indigenous Cultural Celebration

• What: A free cultural celebration featuring Kailayne Jensen, the newly crowned Women’s World Champion in Men’s Fancy Dance, along with award-winning hoop dancers Lane and Tyrese Jensen. The performers represent the Navajo, or Diné, and Maricopa Tribes of Arizona. The event will also feature community organizations, family-friendly activities and giveaways, and regional American Indian and Alaska Native market vendors.
• When: Wednesday, August 5 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
• Where: Inside Springfield City Hall (225 Fifth Street, Springfield)
• Weather update: The event has moved indoors due to wildfire smoke conditions

Bollywood Bhangra Dance Party with DJ Prashant

• What: An interactive dance party led by DJ Prashant. Participants will learn synchronized Bollywood and Bhangra dance movements set to music from around the world. No previous dance experience is needed. Community members of all ages are invited to participate.
• When: Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30am
• Where: Springfield City Hall Fountain Plaza (225 Fifth Street, Springfield)

Community Partnerships
The Summer Plaza Series is presented by the Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum in partnership with numerous local and regional organizations, including:

• Springfield Public Schools
• H.O.N.E.Y.
• Native Youth Wellness 
• Chifin Native Youth Center 
• University of Oregon Home Flight Scholars Program 
• Many Nations Longhouse 
• University of Oregon Sapsik’ʷałá Teacher Education Program
• 4J NATIVES 
• Bethel Native Youth Empowerment
• Lane Community College Longhouse and Native American Student Association 
• Eugene-Springfield NAACP
• Black Cultural Initiative 
• Lane County Government
• Comunidad y Herencia Cultural
• Eugene Arte Latino 
• Asian Foundation of Oregon 
• Oregon Multigenerational Community Center 
• The Nativity of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Springfield 

Additional Information
Community members can also participate in the Springfield Public Library Summer Reading Challenge through Saturday, August 22. Youth participants can receive a free book, and participants of all ages have opportunities to win additional prizes.

For more information, email or call Mindy Linder, Community Engagement Specialist at the Springfield Public Library.