Public invited to enjoy music, dancing and storytelling
OLYMPIA – July 29, 2019 – The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program invites the public to celebrate Indian Independence Day at Lake Sammamish State Park.
Presented by The Dancing Silhouette, the celebration is 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Sunset Beach playground area of Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road,
Issaquah. (Driving directions.)
India gained independence from British rule on Aug 15, 1947. Indian communities around the world commemorate the holiday through celebrations of Indian culture, including historical pageants.
Event activities include:
- Hoisting the Indian flag.
- Singing the Indian national anthem.
- A children’s parade reflecting India’s cultural diversity with traditional wear.
- Reenactments of some of the events that led up to independence through music, dance and storytelling.
The event is free and family friendly. Public transportation is available to Lake Sammamish State Park via King County’s Metro Transit System. A Discover Pass is required for personal vehicle access.
This event is accessible to people with disabilities. If special accommodations are required to attend, people should make advance arrangements by calling (360) 902-8635, (425) 649-4275 or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service (800) 833-6388.
About Dancing Silhouette
The Dancing Silhouette was founded in 2017 by Chitralekha Majhi to bring awareness to social causes through the arts and dance. Majhi, trained in Indian folk and classical dance, and a team of dancers, costume and props designers, choreographers and sponsors volunteer their time to bring the Indian Independence Day Celebration to Lake Sammamish State Park. For more information, contact dancingsilhouette4@gmail.com or on social media:
- Instagram: @the_dancing_silhouette
- Facebook and YouTube: @DancingSilhouette
About the Folk and Traditional Arts Program
Indian Independence Celebration is part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, with funding provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as support from the Washington State Parks Foundation.
For more information about the Folks and Traditional Arts program, including upcoming events, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/folkarts, or contact Makaela Kroin, program coordinator, at Makaela.Kroin@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8635.
About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 510-acre urban day-use park with nearly 7,000 feet of waterfront on the lake. The area around the lake carries cultural significance as a gathering place for at least four Native American tribes. The park’s numerous recreation opportunities are bound to keep the whole family busy. A salmon-bearing creek and a great blue heronry provide birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. For more information visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/533/Lake-Sammamish.
News media contacts:
Makaela Kroin, Folk and Traditional Arts Program coordinator, (360) 902-8635
Chitraelekha Majhi, Founder, Dancing Silhouette
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 19-056