Downtown Summerlin, the walkable and vibrant urban core of the Summerlin® master planned community, will host two cultural events in the coming weeks: the third-annual Paiute Spring Festival on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and the fourth annual Lei Day Parade on May 1 at 6 p.m.
With support from Howard Hughes Communities™, developer of Summerlin, the Paiute Spring Festival is offered In collaboration with local partner Nuwu Art, led by artist Fawn Douglas, whose work focuses on art, culture, education, social justice, and Indigenous sovereignty.
“The opportunity to participate in events like this at Downtown Summerlin reminds the community that Southern Nevada’s Indigenous populations are thriving and contributing to our community’s culture in important and unique ways,” said Douglas. “We welcome events like the Paiute Spring Festival that let us come together from different backgrounds to share our art, our culture, and to meet amazing people! We are grateful to Howard Hughes Communities for hosting us and allowing us to exchange kindness and build an educational connection with the greater Las Vegas community.”
Paiute Spring Festival guests will be entertained by melodic songs from Bird Singers and Dancers from the Nuwu (Southern Paiute) and other regionally connected groups. Nuwu Wonumeeyah, a Las Vegas Paiute dance troupe, will also share a variety of Native American and First Nations Pow Wow dances with attendees. Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to purchase original hand-crafted items and fine art from Paiute vendors and other Native Southwest artisans. Children of all ages are welcome to participate in an art activity.
The fourth annual Lei Day Parade, sponsored by Minero General Contractor, is a lively, colorful, and fun event that celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The parade, which takes place along Park Center Drive, is free and open to the public. Pre-parade festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 6 p.m.
The parade, in partnership with BESTAgency, features local cultural organizations including Hot Lava Company, Ka Pa Hula O Ke Ola Nani, Pupu Ori Te Nati Hula, Halau Kawahine & Co., Korabo Taiko Drum Group, The Filipino Club – and more.
Parade watchers will experience performances such as the Ancient Hula Kahiko accompanied by a story-telling chanter; the free-flowing modern style of Hula Auana; the passion and pride of the Māori Haka; the rapid hip-shaking movements of the Tahitian Dances, and much more!
According to Danielle Bisterfeldt, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Consumer Experience for Summerlin, the Paiute Spring Festival is created to highlight the community and culture of people who are Indigenous to the region, and the Lei Day Parade ensures representation and inclusion of the traditions of Nevada’s American Pacific Islander populations via lively music and dance.
“Spring is a period of renewal and celebration, so it’s the perfect time to honor and give Southern Nevadans an intimate glimpse into the art, music, and dance of two culturally significant populations in our community,” she said.
