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Markel Lizeaga, Xabi Erostarbe, Andoni Ugalde and Iker Irribarria will play pilota in Bakersfield, California this weekend, traveling next week to San Francisco.  In Bakersfield there will be several pilota matches on Saturday and Sunday at the site of the annual Basque picnic; and on Friday of next week, they will play in the kantxa at the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center, preceding the annual San Francisco Basque Club picnic in Petaluma.  Pilota fans await them anxiously.

San Francisco, CA.  The first stop this weekend will be in Bakersfield, two hours by car from Los Angeles. The local Basque club, Kern County Basque Club will celebrate its annual picnic which is never without pilota, and more often than not, with local players as well as guest players from the Basque Country.  That is the case this year that will include pilota exhibitions feature four professional pilotaris from Gipuzkoa, Markel Lizeaga (Hernani), Xabi Erostarbe (Urretxu), Andoni Ugalde (Oiartzun) and especially anticipated Iker Irribarria (Arama).

After participating in the Bakersfield event, next Friday they will travel to San Francisco where they will play at the Kantxa at the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center.  This event precedes the annual San Francisco Basque picnic in Petaluma on June 3^rd. The elite pilota event will begin at 6pm with a reception, and light dinner at 7pm, followed by Pilota matches at 8:30pm.  For the cost of $25 you can enjoy the entire evening.  RSVP by contacting Xabier Berrueta.

Picnic Schedule

Saturday, May 26, 2018

-8:00 a.m. – Mus Registration
-8:30 a.m. – Mus Tournament ($35 per player-includes lunch)
        1st Place Team – $500
         2nd Place Team – $250
-11:30/12:00 p.m-Men’s Paleta Goma
-1:00 p.m- Gazteak Paleta Game
-12-1:30 p.m. – Lunch – Adults $20; Children/Honorary Members $15
-1:30 p.m– Women’s Paleta Goma
-2 p.m- Kid’s handball game
-2:45 p.m– Women’s Paleta Argentina game
-3:30 p.m- SF vs Chino men’s handball
-5:00 p.m- Pelota/Handball Game – Professional Handball Players from ASPE in Euskadi:

Keep an eye and ear out for the music of Iñaki Reta and Marta Peruga throughout the day.

After the handball games the Bakersfield Basques encourage you to visit one of our famous Basque Restaurants in town. Please go enjoy dinner and drinks with family and friends. The Kern County Basque Club is so grateful to the generous donations and continued contribution to our culture throughout the year. "A special thank you to Woolgrowers, Benji’s, and Noriega’s, we appreciate all of your support".

Sunday, May 27, 2018

-8:00 a.m. – Park opens
-10:00 a.m. – Mass by Monsignor Craig Harrison, along with KCBC Klika and Choir
-12-2 p.m. – Lunch: BBQ Lamb; Adults – $25 and Honorary Members/Children 12 and under – $20
-2:30 p.m. – KCBC Dancers; Klika perform
-4:30 p.m. – Lukainka sandwiches and ham/cheese sandwiches – $8
-12:00 – 8:30 p.m – Keep an eye and ear out for the music of Iñaki Reta and Marta Peruga throughout the day.
-5:00 p.m. – Pelota/Handball Game – Pilotariak from Euskadi
-7:30 p.m. – Dance – Music by AMERIKANUAK (Jean Flesher Band)
-8:30 p.m. – Drawing – $5 a ticket or 5 tickets for $20
        1st Place Prize – $1000 cash
        2nd Place Prize – $500 cash

Monday, May 28^th (Memorial Day)

Don’t miss out on the delicious traditional Basque breakfast that is served at Woolgrowers from 8:30am-12:30pm. Following breakfast, help your digestion with some dancing and a few drinks.