The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to the fourth annual Native American Culture Day with the Samish and Swinomish Tribes at Deception Pass State Park on Fidalgo Island, near Oak Harbor.

The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Bowman Bay boat launch and picnic area in the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass State Park. This event features canoes, singers, drummers, storytellers, and a salmon and frybread lunch. Artists from the two tribes will demonstrate weaving, cedar work and woodcarving. The event is presented by the Samish Indian Nation, the Samish Canoe Family, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Swinomish Canoe Family.

Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. The park is outstanding for breathtaking views, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife. It is located on State Route 20 between Anacortes and Oak Harbor. The Bowman Bay area is accessible from Rosario Road, off State Route 20, by Pass Lake.

This event is part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures and presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program. This program is a partnership between the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Arts Commission and is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the two commissions.

The event is accessible to persons with disabilities. If special accommodations are required in order to attend the event, please call (360) 902-8526 or (360) 675-3767 ext. 31, or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at (800) 833-6388. Requests must be made in advance.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission thanks the public for supporting state parks. Donations made to State Parks through the vehicle license tab renewal program starting with September 2009 renewals will keep state parks open in the two year budget cycle beginning July 1, 2009, provided adequate revenues are collected. The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 96-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.