From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., esteemed Mohawk basket maker Robin Lazore will demonstrate the construction of her ash baskets along with her two daughters, who are becoming accomplished basket makers. (Submitted photo)

SOUTH OTSELIC — The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is excited to announce its 15th annual Fishing and Heritage Day on Saturday, May 18 in the Chenango County hamlet of South Otselic.

In addition to the fishing programs across the highway from the State Fish Hatchery, there will be special programs featuring Native American performers and craftswomen from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Nations. At 1 p.m., singers and dancers will perform some of their social dances, explaining their meaning and inviting the public to participate.

Storyteller Jessica Farmer, of the Oneida Nation, will also be there sharing stories about their creation story and demonstrating and the making of corn husk dolls. She will also offer two free workshops at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., teaching anyone who would like to make their own corn husk doll.

Throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., esteemed Mohawk basket maker Robin Lazore will demonstrate the construction of her ash baskets. She will be joined by her two daughters, who are becoming accomplished basket makers.

For those would-be artists, two local painters, Adam Schmidt and Rachel Conley, will be at the hatchery with their paint supplies to teach and assist young and old who would like to try their hand at capturing local wildlife through the art of painting.

In front of hatchery building ten 10, nonprofit conservation, environmental, and historical organizations will be set up with displays, sharing information, and answering questions about their programs.

Besides touring the hatchery, all of these offerings are free and open to everyone. Please join us for this special annual event, highlighting the community's fishing heritage and the broader natural and cultural history of the greater scenic Otselic River Valley.

For more information and a complete schedule, please visit the OVF&HA website at ovfish.org.

-Information provided by the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association