The University of Idaho Argonaut

The University of Idaho College Assistance Migrant Program’s third annual “Feast from the Fields” event celebrated César Chávez Day with food, dance, song
and theater.
“The first ‘Feast From the Fields’ event was much smaller with only a small amount of food and speakers,” CAMP Coordinator Jesse Martinez said.
This year’s event resulted from help from many different groups.
The highlight of the event was the music from the Wanatchee, Wash. based band, Mariachi Huenachi.
On Monday, Mariachi Huenachi proved to be entertaining by playing a small concert in the Idaho Commons and also playing at the main event.

“We were very lucky — this year’s event had a great play and the Mariachi Huenachi band as well,” Martinez said.
In 1992, Chávez was awarded the “Peace on Earth” award.
Other recipients of the “Peace on Earth” award include Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa.
Chávez died on April 23, 1993 of unspecified natural causes in a rental apartment in San Luis, Arizona.
César Chávez Day is observed on March 31, or the appropriate Monday or Friday nearest that date, in remembrance of César Chávez’s birthday.

The state holiday is intended to promote service to the community in honor of Chávez’s life and work.
CAMP is a UI program that assists students who meet the definition of migrant or seasonal farm workers or children of migrant or seasonal farm workers. The program provides support for
qualifying students during their first year of enrollment in higher
education.
CAMP was founded in 1999 and has provided support for nearly 35 new students every year since.
“Our retention rate is around 95 percent,” Martinez said.
As a student-run and organized event, “Feast From the Fields” provided an opportunity for many students to get involved.
University President Tim White gave a small speech at the beginning of the event.
“Timothy White has been to all three ‘Feast From the Fields’ events,” Martinez said. “He has been a big help to our organization.”

White urged students to read about great American leaders for inspiration.
“If you ever have a chance to visit my office, you will see my poster of César Chávez,” White said. “My wall is filled with people that inspire greatness. César Chávez was a great man who was unwilling to accept that status quo.”
Another unique addition to this year’s event was the play “Los Vendidos” by Chicano Civil Rights movement playwright and filmmaker Luis Valdez.
Chicano Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, also known as El Movimiento, is an extension of the Mexican American Civil Rights movement that began in the 1940s with the goal of achieving social liberation and Mexican American empowerment.

Figureheads of the movement, like César Chávez, Oscar Zeta Acosta and Luis Valdez, were influential at the time.
While eight states recognize César Chávez Day, Idaho is not one of them.
Next year, CAMP students will make an effort to bring the holiday to Idaho with the help of university staff.
“Events like ‘Feast From the Fields’ brings awareness to the holiday,” Martinez said.