Powwow Country: Navajo Nation Fair and Rodeo, Window Rock, Arizona, Sept. 5-11, 2011

Navajo Nation Fair and Rodeo, Window Rock, Arizona, Sept. 5-11, 2011

The wild horse race is by far the most popular event at the Navajo Nation Fair and Rodeo. “It’s quite the sight to see,” said Delilah Goodluck, fair coordinator. Wild horses are let loose in the arena and teams of four, both cowboys and cowgirls, have to catch a horse, saddle it and ride it from one point to the next point. “It’s a really exciting event. Everybody comes out to see it,” said Goodluck, noting that there are usually about 10 teams competing. Details are yet to be finalized, but Goodluck expects much of the same at this year’s event as in previous years. Ten girls compete for the title of Miss Navajo and the winner is crowned during the night performance, which showcases Native American dancers and singers. There is an Indian rodeo, with cowboys usually a mixture of both professional (those riding on the professional rodeo circuit) and amateurs. There is also a Native junior rodeo. The carnival, midway and vendors are all big attractions as well. There is a powwow and singing and dancing. And the parade attracts up to 100 floats from all over the area, including vendors from Window Rock, nearby universities and border communities. “Every year the parade is a pretty big event,” said Goodluck.

For more information, check out http://navajonationfair.com/