Wild Horse Race at Navajo Nation Fair

August 23, 2012 by

To add to the testament of classic nostalgia, 24 Native American teams consisting of three wild bronc riding individuals will display their horse riding magic as they try to race their wild horses to the finish line on September 7-9th.

Wild Horse Race at Navajo Nation Fair

The wild horse event will be held in conjunction with an Open Indian Rodeo that will be held on September 7-9th.

Rodeo fans will see a razor sharp showdown of champion Native American cowboys and chic cowgirls from throughout the U.S. and Canada who will compete for thousands of dollars in prize money.

It is said that Indian rodeo is the most popular sport on the Navajo Nation…just come on out and you’ll see why. In fact, it just doesn’t get any more rustic and original than Indian rodeo here on the Navajo Nation….this is your chance to see relics of the old west come alive.

By Roberta John

 

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Hot Air Balloons at Navajo Nation Fair

August 17, 2012 by

Magical Colors Expected to Beautify Navajo Nation Fair

By Roberta John WINDOW ROCK, AZ.

“Beautiful colors all around us.” That may be the new motto for the 66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair here in the Navajo Nation capital on September 2-9th.

 

When Father Sky changes from vivid blue to a calming dusk, it may be cool, but fairgoers can warm up to a hot air balloon glow on Friday and Saturday night at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds, weather permitting. Air pilots from throughout the country will light up their hot air balloons and create a panorama of spectacular excitement.

“The Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department is joining forces to showcase an illuminating display of hot air balloons called a night glow,” said Geri Camarillo, media representative for Parks and Recreation. “We’re taking excitement to a whole new level.”

For the past couple of years, Navajo Parks and Recreation has hosted an increasingly popular hot air balloon event at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park near the Arizona-Utah border. “The sport of ballooning has been around a very long time, but it is quite new to Navajo country. We received a very positive response to the hot air balloon event at Monument Valley so we wanted to bring hot air balloons to Window Rock,” said Camarillo.

According to Bill Lee, an avid hot air balloon pilot from Gallup, N.M., this will be the second time in the Navajo Nation Fair’s history that hot air balloons will be part of the Largest American Indian Fair in North America. Lee will be one of several hot air balloon pilots that will help choreograph a picturesque setting of vibrant colors on the ground and in the sky.

“It will be a real privilege to be a part of the celebration at this year’s Navajo Nation Fair,” Lee said. “The balloonists look forward to the night glow and filling the sky with brightly colored balloons and flying over the Navajo Nation capital.”

Weather permitting, it is hoped that fairgoers will enjoy a beautifully orchestrated panoramic production of hot air balloon wonderment.
“Hot air balloons is a social event that brings people of all ages together,” Camarillo said. “We are fortunate to have pilots that are very interested in participating in the Navajo Nation Fair and want to put on a good show for everyone.”

Lee said it can take as many as half a dozen people just to assist with pre and post production for each hot air balloon.

Fairgoers will have an opportunity to also take pictures of the hot air balloons on the last day of the fair, September 9th. Air pilots are expected to color the morning skies at approximately 7 a.m., weather permitting. Unlike other sports, Lee said hot air ballooning depends largely upon the weather and most times air pilots fly only in the morning.

Lee said, “The Navajo Nation has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. However, it is even more stunning and breath-taking when you have a birds-eye view from the top.” Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department Director, Martin L. Begaye, said, “We are a proud participant and sponsor of the Navajo Nation Fair.

This is a great time to see family and friends in addition to making new acquaintances. It is also a great opportunity to see what the Navajo Nation has to offer.

Many people from throughout the world come to see our scenic attractions, but it is the Navajo people who provide the true beauty and uniqueness of the Navajo Nation. I am therefore, inviting Navajoland visitors to come to the Navajo Nation Fair. We want to share our cultural pride and beauty with you here in the Navajo Nation capital.”

Other Navajo Nation Fair events will include an all-Indian rodeo, a Nizhoni Arts Market, a traditional Navajo song and dance, Native American comedy entertainment, bull riding, a wild horse race, an inter-tribal pow wow, a country and western concert featuring Country Artist Gary Allen, a livestock and horticulture exhibit, a free barbecue, a free Christian concert, a parade, carnival, and other events.

For more information about the fair, you can contact the Navajo Nation Special Events Office at (928) 871-7941 or 6632. You can also obtain information on their website at www.navajonationfair.com

Media Contact:

Roberta John, Program & Project Specialist

(928) 871-7380

Email: bbiejpress@navajobusiness.com

 

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Open Indian Rodeo – Navajo Nation Fair 2012

August 9, 2012 by

September 4-9, 2012
Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena
NN Fairgrounds – Window Rock, AZ

Open Indian Rodeo - Navajo Nation Fair 2012


Entries Open: July 9th, 2012
Entries Close: August 10, 2012
Walk Ins: August 24, 2012 at the Navajo Nation Museum

OPEN INDIAN RODEO
DEAN C JACKSON MEMORIAL ARENA
AWARD TO ALL-AROUND COWBOY AND COWGIRL
BUCKLE TO EVENT WINNERS


Short Go for all events: top 10 (except for ladies and team roping).

Open to Native Americans with recognized tribal ID proof required. One time $25 office fee.
For paid purpose you must submit a W–9 with your entry form and have a valid ID in your possession in order to receive your cash award.


ENTRY FEES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IN MONEY ORDER OR CASHIERS CHECKS FORM PAYABLE TO NAVAJO NATION
ENTRY/WAIVER FORM

 

EVENT LIMIT FEE ADDED ROUND FINALS
BAREBACK 20 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
SADDLE BRONC 30 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
BULL RIDING 80 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
TIE DOWN 60 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
STEER WRESTLING 70 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
BARREL RACING NL $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
LADIES BREAKAWAY 80 $200 $5,000 2 go $2,000
LADIES TEAM ROPING 2X 200 $400 $10,000 2 go $2,000
LADIES TEAM ROPING1X 40 $150 $1,500 2 go $2,000

Entries open July 9, 2012. First to enter last to go. Entries close with postmarked by August 10, 2012 $20 late fee after August 10.
Walk-in entries: August 24, 2012 at Navajo National Museum

EVENT SCHEDULE
Tuesday, September 4
8AM – slack

Wednesday, September 5
8AM – slack

Friday, September 7
12 PM first performance
7 PM second performance

Saturday, September 8
1 PM third performance

Sunday, September 9
12 PM final four

Admission
Tuesday  – No admission
Wednesday – NO admission
Friday and Sunday  – $12 adults $6 child and seniors

 

CONTESTANT INFORMATION

The 66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Indian Rodeo (NNFIR) shall be open to all Native American contestants who have a blood quantum of one fourth (1/4) American  Indian heritage or who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe. The Special Events Section (SES) of the Navajo Nation Fair reserves the right to request for proof of blood quantum or enrollment status. Failure of a contestant to show proof of blood quantum or enrollment when requested may be cause for disqualification of the contestant, and forfeiture of entry fess and any money won at the rodeo.

 

ENTRIES

Entries for the 66th Annual NNFIR will open on July 9, 2012. Entry forms will be available on the website – www.navajonationfair.com – and at other Indian rodeos. Mail-in entries will close on August 10, 2012. All entry forms and payment for entries must be sent to: Navajo Nation Fair Indian Rodeo, c/o Navajo Nation Museum, Post Office Box 1840, Window Rock, AZ 86515. Payment for entry fees must be by money order or cashier’s check. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED. All contestants shall pay entry fees for the contest events entered in FULL at the time of entry closing of entries on August 15, 2012. Entry fees are $200.00 for all events except Ladies Teams which is $150. A one-time office charge of $25.00 must be included with your payment. Mail-in entries must be received by August 15, 2012 regardless of postmark date. Entry fees in the team roping shall be paid in full by both team members (partners) at the time of entry closing to be considered entered. If entry fees are not paid in full by entry closing the team shall be scratched from entry list.

Late entries will accepted for any position not filled during the regular entry period. Late entries will be walk-in only and will incur a $20.00 late fine. All walk-in entries must be paid with money order or cashier’s check. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED. Walk-in entries will be taken from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Rodeo Office at the Navajo Nation Museum. Positions will be posted on www.navajonationfair.com prior to opening of late entries. Walk-ins will receive their position when entering. There will be no call backs for walk-in entries.

 

TIME EVENTS

Ladies Team Roping (LT) will be one go round with no finals. Twenty Five (25) teams will run in a slack and twenty (15) will run during a performance (5/perf Thurs, Fri & Sat). Tie down Roping (TD), Steer Wrestling (SW), Team Roping (TR), Ladies Breakaway Roping (LR) and Ladies Barrels (LB) contestants shall compete in two complete go-rounds with the first go round being held in a slack performance. The contestants with the top forty (40) times will compete during the four (4) performances with ten (10) contestants per performance/event and the remaining contestant will compete their 2nd go competition run during the 2nd go slack performance. Those contestants making trades will be one hour after the top 40 list is posted at Rodeo Office. Only horses needed during actual competition in the event will be allowed in the box during any timed event and/or noncompetitive runs. All contestants who have completed their runs shall immediately exit the arena. The arena shall always remain clear of non-competing contestants while events are in progress. Only those personnel who are authorized to be in the arena shall remain in the arena. The timers in the time events shall blow a whistle at the end of a set time limit indicating a “no time”.

 

PAYOUT

Prize money payout for the 66th Annual NNFIR will be made by check and no checks will be released to anyone but the winning contestant. Payoff scale will be according to PRCA/WPRA rulebooks. Contestant must complete a W-9 form with proper identification numbers and present two forms of identification (one must be picture ID) to receive prize money check(s). At year-end all contestants earnings $600.00 or more will receive a 1099 form. The NNFIR Rodeo Secretary will do payoff checks at the end of each go-round. Rodeo office hours will be posted on the post board. Any prize money check that has to be replaced for any reason after Sunday, September 11, 2012 will incur a $25.00 replacement fee.

ALL AROUND

All Around Champions must compete in two or more events. The Contestants who wins the most money in two or more events will win the All Around title. If no contestant wins money in two or more events, the contestant entering two or more events who wins the most money will win the All Around title. Money won by ladies in the men’s TR will count for the Ladies All-Around.

1. Men’s All Around – Men’s Events – BB, SB, BR, SW, TD, and TR (1 run only counts)

2. Ladies All Around – Ladies Events – LB, LR, LT and TR (1 run only counts)

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Nizhoni Arts Market 2012

August 8, 2012 by

Nizhoni Arts Market  

At the 66th Annual 
September 6 – 9, 2012

Nizhoni Arts Market 2012

Nizhoni Arts Market 2012
Photo by Harold Carey Jr

Hózhó Náhásdlíí’-Harmony in the Making
Our mission is to achieve Hózhó through contemporary and traditional exhibits, program, tours; to promote our Diné culture, language, history and sovereignty.

ARTIST VENDOR INFORMATION
Clarenda Begay, Coordinator
Cell # (928) 592-2813

Welcome to the 3nd Annual Nizhoni Arts Market at the Navajo Nation Fair. The Nizhoni Arts Market to Feature “World Class” Authentic Arts by Renowned and Up & Coming Navajo Artisans.

Gorman Hall: Indoor set-up on Thursday, September 6, 2012, from 8:00 am. to 10:00 am

Early Booth Registration: 10×10’ booth space with 1 – 6’ x 2’ ½” table and 2 chairs. Early Booth Registration fee $250.00 through August 17, 2012, thereafter the booth fee is $300.00 till the booths are filled. Vendors are responsible for reporting sales tax (4%) to the Navajo Nation Tax Commission for further information call (928) 871-6681.

Market Hours:
Thursday, September 6, 2012 – 10:00 to 5:00 pm
Friday, September 7, 2012 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, September 8, 2012 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 9, 2012 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sharing of Booth: Optional! You are allowed to share a booth with one other artist. Return the Sharing Artist’s Application with Your Application.

Payment: Artist Mail Application and Money Order to (ABSOLUTELY NO Personal Checks will be Accepted)

Navajo Nation Museum
ATTN: NAM/Clarenda Begay
P.O. Box 1840,
Window Rock, Arizona 86515

Ms. Begay may also be contacted by email at Clarenda@navajonationmuseum.org or by cell at (928) 592-2813.
A receipt will be issued when payment is received.

Media: The Navajo Nation Museum advertises the market In the Native Peoples magazine, as well as local newspapers and radio stations. The museum staff has distributed information at the Heard Market and will have a non-profit booth at the Santa Fe Indian Market in August to promote the market.

Cancellation Policy: There will be no refunds due to cancellations for any reason. The NAM Coordinator reserves the right to reassign artist booth for the best interest of the NNM Nizhoni Arts Market due to artist cancellations or no-shows.

Proof of Tribal Verification: All artists are required to provide proof of identification to include Certification of Indian Blood (CIB) and Drivers License for age division.

Security: Security to be available at Gorman Hall beginning August 30th through September 9th.

Artist Reception: Thursday, September 6, 2012 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Location will be disclosed to Artists at Check-In.

Artist Booth Demonstration: Welcomed & Appreciated.

Quality Control: The NAM Coordinator and Museum Staff will be roving the booths for unacceptable arts for sale. You will be asked to remove the items of concern and a second verbal notification you will be asked to leave the premises with your art.

Navajo Transit Services: A chartered bus will be transporting buyers, collectors and tourist from the Navajo Nation Museum parking lot to main entrance at the Navajo Nation Fair, Gate #4 and return to the Navajo Nation Museum.

Artist Parking Area: Artists are encouraged to use Gate #2. One parking pass will be issued to the invited artist for Gate#2, near the Song & Dance arena. Bring a dolly to transfer your arts into Gorman Hall. Your passengers will have to pay a General entrance fee of $5.00 at the gate. Do not park vehicle along the midway or around or behind Gorman Hall.

Photographs: Photographs of artist and booths may be taken throughout the Nizhoni Arts Market for publicity purposes to promote the Nizhoni Arts Market and Navajo Nation Fair.

Trash: Trash bags will be provided daily for the vendors, Please flatten all cardboard boxes and put in dumpster located behind Gorman Hall. Booth space must be maintained in a clean and tidy manner.

Altercations: Any artist who is involved in any verbal or physical altercations will be asked to leave with their art and not permitted to return. The market is a drug free environment and no pets or firearms are permitted.

NIZHONI ARTS MARKET
RULES & REGULATIONS

TRADE MARK: The artists mark to appear on his/her workmanship is required on all art. All original works displayed must be designed and created by the invited artist or by artist sharing the booth space.

General: No imported, manufactured or mass produced items such as T-Shirts, mouse pads, coasters and magnets. Also, not acceptable are work produced with commercial kits, molds, patterns or prefabricated forms.

Artifacts & Ceremonial Objects: No imported, manufactured or mass produced items and no display of culturally sensitive artifacts. The committee will not allow any use of materials, such as raptors feathers or endangered species. Display or sale of ceremonial objects is strictly prohibited. The NAM Coordinator will request the removal of items.

Pottery: Commercially produced pottery, slip molds, or green ware are strictly prohibited. Contemporary pottery forms are acceptable. Hand coiled or wheel thrown are acceptable. Kiln-fired pots and pots made or decorated with commercial materials must be properly identified.

Jewelry: Traditional, contemporary and evolving jewelry. No false representation of materials or origins will be tolerated.

Paintings & Drawings: No wet canvases will be available for sale.

Prints: Only professional prints of high quality may be sold.

Weaving: Rugs, blankets, belts and purses must be handmade. All natural yarns and dyes are acceptable. Synthetic or acrylic yarn must be properly labeled. No productions made from commercial kits or patterns.

Textiles: Sewing machine work is acceptable. No commercially made clothing, liquid embroidery or products made from kits are allowed.

Dolls & Carvings: Dolls in traditional categories must use materials historically associated with its native culture. Artists are not to display dolls of tribes other than their own tribal affiliation.

Bead, Quill & Leather: No plastic pony beads or “Bead Stringers”. Commercially tanned hide work must be labeled.

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Navajo Nation Fair 2012 – Information & Events

August 3, 2012 by

Navajo Nation Fair 2012

Photos from Navajo Nation Fair 2012

fair-photos

Navajo Nation Fair 2013 info

 

66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair

“Appreciation Tradition”

September 2nd – 9th, 2012

Window Rock, AZ

The World’s Largest American Indian Fair.

The Navajo Nation Fair was established in 1938 to stimulate livestock improvements and management through exhibits for the Navajo people. The Navajo Nation Fair has become a world-renowned event that showcases Navajo Agriculture, Fine Arts and Crafts, with the promotion and preservation of the Navajo heritage by providing cultural entertainment.

The Navajo Nation Fair Schedule of Events for 2012 will include:

Nizhoni Navajo Arts and Crafts Exhibition September 6 – 9

New Just Out

2012 Navajo Nation Fair Schedule 

Events Times and Dates 

Navajo Nation Fair 2012 Events flyer

 

 

 

Press Release from the Navajo Nation Fair 2012

Media Contact:
Roberta John, Program & Project Specialist
(928) 871-7380
Email: bbiejpress@navajobusiness.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Navajo Nation Gearing Up for Grand Daddy of all Tribal Fairs
WINDOW ROCK, AZ. – Nestled in the heart of the Southwest is a rich and vibrant tribe called the Navajo Nation.

Whispering canyon walls….mystifying ancient architecture….picturesque mountains….relaxing lakes and rivers…towering rock formations…..an earthly scent of cedar and sage after a light sprinkle of rain….magnificent sunsets…and refreshing blue skies….this is Navajoland, a panorama of awesome scenery and captivating getaways….this is what most Navajoland visitors come to see. However, it is the Navajo people that makes Navajoland beautiful and unique.
And within the four sacred mountains is one of the world’s best kept secrets….the Navajo Nation Fair, which is the “Largest American Indian Fair in North America.” When it first began 66 years ago, it was a small gathering of primarily Navajo people. Over the years, other tribes were invited and it soon became known as the largest gathering of Indian nations in the U.S. that cultivates and nurtures indigenous expression.
Today, it is a mecca and visual symphony for elegant Navajo art, dance, music, food and professional athleticism with a native touch. It is also where legends are matched with a new world of future champions vying for thousands of dollars in prize money.
The Navajo Nation Fair is an event that many people look forward to attending year after year. To continue this tradition, the Navajo Nation Special Events Office and a host of volunteers will launch the 66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair on September 2-9th -. The theme this year will be “Appreciating Tradition.”
“Hosting the World’s Largest American Indian Fair takes more than a village, according to Norma Bowman, Navajo Nation Fair Manager.
“The Navajo Nation Fair takes a lot of volunteers, planning, and financial partnerships to make it a success. There are an array of individuals who are working quietly behind the scenes to make it a successful cultural celebration.

Hosting the Navajo Nation Fair is a time-honored tradition and we are doing our best to make it a very enjoyable for everyone. This is a great opportunity to see how we showcase our people and share our cultural pride.”
Bowman added, “The Navajo Nation Fair is an ideal place to experience American Indian culture, namely, Navajo culture. So if you’re looking for a myriad of cultural excitement, make plans to join us here in the capital of the Navajo Nation in September.

I’d also like to especially invite Navajoland visitors to the Navajo Nation Fair, which is a great venue to learn more about the Navajo culture.”

Events:

The Navajo Nation Fair will also include a free Christian concert, a junior rodeo, a Miss Navajo Nation butchering contest, a frybread contest, a Nizhoni Arts Market, an Extreme Native Bull Riding event, Native American comedy entertainment, an exceptional rodeo, a Navajo Nation Energy Expo, Hoshkii Happy/Kids Day, a free barbecue, Pueblo Country Opener for
Country Music Artist Gary Allan, a hot air balloon event, a traditional Navajo song and dance, an inter-tribal pow wow, a parade, an inter-tribal night performance, a fundraising golf tournament, a livestock and horticulture exhibit, a carnival, and more.
For more information about sponsorships, parade, event fees and participation or other related questions, please contact the Navajo Nation Museum Special Events Section at (928) 871-7941 or www.navajonationfair.com

Sources of information:
Navajo Nation Fair Website and Facebook Page
Navajo Nation Museum Special Events Section
928-871-7941

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