By Roberta John

WINDOW ROCK, AZ. –  When most parts of the country may be sizzling, beautiful Navajo country may just be what you’re looking for.

Capture the rustic spirit of the west as top caliber cowboys and perfectly poised cowgirls take center stage during the Navajo Nation Youth Celebration and PRCA ProRodeo at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds here in the Navajo Nation capital on July 3-5th.

See the unique relationship between man and animals come alive.  Embrace the sheer novelty that cowboys and cowgirls have with their horses.

Navajo Nation Fair Manager Genevieve Tsouhlarkis said “We are very honored to be the only tribe to host a professional rodeo in Indian country.  I want to invite everyone to our evening performances.  The kids can also have fun at the carnival and other youth activities. We also have a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display planned so please mark your calendar and join us here in Window Rock.”

The Navajo Nation will host a variety of events for the entire family with special emphasis upon the youth.

In fact, the Navajo Nation wants the youth to “Reach for Excellence.”

That’s the theme for the 2014 Navajo Nation Fourth of July Youth Celebration and PRCA ProRodeo in Window Rock, Arizona on July 3-6th.

Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department Manager Martin L. Begaye, said “We encourage everyone to attend our fourth of July celebration here in the Navajo Nation capital.  This is the time of year when kids are out of school and it provides a great opportunity to spend quality time with our families.  We understand that many people cannot afford to go on vacation and travel afar so that is why we’re planning a variety of events for the youth here on our reservation.  However, we also have some events that we’re planning for the public at large. Window Rock is a great venue to spend your Fourth of July weekend.”

Tsouhlarkis added, “We’re very excited to host an open junior rodeo specifically for the youth.  Contestants will be able to vie for $600 of added money per each division. The youth is what makes our fourth of July celebration a fun-filled event for everyone.  They are the ones who add laughter and excitement to our lives.  And most importantly, they are our future leaders so it is very important that we help instill positive self-esteem in them while they are young.  As Mr. Begaye stated, we understand it is very costly to leave the reservation and go on vacation.  We hope everyone especially the youth will enjoy their July fourth weekend here in Window Rock.”

The Open Indian Junior Rodeo will be held on Sunday, July 6th beginning at 8 a.m. at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds. It will include a midget division, peewee division, junior division, Sr. girl’s division, and Sr. boy’s division. Entries will close on June 25th and walk-ins will be held on June 27th.  Entry forms are available at www.navajonationfair.com or you can call (928) 871-6478 or (505) 870-0062.

About 30 young barrel racers will also have an opportunity to enter the WPRA junior barrel racing competition and run with the pros on July 3-5th during the PRCA ProRodeo.  The entry fee is $50 and the administration fee is $15.  Entries will close June 25th. For more information you can call the Navajo Nation Special Events Office at (928) 871-6478 or (928) 550-1775.

More than 400 contestants from throughout the country are expected to win thousands of dollars in prize money during the PRCA ProRodeo, which will be held on July 3-5th.  Nightly performances will begin at 7 p.m. Admission will be $10 for adults.  Senior citizens who are 50 years old and older will be charged $5 along with children five to 12 years old.

In addition to the WPRA junior barrel racing, the PRCA ProRodeo will also feature a wild horse race after each performance. This exciting event will feature 16 of the top wild horse riders from throughout the country. The entry fee is $350 and entries will close on June 25th.  For more information, please call the Navajo Nation Special Events Office at (928) 871-6478.  Entry forms are also available at www.navajonationfair.com

So come and discover the road less traveled.  Share the excitement.  Share the spirit.  And find your inner adventure here at beautiful Navajo on July 3-6th in Window Rock, Arizona.