After several years of absence, the Annual Navajo Nation Fourth of July Celebration will feature an Open Indian Rodeo.
Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department Manager Martin L. Begaye, said, “We’ve decided to add Open Indian Rodeo back to our Annual Navajo Nation Fourth of July Celebration here in the capital of the Navajo Nation. The Open Indian Rodeo will be held in conjunction with a PRCA Pro Rodeo.”
Begaye said the PRCA Pro Rodeo has been a highlight of the Navajo Nation Fourth of July Celebration for the past several years.
“We are extremely honored to be the only American tribe in the U.S. to host a PRCA Pro Rodeo,” Begaye said. “Many Navajo people especially enjoy watching top caliber cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the country vie for thousands of dollars in prize money.”
The PRCA Pro Rodeo in Window Rock also provides an opportunity for the local people to see Navajo contestants who are a PRCA card holder.
However, Begaye noted, “There are many Navajo cowboys and cowgirls who do not rodeo professionally yet they are just as talented, which is why we wanted to also include an Open Indian Rodeo here in Window Rock.”
Begaye said it is hoped having a professional and Open Indian rodeo in conjunction with each other will attract a wider audience.
“The Navajo Nation Fourth of July Celebration is a great place and time to celebrate our freedom and honor our Navajo veterans,” Begaye said. “It is also a great venue for rodeo fans to see exciting rodeo action and support their favorite cowboys and cowgirls whether that be professionally or personally.”
Moreover, Begay added, “Many Navajo families cannot afford to travel long distances. Window Rock is therefore, an ideal location to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend with family and friends.”
The theme for the 29th Annual Navajo Nation Fourth of July Celebration is Honoring Our Warriors for our Freedom, which will feature a recognition ceremony for Navajo Code Talkers at 12 noon on July fourth.
In addition to the afternoon and evening rodeo performances, the 29th Annual Navajo Nation Fourth of July Celebration will also include fireworks on July fourth, a carnival, a cash drawing and food vendors throughout the midway.
A combined total of more than $132,000 will be added for both rodeos making the PRCA Pro Rodeo and Open Indian Rodeo one of the most coveted rodeos during the July Fourth holiday.
The 29th Annual Navajo Nation Fourth of July Celebration will be held on July 2-5th beginning with an 8 a.m. PRCA Pro Rodeo slack on Thursday, July 2nd and a final Open Indian Rodeo performance on Sunday, July 5th at 1 p.m.