Kayenta celebrates Fourth of July with packed schedule through Saturday
New field day event added to schedule for Saturday at Rec Park

KAYENTA, Ariz. - The Kayenta Fourth of July Rodeo and Fair continues today through Saturday. Whether it's music, rodeo, dancing, games, parades, fireworks, or a BMX/skate competition, this unparalleled festival extravaganza has something for everyone.

Activities begin every day at 8 a.m., except for Saturday when activities begin at 9 a.m., which is the final day of the festival. Admission to all events is free of charge.

"We're trying to bring back the good old days," said Shonie Delarosa, I.T. Media Administrator. "We're going to have a tug-o-war, horse races, foot races, watermelon eating contest, sack race, water balloon toss, dunk tank, three-legged race, musical chairs, and plenty more. All kinds of games and it's all free."

Celebrate Independence Day with a plethora of events, shows, games, and competitions beginning today at 8 a.m. with Rodeo Slack and the opening of the Vendor Village. Head over to the Kayenta Skate Park at 9 a.m. to witness the K-town Get Down BMX/Skate Competition featuring gravity defying tricks and excitement for all ages.

The Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. right down Kayenta Main Street (U.S. 163) with the line up beginning at Sonic. Free entry for non-political affiliates and will award a grand prize of $800, second place prize of $500, and third place prize of $250. The theme is "unfolding the milestone, commemorating traditions, and gathering as a community to shape our future."

At the same time festival goers could also visit the Recreation Park for the Music Festival, which will continue all day until sundown, featuring a multitude of bands and acts from all across the Navajo Nation. Acts such as Levi & the Plateros, Saving Damsels, The JIR Project Band, Chuckie Begay & the Mother Earth Blues Band, Coalition, and Skool Boy Kook. With special guests Tripleshot Mustangs and entertainment by Pax Harvey.

At the MVHS SAC Gym is the Navajo Song and Dance Contest beginning at 1 p.m. Then later this evening at the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds at 7:30 p.m. is the First Performance All Indian Rodeo. Followed at 9 p.m. by a Country Dance then the day concludes with fireworks at 10 p.m.

Tomorrow the Carnival starts with a Team Roping Classic at 8 a.m. at the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds and a Three on Three Youth Coed Basketball Tournament at 9 a.m. at the Recreation Park. Festivities continue at 10 a.m. with an Elder Day at the Kayenta Township Complex and a Chili Cook-Off at the Recreation Park.

Tomorrow evening at the Township Complex at 6 p.m. will be the Drums of Summer/KTNN Radio AM 660. After that head on over to the Rodeo Grounds again for the Second Performance All Indian Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Country Dance at 9 p.m.

On Friday begin your day at the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds for the Team Roping Classic at 8 a.m. then head directly over to the Recreation Park at 9 a.m. to watch the Three on Three Female Basketball Tournament.

At 4 p.m. be sure not to miss the 10th Annual Kayenta Pow Wow at the MVHS SAC Gym. Then later in the evening activities close out at the Rodeo Grounds once again for the Third Performance All Indian Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Country Dance at 9 p.m.

On Saturday, the final day of activities and the last day of Carnival, start the day off right by heading over to the Recreation Park to watch the Three on Three Mens Basketball Tournament at 9 a.m. Also beginning at 9 a.m. at the Recreation Park is the newly added Field Day featuring all the events Delarosa mentioned and more.

Be sure to meander over to the MVHS SAC Gym one last time at 1 p.m. for the 10th Annual Kayenta Pow Wow featuring Gourd Dancing.

Then of course the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds will have another full day of activities on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. with the Kennith H. Young Memorial Steer Wrestling Chute Out. Saturday evening's activities at the Rodeo Grounds will be a Short Go of the All Indian Rodeo at 7:30 p.m., a Country Dance at 9 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m.

For more information call the Kayenta Township at (928) 697-8451 or for a complete listing of all activities and times of shows and events visit kayentatownship.net.

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