Utah Navajo Fair is held this week in Bluff

“Restoring Our Cultural and Traditional Essence” is the theme of the 2015 Utah Navajo Fair, which will be held in Bluff from September 17 through 20.
The 26th annual event features a wide range of activities. A list of events can be found on page 4 of this issue of the San Juan Record, in addition to the Fair website at www.utahnavajofair.com.
There will be a Health Expo at the fairgrounds on Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by a free BBQ at 3 p.m.
The Miss Utah Navajo Fair Pageant will be held at the Monument Valley High School that evening, beginning at 5 p.m.
Opening Ceremony at the fairgrounds is Thursday evening. Friday starts with the Elder Fest at St. Christopher Mission at 8 a.m.
The Western Junior Rodeo will begin at the same time. Family entertainment events begin at noon and run throughout the day. There will be a Gourd Dance, Pow-Wow Grand Entry and Country Dance that evening.
Saturday morning starts with the Navajo Nation Rodeo at 9 a.m. The Parade will be on Hwy 191 at 10 a.m. Family events including Kid’s Dummy Roping will commence at noon.
Many more activities will be held throughout the evening. The fair will culminate with rodeos on Sunday.
The annual fair in Bluff is sponsored by San Juan County, Utah Navajo Health System, Inc., Resolute Company, Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company, Red Mesa Chapter, and Maryboy, LLC.
This is the tenth year for the Elder Fest at the Utah Navajo Fair. Activities include song and dance, games, door prizes, Aztec Dancers and free lunch. Bring your own chairs and celebrate with friends, family and elders under the yellow tent.
The 2015 Navajo Nation Rodeo Association Regional Finals will be held congruent with the fair.
Top cowgirls and cowboys will go on to compete at the Indian National Rodeo in Las Vegas in November. To qualify, entrants must have competed in 50 percent of Region 6 rodeos and be an INFR membership cardholder.
Rodeo showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 9 a.m. for Jr./Sr. Events and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. for Standard Events.
Beginning on Sunday at 8 a.m. are more Jr./Sr. events, followed by the final performances at noon.
Featured artists at the fair include Lightning Rock, Shawn Smith Band, Tyra Preston, Writtyn, Navajo Elvis, and comedian Chiz’Bah.
Entertainment also includes eating contests, open karaoke, and a Family Night Show on Saturday.