The Resource May 2014 Volume 1 Issue 005 | Page 12

WINDOW ROCK, AZ. – Shine up your boots and dust off your cowboy hat. And head on up to Navajo country here in northeastern Arizona because it’s going to be a cool Cowboy Christmas here on the Navajo Nation in July. By Roberta John It’s rodeo time. When most parts of the state may be sizzling, the capital of the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona may just be the cool breeze you’re looking for. Capture the spirit of the rustic west when top caliber cowboys and cowgirls take center stage here in northeastern Arizona. Window Rock may be quiet by day, but it roars with excitement by night. That’s because the Navajo Nation hosts its Annual Fourth of July PRCA Pro Rodeo here in the heart of the Four Corners every year. So pack your bags and share the oohs and the ahhs as you capture the thundering team of horses and cattle and of course fast-moving cowboys and cowgirls in rodeo action - professional style - on July 3-5 here in Window Rock. The Navajo Nation is the only American Indian tribe in North 12 may Volume 1 Issue 005 America which has the honor of hosting a sanctioned Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Rodeo. Professional rodeo athletes tag this event as Cowboy Christmas because they virtually travel state to state during the July fourth weekend and pocket thousands of dollars. The July fourth extravaganza will be held at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds just off Arizona State Highway 264. Nightly performances begin at 7 p.m. It is said that rodeo is the number one sport here on the Navajo Nation. In fact, there are also more Indian rodeos held on the Navajo Nation than anywhere in the country. Moreover, it is often said that most Indians are cowboys. More than 400 top cowboys and cowgirls are expected to showcase their horsemanship skills here at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds. An increasingly popular event is barrel racing, which attracts approximately 50 participants from throughout the country. Navajo Nation Fair Manager Genevieve Tsouhlarkis stated, “The Navajo Nation Special Events Staff is working diligently behind the scenes to present an outdoor Fourth of July cele- need ad space? call [phone] or email [email protected]