The 69th Annual Tohono O'odham Nation Rodeo and Fair kicks off Thursday in Sells, about 60 miles southwest of Tucson.
The three-day event is the state’s longest-running all-Indian rodeo and the tribe’s largest social gathering of the year, according to Chairwoman Vivian Juan-Saunders. The rodeo includes a parade, a fun run, a pow wow, a carnival, waila performances, traditional dances, music and food.
This year’s rodeo will honor the memory of two deceased tribal members with strong connections to the rodeo: Eugene P. Tashquinth Sr. the longtime official rodeo announcer and Silas R. Hendricks, a member of the rodeo committee for more than 30 years. In separate dedication ceremonies Thursday and Friday, the tribe will name the rodeo complex and memorial arena after Tashquinth and Hendricks, respectively.
The rodeo takes place all day at the Tohono O’odham Livestock Complex on Highway 86. General admission is $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for senior citizens. Children under 6 get in for free.
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For specific hours and additional information, call 520-383-2588.
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