The vibrant and culturally rich Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo, a cornerstone event in the Parker, Arizona community, was set to unfold from October 2nd to 6th, 2013. This 41st annual celebration, hosted by the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), promised a captivating blend of tradition, entertainment, and community engagement. The Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo served as a powerful testament to the enduring heritage of the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Navajo, and Hopi tribes, all of whom constitute the CRIT community.
A Gathering of Tribes and Traditions:
Manataba Park, nestled in the heart of Parker, Arizona, was meticulously prepared to welcome attendees to this multi-tribal extravaganza. The event was designed to be inclusive, extending a warm invitation to the general public to experience the unique traditions and customs of the CRIT nations. The Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo offered a diverse program, carefully curated to cater to a wide range of interests.
Admission and Accessibility:
Recognizing the importance of community participation, the organizers implemented a modest admission fee to support the event’s operations. A daily pass was priced at $5.00, while a weekend pass, valid from October 4th to 6th, could be obtained for $10.00. Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility, admission was generously waived on Wednesday and Thursday, October 2nd and 3rd, allowing more people to partake in the early festivities.
A Tapestry of Events:
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo presented an impressive array of activities, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. From captivating cultural displays to thrilling competitions, the event was a celebration of Native American heritage and contemporary community spirit.
- Parade: A vibrant parade, featuring traditional attire, floats, and honored guests, wound its way through the streets of Parker, showcasing the pride and heritage of the CRIT nations.
- Powwow: The heart of the celebration, the Powwow, resonated with the rhythmic beat of drums and the graceful movements of dancers in elaborate regalia. This was an opportunity to witness and appreciate the spiritual and cultural significance of Native American dance and music.
- Pageants: Young women from the CRIT community showcased their grace, poise, and knowledge of their heritage in the Little Miss CRIT, Jr. Miss CRIT, and Miss CRIT pageants.
- Carnival: A classic carnival atmosphere added a touch of lighthearted fun to the event, with thrilling rides, games of skill, and tempting treats.
- Livestock Show: Showcasing the agricultural traditions of the region, the livestock show featured a variety of animals and provided a platform for local ranchers and farmers to display their expertise.
- Fun Run: Promoting health and wellness, the fun run encouraged community members to participate in a friendly race, enjoying the scenic surroundings of Parker.
- Tug-O-War: A test of strength and teamwork, the Tug-O-War challenge pitted teams against each other in a spirited competition.
- Traditional Games: The traditional games of Peon and Shinny, passed down through generations, offered a glimpse into the historical pastimes of the CRIT tribes.
- Food and Craft Vendors: A bustling marketplace of food and craft vendors provided opportunities to sample delicious Native American cuisine and purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs.
Pre-Expo Events: Setting the Stage:
The excitement for the Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo began even before the official opening with a series of pre-expo events designed to whet the appetite for the main celebration.
- Native Visions Film Festival (Sept. 26-28): Held at BlueWater Cinemas, the Native Visions Film Festival showcased the talents of Native American filmmakers, offering a platform for storytelling and cultural expression through the art of cinema.
- Fry Bread Contest (Sept. 28): A culinary showdown took place in front of BlueWater Cinemas as participants put their fry bread-making skills to the test. This event celebrated a beloved Native American food staple and offered participants the chance to win cash prizes.
Detailed Schedule of Events:
The official schedule of events for the Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo was packed with activities from October 2nd to 6th:
October 2nd (Wednesday):
- Little Miss CRIT Pageant: The pageant commenced at 7:00 PM on the Manataba Park stage.
October 3rd (Thursday):
- Jr. Miss and Miss CRIT Pageants: Following the Little Miss CRIT Pageant, the Jr. Miss and Miss CRIT Pageants were held at 7:00 PM on the Manataba Park stage.
- Tug-O-War Challenge: The Tug-O-War challenge was open to the community, featuring men’s and women’s divisions. The action began at 2:00 PM at Manataba Park.
October 3rd – 6th (Thursday – Sunday):
- Carnival: The carnival ran from October 3rd to 6th at Manataba Park. Operating hours were: October 3rd – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, October 4th – 3:00 PM to Midnight, October 5th – Noon to Midnight, and October 6th – Noon to 6:00 PM. Carnival tickets were available at various locations throughout Parker.
October 4th (Friday):
- 5k Race, 3k Stroller Race, and 3k Fun Walk: These races started at 8:00 AM.
- Live Music: Live music was performed on the Manataba Park stage, starting at 10:00 AM.
- Baby Regalia Contest: The Baby Regalia contest took place at 4:00 PM.
October 4th – 5th (Friday – Saturday):
- Native American Days Powwow: The 41st annual Native American Days Powwow was held at Manataba Park. Drum Roll Call started at 6:45 PM on both Friday and Saturday, followed by the Grand Entry at 7:00 PM.
October 5th (Saturday):
- Parade: The annual parade started at 9:00 AM.
- Parker Pageantry: This event commenced at 1:00 PM.
- Gourd Dance: The Gourd Dance took place from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Bird Dance & Singing Contest: This contest was scheduled from 3:00 PM to 6:45 PM.
- Peon Tournament: The Peon Tournament began at dusk.
October 6th (Sunday):
- Hispanic Heritage Celebration: This celebration commenced at 10:00 AM.
- Horseshoe Tournament: Sign-ups for the Horseshoe Tournament were held from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
- Shinny Tournament: The Shinny Tournament started at 5:00 PM.
October 5th – 6th (Saturday – Sunday):
- Open Livestock Show: The Open Livestock Show took place on both days, starting at 9:00 AM.
A Celebration of Heritage and Community:
The 2013 Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo was more than just a series of events; it was a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, community spirit, and the enduring traditions of the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Navajo, and Hopi tribes. By offering a diverse range of activities and welcoming the public to participate, the Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo fostered understanding, appreciation, and a sense of unity within the Parker, Arizona community and beyond.