Masik Tas is celebrated over the next two weekends in the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Easton Corbin headlines on stage in a free concert Dec. 9.

Every year, the Ak-Chin Indian Community invites the public to its Masik Tas (birthday) celebration in December. The two-week event is marked by entertainment, arts, rodeo, a carnival, a parade, food and much more.

Masik Tas commemorates the formal recognition of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. This year, it is Dec. 1-5 and Dec. 8-11.

The All-Indian Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament is Dec. 1-4. The Songivu’l Tournament is Dec. 4 at 8 a.m. at the Ak-Chin Recreation Center. The Toka Tournament is also Dec. 4 at 8 a.m.

The Masik Tas Celebration Golf Tournament is Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

A native-only Junior Rodeo is Dec. 9, with registration starting at 9 a.m. For the grownups, the Bull Bash is Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. Roping events are Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

Free concerts on the Ak-Chin Circle field during the second weekend will be headlined by country singer Easton Corbin (Roll with It).

Conjunto Bravo plays at 7 p.m., and Grupo Control takes over at 8 p.m.

Dec. 9, there will be an opening act at 7 p.m., and Corbin performs at 8:30 p.m.

Gates open at 6 p.m. both nights. Bring low-level lawn chairs or blankets. Fireworks will follow both concerts.

The Parade is Dec. 10 starting at 10 a.m. Farrell Road will close from Enos Street (where the parade begins) to Santos Road starting at 9:30 a.m. Parade entries will be judged for Most School Spirit, Best Royalty, Best Ak-Chin Department, Best Dance Group, Best Theme Interpretation and Best Business/Other.

Dec. 10 from 2 p.m. to midnight is cultural entertainment via Vaila Dance, and everyone is welcome. The main stage features Gertie and the T.O. Boyz 2-4 p.m., Pick-Up Kings 4-6 p.m., Chaka and Friends 6-8 p.m., Ak-Chin Band 8-10 p.m. and Pima Express 10 p.m.-midnight.

Event parking will be in front of UltraStar Multi-tainment Center and in the gravel parking lot off Farrell Road west of UltraStar.

UltraStar’s rear parking lot will be used for the carnival and Family Fun Zone.

Dec. 9-11, the carnival is open Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday noon-midnight and Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Family Fun Zone is open Friday 3-10 p.m., Saturday 1-8 p.m. and Sunday noon-7 p.m.

Ak-Chin.nsn.us/_MasikTas


This article appears in the December issue of InMaricopa.