Light parade, carnival, rodeo, concerts highlight annual Ak-Chin Masik Tas

The annual Ak-Chin Masik Tas, or “birthday” celebration of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 18 at venues around the community.

Family-friendly Masik Tas commemorates formal recognition of the Ak-Chin Indian Community with events and activities that Ak-Chin Community members, residents and the public can enjoy.

Highlights include a light parade, carnival, rodeo, concerts, Vaila dance, traditional performers, demonstrators, food, arts and crafts, and vendors.

Parking is free at Circle Field and Arena, 16000 N. Maricopa Road. Signage in the area will direct all event traffic.

Food vendors as well as arts and craft vendors are needed. Those interested in being a vendor at Masik Tas may download and application at https://masiktas.ak-chin.nsn.us. Completed applications and vendor fees can be delivered in person or mailed to: Ak-Chin Indian Community, C/O Community Events, 42507 W. Peters and Nall Road, Maricopa, AZ 85138

For more information: email events@ak-chin.nsn.us or AllEventsStaff@ak-chin.nsn.us

2022 Ak-Chin Masik Tas calendar of events

Dec. 4 — Toka/Songivu’l Traditional Games at fields south of Ak-Chin Recreation Center. 7 a.m. registration/check-in. 8 a.m. demonstration/tournament. Information: Youth Council at 520-568-1044.

Dec. 7 — Elder Chair Volleyball Tournament at Ak-Chin Recreation Center, 46753 W. Farrell Road. Information/registration: 520-568-1740.

Dec. 9 — Tracy Lawrence at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. Tickets: ticketmaster.com.

Dec. 9-10: Co-ed volleyball tournament. Ak-Chin Recreation Center, 46753 W. Farrell Road. Information/registration: 520-568-1740.

Dec. 10 –2022 Masik Tas Light Parade, 7 p.m. Parade check-in is 4 p.m. Parade route runs along Farrell Road, which will be shut down at 6:45 p.m. Parking is free. Signage will direct parade participants and event traffic.

Dec. 11 – Youth Council cultural events, 47701 W. Farrell Road. Frybread and wood-chopping contest registration 1 p.m. Wood-chopping contest 2 p.m. Frybread-making contest 3 p.m. Menudo contest registration and drop off 4-4:30 p.m. Menudo-tasting contest 5 p.m. Dance contest 6 p.m. Information: Youth Council at 520-568-1044.

Dec. 16 — Papago Warriors at Ak-Chin Circle Amphitheater, 16000 N. Maricopa Road. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Free to all ages.

Dec. 16-18 – Carnival, at Ak-Chin Circle near Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center, 16000 N. Maricopa Road. Family friendly fun zone and petting zoo free to all ages. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Dec. 16; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Dec. 17; 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Dec. 18. Parking is free. Signage will direct all event traffic.

Dec. 16-18 – Rodeo at Ak-Chin Circle Arena, west of Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center, 16000 N. Maricopa Road. On Dec. 16: Junior rodeo is 8 a.m. Bull bash is 4 p m. On Dec. 17: Wild Horse Race and Open Rodeo is 12 noon. On Dec. 18, Wild Horse Race and Open Rodeo is 12 noon. Parking is free. Signage will direct rodeo participants and event traffic.

Dec. 16-18 – Basketball tournament. At Ak-Chin Recreation Center, 46753 W. Farrell Road. Information/registration: 520-568-1740.

Dec. 17 — Kumbia Kings & Grupo Metal, 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Ak-Chin Circle Amphitheater, 16000 N. Maricopa Road. Free to all ages. Gates open 6 p.m.

Dec. 18 — Fireworks show, time to be determined.