Community

Sacaton hosts annual Tribal fair and rodeo

Feb 11, 2006

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The Akimal O’Odham and Pee Posh People of the Gila River Indian Community hosted their 44th annual Mul-Chu-Tha Fair and Rodeo in Sacaton January 26-29.

The event drew approximately 3,000 attendees over the four days and showcased a host of events. In addition to the parade, traditional dancing, live music, all-Indian rodeo, arts and craft sales and local foods, the tribal fair also included sporting events like co-ed softball, volleyball and t-ball, a horse-shoe tournament and a 5K walk-race. Families also enjoyed carnival games and rides.

Carnival games, rodeo, ferris wheel, native dance competition, vendor booths… the Mul-Chu-Tha Fair and Rodeo had something for every member of the family to enjoy.

The event was a family affair in every sense.

Shopping was aplenty, too.

Pima Indians came from as far as Chihuahua, Mexico to take part in the festivities.

Maricopa residents (from left) Phil Wazny, Scott Bartle and Jane Wazny enjoy the Indian Fry Bread.

This youngster was one of many excellent dancers.

Native American dancing was a crowd favorite.

Traditional customs meet modern ones.

A large crowd spent Saturday afternoon at the rodeo.

Cowboys were critiqued by the judges and their peers alike.

This cowboy gets airborne during the rodeo’s calf roping competition.

These bulls weren’t as excited about what was happening inside the ring.