CHINLE, Ariz. — Fairgoers to the 37th annual Central Navajo Fair Parade would not have seen this year’s Grand Marshal waving to the large crowd from his official float this year.
That’s because he ran the length of the parade route on Saturday here instead – signing photos, taking selfies with eager fans, zig-zagging to cover both sides, and wearing out his staff in the process.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren tends to burst with energy during Navajo Nation fairs. His decision to run the parade routes happened spontaneously, beginning in Kayenta on the Fourth of July. As the parade routes get longer, he has resumed his daily workouts in anticipation of the big ones – the Shiprock Parade and the Navajo Nation Fair Parade.
He’s making being a parade Grand Marshal a competitive sport.
Under sunny skies, the floats, marching bands, dance groups and riders made the Chinle parade a celebration as the young President ran the route shaking hands with parade-goers, celebrating Navajo culture and traditions.
He was accompanied by his expectant First Lady, Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, who chose to stroll.
“It was an honor to lead this parade as the Grand Marshal,” the President said. “This event brings our Navajo people together and is a great way to showcase our culture.
“I’m proud of all who participated and all who came out to support.”
The parade kicks off a weeklong cultural event that again celebrates Navajo entrepreneurship, arts, culture and agriculture.
Thousands of residents and visitors lined the parade route to see colorful floats, marching bands, dancers and riders.
“The Central Navajo Fair is about coming together,” he said, “supporting our local farmers, artisans, elders and youth.”
The annual Central Navajo Fair in the geographic center of the Navajo Nation is one of the largest fairs on Navajoland. It attracts thousands of visitors each year.
This year’s fair theme was Koodoo Hozhoodoo, “Beauty radiates within me.”
After the parade, the Navajo First Family spent time walking around the Central Fairgrounds, taking in cultural demonstrations and visiting vendor booths.
“The Central Navajo Fair represents its theme of partnerships and working together to get hard work done,” President Nygren said. “The First Lady and I truly enjoyed taking part in celebrating the Miss Central Navajo pageant, seeing all the dancers at the powwow, and cheering on our rodeo athletes.”
The multi-day event kicked off on Monday with the baby contest. Then on Friday, the annual elderly Fest started the day. On Saturday, it was the parade.
As always, President Nygren met with constituents who voiced various concerns directly to the President that related to road improvement projects, housing renovations, and their homesite leases.
A highlight of the weekend was the powwow on Saturday evening. Hundreds gathered in the arena to watch contest dances by various age groups and genres. These included grass dance, fancy dance, and traditional.
President Nygren thanked residents for continuing to uplift communities through traditional song and dance.
The day ended as it began, with high energy and excitement as President Nygren addressed the rodeo contestants and their families at the Central Fair Rodeo Arena.
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