Pictured: LtoR Lorenzo Isaac, Stephen Young, Chris Claw, JJ Young II

KAYENTA-This year the Kayenta Fourth of July Celebration Activities exceeded expectations with the addition of several activities taking place along side the exceptional rodeo performances. With a pow-wow, song-n-dance, film festival, and youth celebration, visitors had a variety of activities to attend.

In its beginnings, the Kayenta Fourth of July Celebration was intended to boost the amount of visitors coming to Kayenta resulting in more dollars being spent locally. It’s taken awhile but according to a report given by the Kayenta Rodeo Task Force the rodeo is doing just that

On Monday, July 14 at a regularly scheduled Kayenta Township meeting, JJ Young II, KRTF Rodeo Director, presented the report to the Commissioners and the public regarding the success of the rodeo.

KRTF reported a 10% increase in total revenue for the rodeo which will be used for next year’s activities. The revenue included the gate receipts for the rodeo and dances. The $120,000 rodeo production is expected to draw more visitors next year as word spreads that Kayenta’s Fourth of July Festivities is one of the best on the Navajo Nation.

“This year’s rodeo had the most number of contestants ever with over 400 contestants,” said JJ Young II. In addition, July 4th brought in a sold out crowd for the evening performance as many of them awaited the $10,000 fireworks show.

The evening was topped off with an Aces Wild dance at the Kayenta Recreation Center in which the building was filled to capacity. Overall, the rodeo received positive responses from visitors and local residents.

The Commission gave praise to Young and the Task Force for their dedication and committment to build one of the best rodeos in Indian Country. At the end of the report, JJ Young II informed the Commission of his resignation from the Task Force to pursue personal goals but did mention that the rodeo’s success was a team effort and that without the support of the community and businesses the rodeo would not be as successful.

What did you think of Kayenta’s Fourth of July Celebration Activities? Fireworks? Youth Activities? Pow Wow? Film Festival? Song n Dance? Rodeo?