PRESS RELEASE - Spetember 9, 2010
CONTACT: Daniel Vandever, Public Information Officer
Phone: 928-810-8510
Email: dwvandever@gmail.com

Photo by Daniel Vandever

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley serves BBQ luncheon on Thursday 9.9.10 - Navajo Nation Fair. (Photo by Geri Hongeva)

Free barbeque, free entertainment, free fun at Navajo Nation Fair

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – A lot of work went into the 64th Annual Navajo Nation Fair’s free barbeque this year and not just because of the 2,500 pounds of meat it required to cook or the 10,000 people it was expected to serve.

In order to bring the barbeque closer to the middle of the fairgrounds, the Division of Natural Resources had to personally paint and repair the fairground’s Barbeque Pavilion.

It required a lot of work and a lot of effort, but it was worth it according to Judy Willeto, the Legislative Liason for the Division of Natural Resources.

“People didn’t like the spot before because they had to walk all the way to the south end of the fairgrounds,” stated Willeto. “They like it now though because they don’t have to walk as far.”

The large amount of food required two underground pits to cook, and all three departments of the Division of Natural Resources to serve. According to the barbeque coordinator, Alan Downer of the Historic Preservation Department, it also took about three months to plan and over 150 people to volunteer.

The people who attended noticed all the effort that went into the event, and where they were appreciative.

“The overall day has been great with the barbeque and Kids Day,” stated fairgoer Sharon Watchman of Window Rock. “It brings an attraction to the reservation and gives kids the opportunity to be home.”

In addition to the barbeque, the Division of Natural Resources also provided fairgoers with free entertainment and traditional games, in which people participated in a tug-o-war contest and a hay-rolling contest.

For more information please visit www.navajonationfair.com or contact the Fair Office at 928.871.6478, 928.871.7998 or 928.871.7979.