SLIDESHOW: 2019 Navajo Nation Fair

The Navajo Nation Fair kicked off this week with the traditional foods contest for the Miss Navajo contestants and the “gateway” pageant for babies and toddlers. Today’s events include Ashkii Happy Kids’ Day, Elder Fest, the wild horse race and three excellent country artists.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Three-year-old Melissa Wooten demonstrates how to use a spindle to spin wool during the baby contest on Sept. 4 during the Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock.

NAVAJO TIMES | RIMA KRISST
Making the most of all of the parts of the sheep after the butchering, stews and blood sausage brew over a hot fire at the Miss Navajo Nation Traditional Foods Competition.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Jaiden Willeto helps her son Malakai Money, 3, on stage during the baby contest on Sept. 4 during the Navajo Nation Fair.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Former Misses Navajo hold the sheep for the two Miss Navajo contestants during the butchering competition on Monday in Window Rock.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Miss Navajo Nation contestant Shaandiin Parrish shows the audience the ach’íí’ she prepared at the butchering competition on Monday in Window Rock.

NAVAJO TIMES | RIMA KRISST
Miss Navajo Nation contestant Kayla Martinez stokes her cooking fire at the traditional foods competition.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Miss Navajo Nation contestant Shaandiin Parrish, of Kayenta, Ariz., after removing the sheep’s backbone during the butchering competition on Monday in Window Rock.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Miss Navajo Nation contestant Shaandiin Parrish skins the arm of the sheep as former Miss Navajo Crystalynne Curley helps during the butchering competition on Monday at the Navajo Nation fairgrounds.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Miss Navajo Nation contestant Shaandiin Parrish shows the audience the ach’íí’ she prepared at the butchering competition on Monday in Window Rock.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Miss Navajo contestant Kayla Martinez hangs the ak’ah on the rope to dry during the butchering on Monday in Window Rock.

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Four-year-old Nanu Thompson gets shy onstage during the baby contest at the Navajo Nation Fair on Wednesday in Window Rock.