Frybread contest returns to Navajo Nation Fair, draws big crowd

By Karen Francis
Special to the Times

WINDOW ROCK

The Frybread Contest at the Navajo Nation Fair made its return this year after a hiatus. Erickson Billy, the owner of Blue Naadą́ą́’ Sweets, brought the competition back on Saturday, Sept. 6, under the Navajo Square tent.

Special to the Times | Karen Francis
Kaydence Yazzie lifts a golden frybread from the pan during the competition at the 77th Annual Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock on Thursday, Sept. 4.

“Last year they didn’t have one, so I thought, let’s bring it back,” Billy said. “It’s definitely a highlight. Look at the crowd here today. It’s … packed. A lot of people look forward to it. We had 30 slots, and it filled up very quick.”

The contest featured five categories: traditional men’s and women’s (ages 18–34), men’s and women’s (ages 35 and older), and an over-18 blue corn frybread co-ed category. Winners from each division advanced to the championship round.

Cash prizes were awarded: $100 for third place, $150 for second, and $200 for first. The overall champion took home a Blackstone grill. Contestants had 30 minutes to make frybread from start to finish, using propane stoves rather than building their own fires as in past years.

Special to the Times | Karen Francis
Michael Eriacho pulls a frybread from the hot oil during the Frybread Contest at the 77th Annual Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Charlie Benally won the championship title and the 18-34 men’s division. “I feel relieved because I was nervous coming in and through the whole thing,” he said. Benally said he didn’t do anything special to prepare – just kept making bread for his family.

His secret: “The water for the dough should be mostly hot, put in more baking powder than you think you should, and let the lard get hot.”

To read the full article, please see the Sept. 11, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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