Community

The Western Navajo Fair is celebrating its 57th anniversary and the Granger family is looking to continue its rich tradition as the rodeo coordinators.

When the drums start, the arena fills with bright regalia and voices

Wearing her crown with pride and calm authority, 21-year-old Priya Simpson, the newly crowned 2025-26 Miss White Mountain Apache Queen, stood on the fairgrounds of the 112th Annual Northern Navajo Nation Fair and spoke about duty, not just to her people but to those struggling in silence.

Charlene Dearly remembers sitting in an old wagon near the Northern Navajo Fairgrounds and listening to the powwow drums as a child. She and her cousin could smell the food from KFC and the sweet fried sugar in the air. They stayed out until the lights dimmed and the announcer wished everyone a safe trip home

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.