Elders gather under new arena shade at 77th Navajo Nation Fair

Posted by Navajo Times | Sep 11, 2025 | Culture |

By Karen Francis
Special to the Times

WINDOW ROCK

The Annie D. Wauneka Song and Dance Arena welcomed elders in comfort this year with a major improvement: a new covered area. Attendees at the Navajo Nation’s Elder Fest on Thursday, Sept. 4, said the addition made a difference as they enjoyed the festivities in the shade.

Elders gather under new arena shade at 77th Navajo Nation Fair

Special to the Times | Karen Francis
Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty (right) joins elders in a round of song and dance during the 77th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Elder Fest on Thursday, Sept. 4, in Window Rock.

“This is nice!” exclaimed Emma Elliott of Many Farms, Arizona.

“I came out here to be among my beloved grandmas and grandpas, to celebrate the Navajo Nation and to represent our community and to represent our senior centers that we’re all together here as a family,” Elliott said.

She noted that events like the Elder Fest are especially important because many elders face health issues such as long-term effects of COVID-19 and diabetes. “It’s good to bring them out too so they can feel good and better, uplift themselves, to get to see their relatives, their families and their loved ones,” she said.

Elliott said her favorite parts of the fair are Elder Fest, song and dance, and the rodeo. “It seems like in all the events, my loved ones participate, and I try to support them,” she said. She also encourages them to stay active.

Special to the Times | Karen Francis
Esther Bodie and Harvey Joe were crowned the Fort Defiance Agency Elderly Queen and King during the coronation at the 77th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Elder Fest in Window Rock on Thursday, Sept. 4.

She has been coming to the Navajo Nation Fair since childhood, when her mother served as a Council delegate. “I used to come out here with her and that’s how I got to know a lot of people. I got to know clan-wise I got a lot of relatives, not only my own relatives. We’ve got relatives all over,” she said.

Her favorite memory, she said, is seeing different talents and skills from elders and children alike. “We go home and tell family and friends who couldn’t make the trip about the activities.”

A highlight of Elder Fest was the coronation of the Fort Defiance Agency King and Queen. Harvey Joe and Esther Bodie were crowned the 2025–26 King and Queen after outgoing remarks from 2024–25 King and Queen Earnest Smith and Emily Wauneka, respectively. Joe and Bodie received Pendletons and sashes.

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

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