Opinion | Eastern Navajo Fair

By Douglas Capitan
Eastern Navajo Fair

The Navajo Nation’s economy is diverse with revenue generated in many ways. One such revenue streams is that of community fairs.

For nation’s five agencies, each fair beginning with Eastern Navajo Fair is an economic cash cow with the flow of resources stimulated and engaged on an annual basis. Local businesses, especially those that supply marketing and communication goods, portable restrooms, rodeo stock contractors, and even rodeo athletes see a bump in revenue in this season that lasts from July to October, ending with the Western Navajo Fair in mid-October.

For government and non-profit organizations, it is a moment to evaluate any remaining needs as they assess sponsorship requests and budget hearings. Tribal personnel across all agencies work diligently to expand access to resources for their communities. However, cuts to federal funding and the uncertainty of staffing from our federal partners has contributed to the board being more resourceful with our funding. Ongoing concerns persist regarding the nature of funding and its oversight, particularly due to the administrative challenges posed by tribal governance. These obstacles significantly impact infrastructure development, especially for non-profit volunteer organizations such as ENF and the fairgrounds’ property managers Crownpoint, Parks and Rodeo (CPR).

As more spectators attend various events, their expectations increase. Many compare local events to those in resource-rich cities like Las Vegas, where higher prices and greater financial capacity are common. In contrast, the Navajo Nation faces financial limitations that affect how it allocates resources to its community organizations.

CPR, the managing entity for the fairgrounds is organized under the Crownpoint Chapter and was a result of the Bureau of Indian Affairs handing over responsibility of various projects and properties to the tribe and communities. With the support of New Mexico Capital Outlay Funding and leaders in Santa Fe, Parks & Rodeo has been able to provide a new grandstand, upgraded the shoots, repainted and maintained the arena and property. This has been in motion for the last three decades. The property was classified as executive order land belonging to the BIA. However, in the last 10 years the fairgrounds have transitioned to Navajo tribal trust within the scope of community development and under chapter oversight.

Parks and Rodeo records show that a lighting upgrade in Window Rock has been delayed for four years. The Eastern Navajo Agency frequently faces funding issues with money routed through Window Rock. Funding for the Navajo Nation Special Diabetes program’s new building was nearly withdrawn by New Mexico due to inactivity but was restored after intervention by Governor Grisham and former President Nez. Similarly, funding for a new hotel has also been postponed.

The board invites anyone interested in volunteering to coordinate an event at the 48th Eastern Navajo Fair. Planning begins at the next board meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Crownpoint Chapter. Coordinating an event is challenging but rewarding; successful coordinators know their community, have fundraising skills, adapt quickly, and use networking to achieve results, as noted by parade coordinator Douglas Capitan.

As the dust settles in Crownpoint, it begins to stir in Gallup and Chinle who will be hosting the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial in a matter of days (Aug. 1-10 in Gallup).

The Eastern Navajo Fair concluded Sunday, July 27, with daily events including the Miss Eastern Navajo Pageant, powwow, livestock show, rodeo, traditional song and dance contests, and a car show. The ENF Board wishes all fair event organizers the very best this year and encourages participation in any and all of our community events. For more information, visit easternnavajofair.org.

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