CROWNPOINT, N.M. – Elders participated in a special day designated just for them at the Eastern Navajo Fair Elderfest.
With the theme, “Show and Shine from the East,” the Eastern Navajo Fair kicked off the Navajo fair season with activities that included the Elderfest and Just Move It walk and run on July 23, 2026.
The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) took part in the Elderfest to support elders and caregivers. NDCFS played a scavenger hunt game with prizes that included sheepherder specials – bowls with supplies like sacks of flour, jam, salt, and baking powder. The elders quickly reached for the items called out by NDCFS staff like fingernail clippers, blue masani scarf, and safety pins to win one of the bowls.
“Our elders are our precious treasures. They are the foundation of our families and carry our history, our teachings, and our language. They deserve to have a day where they are recognized and celebrated,” said Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director.
Amber Morgan, NDCFS administrative assistant, helped to organize the Division’s participation in the event. “Watching our elders smile, participate, and receive one of the sheepherder bowls was truly rewarding. Moments like these remind us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the wisdom and legacy of our elders. It was a privilege to help create an experience that reflected our NDCFS mission and our belief that Culture is Healing,” she said,
Dressed in their finest garments and jewelry, the elders joined the song and dance with Navajo singing groups. The song and dance encourages elders to stay in good physical health while being socially active.
Other activities that delighted the elders included a parade of the senior center banners and a fashion show featuring the elders themselves. They also learned exercises and stretches they can do to stay healthy.
The Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families, Department of Child Care and Development, Financial Assistance Unit, and Department of Family Services were on hand to provide information for all participants.
The elders enthusiastically welcomed a special guest from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mary Lazare, administrator of Administration for Community Living (ACL), joined in dancing to a song in her honor and in a round dance.
“My honor to be with you elders of the Navajo Nation. It is an honor to be with you and it’s an honor for me. This is my first festival,” Lazare said. “We want to do all we can to make sure we get connected to you through these people to help you, to support you, and keep you as active and as friendly and as social as we possibly can.”
The ACL includes the Administration on Aging, Administration on Disabilities, Center for Innovation and Partnership, and National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research.
The Eastern Navajo Fair and Rodeo is held through Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Crownpoint Fairground.
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