CROWNPOINT, N.M. – Culture and tradition flourished at the 48th Annual Eastern Navajo Fair Parade on July 25, 2026.
The Department for Self Reliance (DSR) Crownpoint office joined in the festivities with a float focused on the Diné way of life, highlighting livestock and farming. The float featured representations of stalks of corn, sheep, horses, and hummingbirds. Staff gave out fruits and bottles of water to parade watchers along the route, which started from the Crownpoint High School and ended at the chapter house.
Grand marshals were silversmith Mary Jane Garcia and fashion designer Virginia Yazzie Ballenger. The theme for the fair was “Shine and Show from the East.” The Eastern Navajo Fair is the first of the Navajo fairs to take place each year.
The pride of the local communities was on full display by programs, businesses, veterans, dance groups and more with colorful floats, dazzling jewelry, and beautiful outfits. Many royalty, including some from other tribes, walked or rode in the parade.
“The DSR Crownpoint office did an excellent job of meeting the community during the parade,” Thomas Cody, Navajo Division for Children and Family Services Executive Director, said. “They celebrated and shared the belief that our culture and our teachings are central to our success as Diné people.”
The DSR Crownpoint office was able to provide outreach during the parade. The staff let the public know that the office is temporarily located at 2907 East Aztec, Gallup, New Mexico, and field site manager Desirae Capitan introduced herself. The DSR is a federally funded program that assists eligible individuals obtain the knowledge, skills, and experience to become self-reliant. The DSR provides Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and utilizes the Navajo teaching of T’áá hwó ájít’ éego – taking responsibility for your life.
The Eastern Navajo Fair and Rodeo took place from July 23-26, 2026, in Crownpoint, N.M. Other activities included the Miss Eastern Navajo pageant, junior rodeo, country and western dance, volleyball tournament, song and dance, car show, and trail run.
For more information on the DSR, please visit www.nntanf.org.
