76th Annual All-Indian O’odham Rodeo, Parade & Fair in Sells, AZ

Cowboy Lifestyle Network captured the O’odham Wapkial of the Ha:tas and 76^th Annual All-Indian Rodeo, Fair and Parade at the Eugene P. Tashquinth Sr. Livestock complex in Sells, Arizona. In fact, the S-ke:g Tas! of the Tohono O’odham Nation is Arizona’s longest running All-Indian Rodeo that brings everyone together as a community to celebrate Indian traditions and rich history.

Tohono O’odham Nation members and visiting guests of all ages enjoyed an amazing rodeo while also having the opportunity to enjoy a parade and a fair consisting of a full carnival, cultural performances, traditional games, waila, pow wow, food booths, exhibits, business expo and countless other forms of entertainment.

76th Annual Wapkial Ha:tas Grand Marshal Verna Darlene Enos (Top) and Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Dr. Ned Norris, Jr. (Bottom Left) and Vice Chairman Wavalene Romero (Bottom Right)

The Grand Marshal of the 76^th Annual Wapkial Ha:tas (Rodeo, Fair and Parade) is Ms. Verna Darlene Enos. Her contribution to the community has been very instrumental to keeping the O’odham traditions alive and well, especially for the O’odham youth by connecting with them through traditional dancing and singing.

Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Dr. Ned Norris, Jr. and Vice Chairwoman Wavalene Romero made a very special appearance during the O’odham Parade and then afterwards to the Rodeo and Fair while welcoming everyone to Komkicud E-wa’osidk Cheksan!

Pictures from the 76th Annual O’odham RodeoPhoto Credit: Joshua Jack

Formerly known as Indian Oasis in 1919, the reservation is apart of the Sells District and is known by the O’odham as Komkicud E-wa’osidk. Indeed, after 76 successful years of hosting this major event, the rodeo and fair just keeps getting better every year; in which, all O’odham should be extremely proud of their achievements while staying true to their Himdag, which means “way of life.” Reflecting their culture, heritage, values, norms, and practices that brings them together as a community that continues to be an inspiration and is a guide for those across the Tohono O’odham Nation as new generations come and go.

The parade, rodeo and fair was a complete success this year and some of the biggest champions in Indian Rodeo came to compete in this years 76^th Annual Tohono O’odham Rodeo. Even Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s favorite team roping contestants from the PRCA’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) Derrick Begay and Erich Rogers were there roping for a very special prize. As a matter of fact, they were all hyped up because participants in Arizona’s longest running All-Indian Rodeo had a rare opportunity to win a high-class horse trailer.

An exclusive throwback photo of Legendary bull rider and member of the Ak-Chin Tribal Council, Gabe Lopez

As a matter of fact, Ak-Chin Indian Community sponsored this special event with great honor. CLN even ran into legendary bull rider and member of the Ak-Chin Tribal Council, Gabe Lopez. Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to thank the Ak-Chin Indian Community for everything they do for Indian Rodeo and giving us the ability to cover the celebrations of these Rodeo festivities. Tohono O’odham Rodeo and Fair is Indian Rodeo’s finest and CLN is already looking forward to next years event and we hope you are too!

Last Updated on 05/09/2019 by Aaron Kuhl

CLN Community & Event Sponsor

About the Author:

Aaron Kuhl

Biography:

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life.

Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion.

After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community.

Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home.

Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.