Ak-Chin Indian Community Celebrates “Masik Tas” 2015

 
Each year, the Ak-Chin Indian Community welcomes Maricopa residents and guests from across Arizona to their community for the annual Masik Tas Celebration. Masik Tas is a time for community celebration, community growth and this year, action-packed events over two weekends in December.
Masik Tas is a birthday celebration that was started to commemorate the formal recognition of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. This year, the theme of the celebration is  “Water is life… And our most precious resource.” Not only will The Community celebrate its people, but it will also celebrate this most precious resource that sustains us all.

From a rodeo to a parade and the free Dwight Yoakam concert, presented by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and The Community welcomes anyone who would like to enjoy the festivities. This year’s event lineup includes the All-Indian Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, where the best Indian athletes will compete. If you love golf, you will want to make sure to participate in the four-player scramble-style Ak-Chin Indian Community Masik Tas Golf Tournament hosted by the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, one of the finest and highest-rated courses in Arizona.
“It’s a big day for us because it’s our community’s day of birth,” said councilmember Gabe Lopez, “But it’s all the events that are going on and our community welcoming and sharing a piece of our heritage with everyone that’s attending that makes the Masik Tas so special.”

One of the highlights of the celebration is the Jr. Rodeo, Rodeo, Bull Bash and Team Roping. Watch the area’s best riders compete against each other in the heart-stopping action sports of: bull riding, team roping, sheep riding, ribbon roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, calf riding, steer riding, calf dressing and wild horse races.
“For me, as a former bull rider, I always envisioned the sport coming into The Community and letting them experience what I’ve experienced, and exposing that event to the area…not only to Ak-Chin but to all of Maricopa,” Lopez stated.
“We are a Community that gives a lot to our members and the surrounding community,” Lopez added. “There’s that old hospitality that a lot of us grew up with. Our grandparents told us that you always make people feel welcome, open your doors to them and make sure they don’t leave on an empty stomach. That’s what makes the Ak-Chin Indian Community so special.”

The Cowboy Lifestyle Network and Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team will be bringing you coverage of the event, so stay tuned, click on and hang on!