Ak-Chin Indian Community celebrates Masik Tas 2019 with wonderful festivities

The Masik Tas or “birthday” celebration commemorates the Ak-Chin Indian Community‘s formal recognition with the U.S. government. Various special events for the community on December 7 and December 13-15 will take place and everyone is welcome!

The Light Parade kicks things off on Saturday, December 7, heading West down Farrell Road, in Maricopa at 7 p.m. Celebrate the start of Masik Tas and get into the holiday spirit too! All decked out in brilliant Christmas lights, parade entries come from local community groups, local businesses, tribal enterprises/departments as well as other tribes around the state.

For the first time, the community is producing a full rodeo which offers thrilling competition December 13-15. The Junior Rodeo starts Friday, December 13, at 8 a.m. for young rodeo contestants up to age 17. Then, on Saturday and Sunday the full rodeo begins.  The All-Indian Rodeo events include bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, ladies barrel racing, ladies breakaway roping, and different team roping competitions. A Bull Bash happens on December 13 at 4 p.m., and the Wild Horse Races take off on December 14 and 15 at noon. Don’t miss the thrills of these different competitions.

Another fun family event is the Masik Tas carnival, which happens December 13-15 near the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. Enjoy rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Hours of operation are Friday, 4–10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Unlimited ride wristbands are offered for $10 per day (cash only), and children ages three and under ride free.

Along with the carnival, there will be two stages with a variety of entertainment. This includes Vaila or Chicken Scratch Entertainment Friday night on the main stage. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, cultural dance groups appear on the mini stage. Then on Saturday evening, renowned Latino accordionist Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte and his band perform at 7 p.m. Tickets for this all-ages show are $25 at the door, cash only being sold starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. After his show, fireworks will light up the night sky.

Learn more about the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and have a great time with family and friends at these fun events!  Please contact Ak-Chin Indian Community, Community Events team at (520) 568-1045 for more information.