Ak-Chin Indian Community Masik Tas Rodeo to thrill fans, competitors

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEtTe_O0q0M”][vc_column_text]Rodeo fans: Don’t miss the exciting events during the Ak-Chin Indian Community Masik Tas Celebration! The rodeo competition happens Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16.
The All Indian Jr. Rodeo hosts events for the youngest rodeo aficionados. These include stick horse barrels and stick horse racing for the Buckaroo division ages 5 and under, with older kids competing in barrel racing and ribbon roping. The Junior and Senior divisions also participate in team roping and steer riding, while the older kids, ages 14 to 17, compete in bull riding. The Junior Rodeo starts at 9:00 a.m. Entry is available from 7:00–8:30 a.m. as walk-up only with no pre-registration. Enter your own kids or enjoy watching other kids in this fun competition!
For the rest of the weekend, the adults can compete. Come back that evening for the Bull Bash and Wild Horse Race starting at 6:00 p.m. Open bull riding will be available to 30 entrants with a $100 entry fee each. Novice bull riding will be open to 10 entrants with a $60 entry.
The first-place Novice winner receives a buckle, and the reserve champion nets a jacket. In the Open category, the champion receives a saddle, with the reserve champion netting a buckle and the third-place rider earning a jacket. The Wild Horse Race showcases additional talent, thrills, and competition, with a $300 entry fee.
Bull Riding and Wild Horse Racing entry happens Saturday, December 15, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. For event information, call Delbert White, 520-414-5515, or Gabe Lopez, 520-858-4215.
The excitement continues on Sunday, December 16, with Jackpot Team Roping. Books open at 9 a.m. and roping kicks off at 10 a.m. Don’t miss the chance to enter or view this exciting competition.
All rodeo events take place at the Ak-Chin Circle Arena near the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center. This rodeo is part of the Masik Tas Celebration, which commemorates the formal recognition of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Events run over several days and include a carnival and entertainment, all open to the public. Learn more about the Ak-Chin Indian Community during the Masik Tas celebration![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUK9TKlN5k8″ align=”center”][vc_single_image image=”27253″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” >

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.