Maricopa, Arizona – the Ak-Chin Masik Tas, or “birthday” celebration, is an event created to celebrate and commemorate the formal recognition of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and it is a jam-packed event you don’t want to miss! Events include an evening light parade, carnival, rodeo events, concerts, Vaila dance, traditional performers, demonstrators, and food/arts & crafts vendors! To say there is something for everyone is an absolute understatement because there is absolutely something for the whole family at this amazing event.
Credit: Cowboy Lifestyle Network
Carnival & Concerts
The free carnival kicks off on December 15-17th at the Ak-Chin Recreation Center located at 46753 W Farrell Rd, Maricopa, AZ. But that’s not the only thing that is free at this event. All nights of the event feature free concerts featuring popular country band Midland on December 15th From there, the list goes on of who is performing, including Los Hermanos Cuatro, Louie S, Eric Y Su Grupo Massore, and more!
Carnival & Concerts Location:
Ak-Chin Recreation Center
46753 W Farrell Rd, Maricopa, AZ
Credit: Ak-Chin Indian Community
Parade & Rodeo
The rodeo parade is on Saturday, December 9th at 7:00 pm, with the rodeo kicking off on Thursday, December 14th, with team roping. A junior rodeo is happening on Friday, December 15th, starting at 9:00 am. An event you don’t want to miss is the Bull Bash happening on December 15th at 4:00 pm. Catch all the action at the Ak-Chin Circle Arena, where three events will take place, including the Open Bull Bash, the Open Novice Bull Riding, and the Open Women’s Steer Riding. Ak-Chin Circle Arena is located at 16000 N Maricopa Rd. Maricopa, AZ 85139. Two chances to catch the wild horse race are happening on December 16th and 17th, which are also the dates for the main event, the open rodeo! Performances are set for 12:00 pm both days. Events include bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping, and more!
Rodeo Events Location:
Ak-Chin Circle Arena
16000 N Maricopa Rd. Maricopa, AZ 85139
Heritage, Tradition, & Celebration
This event is a lot of fun and games but also a commemoration of heritage, tradition, and celebration. The community celebration happens on December 10th and features a dance, popover, wood chopping, and menudo contests. This event takes place from 1:00 – 9:00 pm at the Old Vaila Site.
Schedule of Events
- Light Parade: Saturday, December 9 at 7:00 pm
- Masik Tas Community Celebration: Sunday, December 10
- Free Carnival: December 15 – 17
- Roping: Thursday, December 14
- Jr. Rodeo: Friday, December 15
- Bull Bash: Friday, December 15
- Open Wild Horse Race: December 16 & 17
- Open Rodeo: December 16 & 17
A jam-packed few days full of fun, celebration, and tradition are waiting for you at the Ak-Chin Indian Community celebration of Masik Tas. You don’t want to miss this!
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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