Casa Grande Cowboy Days and O’odham Tash Rodeo and events continue long-standing traditions

The Casa Grande, Az Cowboy Days, and O’odham Tash Rodeo events offered thrilling competition and fun activities in February for all to enjoy.

Part of Casa Grande, Az for over 100 years, Cowboy Days and the O’odham Tash Rodeo celebrate the area’s rich Indian American heritage. The city of Casa Grande transforms into a colorful festival full of rodeo events, Indian American arts and crafts, carnival fun, and more.

The O’odham Tash Parade took to the streets of downtown Casa Grande on Saturday, February 15, complete with floats and entries on horseback. Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council Chairman, Robert Miguel, was honored to serve as parade Grand Marshall. Miguel grew up on a small ranch in the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and as a child, he attended the O’Odham Tash parade, rodeo, and other events every year.

Ak-Chin Indian Community is mainly of Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham tribes and is one of the major sponsors of the O’odham Tash Rodeo activities. Gila River, Salt River, Pima tribes, along with the O’odham tribes, are the most celebrated tribes during this 100+ year-long event.

Ray Champ served as the O’odham Tash Rodeo announcer. Champ is originally from the Crow Reservation in southern Montana.  He belongs to the Professional Bull Riders Association, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Indian National Finals Rodeo, and the Northern Rodeo Association, among others. Champ divides his time between professional rodeo announcing and raising cattle and quarter horses on his family’s ranch in Montana.

Pony Express riders delivered formal invitation letters from the Mayor of Casa Grande to several neighboring dignitaries on horseback, encouraging them to attend Casa Grande Cowboy Days and the O’odham Tash Rodeo. It’s an annual tradition for many in the community and surrounding areas.

Rodeo competition began Friday, February 14, with breakaway and tie-down roping. Then the full slate of rodeo events happened February 15-16, showcasing top rodeo athletes. Donovan Yazzie was the Men’s All-Around Champion, and Devyn Dennison was the Women’s champion.

If you missed this year’s fun, make sure you head on down to next year’s Casa Grande Cowboy Days and O’odham Tash Rodeo!