Ak-Chin Indian Community Celebrates Masik Tas All Week With Rodeo, Carnival, and More!

The Ak-Chin Indian Community offers a full rodeo December 9-18 as part of the Masik Tas Celebration. It’s open to the public, so come on out to enjoy some thrilling rodeo competition!

The All-Indian Junior Rodeo takes place Friday, December 16, starting at 8 a.m. Events are open only to Native Americans from a federally recognized tribe. Kids will compete in events based on age group, and each category has a limit of twenty contestants. Come see possibly some of the brightest future rodeo stars!

Later Friday, stick around for the Bull Bash, starting at 4 p.m. This includes an open Bull Bash with thirty contestants. Next, Open Novice Bull Riding with ten contestants, and Open Women’s Steer Riding, also with ten contestants. Each event winner receives belt buckles and competes for cash prizes. Don’t miss the excitement of seeing who can stay in the ring for the longest time!

Come back out for the Open Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18. Performances start at noon on both days, with slack at 8 a.m., if needed. You’ll see lots of great athleticism and competition at this full rodeo, with bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and Wild Horse Races. Ladies’ events include barrel racing and breakaway roping.

Thrilling team competitions will include team roping and ladies’ team roping. Century team roping showcases participants age 50 and older, and 4 Tribes Team Roping features enrolled members of the Ak-Chin, Gila River, Tohono O’odham, and Salt River Indian Communities.

This year’s All-Indian Rodeo will also recognize the event’s “All Around Cowboy and Cowgirl” with a prize of $500 and a belt buckle. Events happen at the Ak-Chin Circle Arena, 16000 N. Maricopa Road, and are open to spectators.

The Masik Tas or “birthday” celebration commemorates the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s formal recognition by the U.S. government. This year’s Celebration includes several special events: the rodeo, a basketball tournament, the Light Parade on Saturday, December 10, and a carnival on December 16-18. Eventgoers can enjoy free parking for all of the fun. Come on out to these festive happenings and learn more about Masik Tas and the Ak-Chin Indian Community!

Last Updated on 03/11/2025 by Danny O’Donnell

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Danny O'Donnell

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