It’s been a long wait for the next Ceremonial and this year’s will seem different from those in the past.
Nevertheless, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Association has a new office at 2105 E. Aztec Ave. and a web site at gallupceremonial.com and it remains dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Native American art and culture.
On the schedule for this year’s festivities is a wine gala. On Aug. 12 at 6 pm, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial will feature New Mexico wines, craft beers and Pendleton Whiskey.
The ribbon-cutting to open the Arts Exhibit Hall will also happen at that time. Poster artist Allen Bahe will do the honors.
The art will be on display as part of the live World Renowned Juried Art Show. Kyle Tom, president of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial told the Sun this year is looking to be the biggest art show and the biggest rodeo in some time.
Entries for the art show are being taken at Red Rock Park Auditorium on Aug. 7 from 8 am-5 pm. There is no fee to enter. All Native American artists are invited.
There will also be dances at this year’s Ceremonial.
Tom thanked Camille’s Sidewalk Café for sponsoring the Nightly Indian Dances in downtown Gallup at McKinley County Courthouse Square, 207 W. Hill Ave. on Aug 10, 11, and 12
Tom said there will be dance performances at the rodeo and thanked the Navajo Transitional Energy Company for sponsoring the amphitheater performances in Red Rock Park from 2 pm-6 pm Aug. 13 and 14.
The open rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 12-15 beginning at 9 am at Red Rock Park Arena. It will feature the Open Rodeo Slack and the Iron Cowgirl Challenge at 7 pm.
The final day of the 2021 Ceremonial will include the Old School Days Rodeo with the pony express race, the wild horse race, women’s steer riding, wild cow milking, the frybread pan throw, fruit scramble and wooly riding.
By Beth Blakeman
Managing Editor
