The 104th Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair Parade commenced on Saturday, Sept. 12. This year’s theme was “Coming Together – In Mind, Body, and Spirit – Chupikinu núuanu puwanu”. Tribal departments, community members, powwow dancers, and many more paraded down Goddard Ave. all adhering to the theme designed and created by Southern Ute tribal member Tanisha Figueroa. Float categories included service/nonprofit, organization, commercial, and family – other categories included Best Native Dressed, Best Native Group, Best Royalty, Best Car, and Best Dressed Native Rider, Cowboy, and Cowgirl. Spectators lined up the avenue early in the morning hoping to secure the best spot for candy, goodies, and views.
The Grand Marshall for the 104th Southern Ute Tribal Fair is Southern Ute tribal member Elise Redd. Redd earned the high honor of leading the annual parade down Goddard Ave., and she rode in style – seated passenger side in a brand-new Dodge Ram truck, Redd waved to the crowds signaling the official start of the parade.
The newly crowned Jr. Miss Southern Ute, Malia White Thunder, competes in the Best Dressed Native Rider category on Saturday morning. White Thunder has earned the title of Jr. Miss Southern Ute following her older sisters' reign with the same title – White Thunder was crowned on Friday evening of the 66th Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair Powwow.
Frances Bison rides on the “Elect Marvin Pinnecoose Chairman” float during the parade, throwing candy and waving to the crowds and she assisted her husband's campaign.
Southern Ute Shared Services staff handed out free goodies, candy, and blew bubbles during the Parade on Saturday morning.
The Southern Ute Detention Center float featured handmade art from inmates, giving them the opportunity to participate in this year’s parade. The float went on to receive the Executive Officers award.
The Southern Ute Multipurpose Facility staff and Haunted House volunteers entered their Halloween themed float to promote their annual event held during each spooky season. Staff rode bikes and walked on stilts dressed in scary costumes, passing out candy and information to spectators.
Metallica cover band, Lectricide performed live on the KSUT & Native REZ-olution Youth Concert Float, bringing the sounds of heavy metal to Goddard Ave. inciting head banging and dancing from spectators. The float was driven by superintendent for the concert event, Robert Ortiz.
Members of the Southern Ute Veterans Association and visiting veterans led the parade with the colors and our National Flag, spectators thanked them for their service as the group led the parade down Goddard Ave.
Southern Ute Councilman Marty Pinnecoose smiles and waves to attendees as he rides atop a float in The Southern Ute Tribal Fair parade on Saturday Sept. 12
Southern Ute Tribal Member Marvin Pinnecoose throws popsicles out to the crowd during the annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair Parade.
Fancy Dancer Jaron “Bubbus” Yazzie of Farmington, NM is all smiles as he rides down main street for the Southern Ute Fair parade.
Southern Ute Councilman Andrew Gallegos rides his horse down Goddard Ave. during the Southern Ute Fair parade.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Carli Hight | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Carli Hight | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Carli Hight | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Carli Hight | The Southern Ute Drum
