Southern Ute Tribal Fair : Contests

Friday - September 18, 2015 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

The Tug O’ War Challenge returned with a rousing crowd of onlookers cheering the teams on.

Four men finished with prizes in the jalapeno eating contest, l-r, Jason Carmenoros, 3rd place, Amos O’John, 1st place and Grand Champion Kyle Keeto and Diamond Morgan 2nd Place. Keeto finished in one minute and thirty-one seconds securing him the grand champion prize of $500.

Kaden Anthony (left) and Phillip Velasquez stuff their mouths with watermelon, while trying to beat their fellow competitors. This year’s Youth Games were held at the Multi-Purpose field on Friday, Sept. 11.

The “Drummer’s” Special Jalapeno Eating Contest had 11 drum representatives compete for $500 cash. Ian Thompson (second from left) drumming with Thunder Hill won this year’s event, during the afternoon powwow sessions, Sunday, Sept. 13

Ian Thompson (right), winner of the "Drummer's Special" of the Jalapeno Eating Contest was the first of the representing drum groups, winning $500, Jalapeno Eating Superintendent, Robert Ortiz displays the cold-hard cash!

Team Cereal Killers was declared the winning ladies’ team of the All Native Tug O’ War Challenge, Saturday, Sept. 12.

The only all female team that participated in the Tipi Raising contest consisted of all tribal members: Cassandra Naranjo, Heather Baker and Katrina Martinez.

One team finishes up their tipi as they hurry to beat the clock. Each team has one chance to assemble a tipi in the 45-minute time frame.

Avaleena Nanaeto, on her horse, won the youth category of the Samuel Burch Horsemanship Contest. She poses here with some of the family of the late Samuel Burch.

Travis Nanaeto and his horse cross the “bridge” during the Samuel Burch Horsemanship Contest for the Southern Ute Tribal Fair. Nanaeto placed third in this year’s contest.

Danielle Austin and her horse, Chip, run through the loop pole pattern at this year’s Samuel Burch Horsemanship Contest. Austin won 1st place and received a new saddle as her prize.

Marquise Cibrian and Ambrose Valdez are all smiles and fun as they compete in the three legged race at this years kids games.

Marcus Archuleta, Jace Carmenoros and Silas Wilbourn all hurry to eat their watermelon trying to be the first to finish.

7 to 9-year-old girls race to the finish line during Friday's Kids Games.

Youth participated in a cracker-eating challenge as part of the Kids Games Friday, Sept. 11.

Avery Herrera gets ready to launch the ball as far as he can as McKean Walton watches.

1. Skylar Mirabal winds up the beanbag and gives it a toss during Friday’s Corn Bag Toss Contest. 2. The Corn Bag Toss pinned opponents against each other in a game of accuracy.

In the women’s category there were three ladies who took home cash prizes l-r, Sarah Cuch, 3rd place, Pamela King, 2nd place, and 1st place winner Katrina Martinez – who ate all five jalapeños in 2:01.

The first to five wins! The men sweat it out as they devour jalapeños during this year’s Jalapeño Eating contest. Twenty-one contestants – male and female – vied for the grand champion prize of $500.

Eleven brave women accepted the challenge to eat five jalapeños in this year’s Jalapeño Eating contest Saturday, Sept. 12.

Eight contestants competed in this year’s Fry Bread Contest Sunday, Sept. 13, and no one went home empty handed. Pictured (left to right): First place youth category Ocean Hunter, 3rd place adult category Miali Plentyholes , First Place adult Carla Snow, and 2nd place adult Kathleen Cajero.

Contestants are provided flour, salt, baking powder, warm water, shortening and three matches to make the bread for the competition. Pictured: Leora Lucero mixes her dough while her fire heats up.

Natalie Bravo smiles as she holds up daughter Cassidy during the Baby Contest Sunday, Sept. 13

Olyvia Watts shows off her regalia with help from dad, Orion Watts, during the Baby Contest Sunday, Sept. 13. Olyvia went on to win first place in the Crawlers Girls Native category.

Dwayne Wash handles drum duties for one of the teams during the Stick Game Tournament, Saturday, Sept. 12.

The Stick Game Tournament gathered participants for a team game of wits. First place went to team ‘Golden Girls’.

Some tribal members added additional creativity to their displays.

The displayed produce is judged based on size and quality. The produce displays ranged from cucumbers, pumpkins, chili, onions, and fruit to name a few.

The Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum hosted exhibit displays from Sept.16 to Sept. 19, displaying many local works of art, hand crafted regalia, and freshly-grown produce.

Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum

Photo Credit: Trennie Collins | The Southern Ute Drum

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Photo Credit: Henry Whiteskunk | SU Culture Dept.

Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum

Photo Credit: Trennie Collins | The Southern Ute Drum

Photo Credit: Trennie Collins |The Southern Ute Drum

Photo Credit: Trennie Collins | The Southern Ute Drum