103rd Southern Ute Tribal Fair: Contests

Friday - September 19, 2025 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum
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Southern Ute tribal member Amethyst Violet Weaver waves to her family before she tests her might on the grease pole challenge!
Honing his skills in the skate bowl, Southern Ute skater Cyrus Naranjo takes part in the annual Skate Park Competition hosted by SunUte Community Center, Saturday, Sept. 13.
Cody Dutton finds his footing as he climbs up during the grease pole contest with his team “The Has Beens” on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The team “Tigers” work together to try and win during the grease pole contest, trusting in one another’s strength to hold each other up!
Gia Velasquez and Kairi Ruybal pose up while fishing together in the early morning hours of Friday’s annual Fishing Derby sponsored by the Southern Ute Wildlife Resource Management Division.
Young Theoden Greaney tries his luck with hot dogs as bait, fishing off the dock at Scott’s Pond during the annual Tribal Fair Fishing Derby, Friday, Sept. 12.
Snagging the biggest fish, just minutes before the buzzer sounded, ending the annual fishing Derby, Joe Herrera brings his carp up for weigh in and a shot at the prize money.
Romeo Thomas sports an Ignacio team jersey during the annual Tribal Fair Fishing Derby, Friday, Sept. 12, which welcomed anglers of all ages to compete.
Skaters from 505 Shredz Skate Shop in Farmington, N.M. came up to Ignacio to support the youth and compete in the adult categories at the annual Skate Park Competition hosted by SunUte Community Center.
Christian "Cash" Rodriquez-Velasquez turns up the heat on his BMX bike, during the annual Skate Park Competition hosted by SunUte Community Center; Cash went on to win a new bike after taking a first-place win in his category!
Keyon Alston competed in the “13 and older” category during the grease pole contest on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Southern Ute tribal member, Krista Richards took home first place in her division, shooting traditional at Sunday morning’s 3D archery event. Richards teamed up with Shiri Howe and Jack Frost III for the early morning archery event in Ignacio.
Taking aim with her compound bow, Dezbah Washinawatok sets her sights on the 3D targets carefully placed along the Bear Trail, taking home first place in her division. Dezbah is the daughter of James Washinawatok (Senior Tribal Attorney) and Brenna Clani-Washinawatok of Farmington, N.M.
Southern Ute tribal elder, Ernest “Muz” Pinnecoose shoots traditional in the men’s category during the annual 3D Archery Challenge, Sunday, Sept. 14, sponsored by the SunUte Community Center.
Archers paid close attention to the rules of the contest at this year's Sasquatch Archery Shoot, Sunday, Sept. 14.
An archer lines up his shot, while others look on with anticipation, at this year's Sasquatch Archery Shoot held at Scott’s Pond, Sunday, Sept. 14.
A “Traditional Girl” lines up for the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Baby Contest, Saturday, Sept. 14.
Cecilia Stubbs lines up with her and Sammy Romero's son for the "Western Boy" category of the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Baby Contest.
Jasper Abeyta gets called safe during the Co-Ed portion of the softball games on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the SunUte Baseball field in Ignacio, Colo.
Following the ladies contest, the next round of the Jalapeño Eating Contest takes place on Saturday, Sept. 13. Eight male contestants risk the heat of five jalapeños, for the fastest time and for the grand prize.
The 23rd Annual Jalapeño Contest is hosted and emceed by superintendent Robert Ortiz, along with the assistance of many volunteers, the fan favorite contest takes place each year as part of the Southern Ute Tribal Fair.
Despite heavy rainfall, fans of the annual Jalapeño Eating Contest waited to watch and compete on Saturday, Sept. 13. Ladies fight through the heat of five jalapeños for a chance at a $500 cash prize and other gifts.
Leandro Litz and Moav Berry compete in the annual Tipi Raising Contest on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds infield. Hosted by Byron and Etta Frost, teams compete to raise a Tipi as fast as possible for the chance of a cash prize.
The Tipi Raising Contest is overseen by superintendent Byron Frost, with the help of his wife Etta. Teams are judged on speed and presentation of their tipi; each year this contest takes place on Sunday morning near the Grease Pole Climb and Frybread Making contests.
Teams work together to raise a tipi as fast as possible on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds, as one of the contests held during the 103rd Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair.
Eight contestants hit the stage to attempt the annual Jalapeño Eating Contest on Saturday, Sept. 13. The first contestant to eat five jalapeños wins, these contestants try to finish their bowls as fast as possible for the overall grand prize.
Marcus Height swings and hits the ball during the Co-Ed game on Sunday, Sept. 14
SunUte Recreation Manager, Kelsey Frost swings at the softball during the Softball Tourney that was held during Tribal Fair Weekend. Men’s, Women’s and Co-Ed competed to win first place.
Southern Ute tribal member and Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory (SCSYAC) council member, Auq-uwey O’John selling ducks on behalf of SCSYAC during the evening on Saturday, Sept. 13.
SunUte Community Center Head Fitness Trainer, Eliyah Lucero winds up to swing on Friday Sept. 12 during the employee softball games. Lucero played for the Permanent Fund team!
Richard Herrera watches his team, representing the Sky Ute Casino, during the employee softball games.
Trying to out-run the ball, Deja Herrera sprints to home base, as Heather Valenski reaches out, ready to get Herrera out!
Sky Ute Casino teammates gather in the pit, as Sonny Whyte high fives Ryan Patterson during the employee softball game.
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Conrad Thompson | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Conrad Thompson | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker
Photo Credit: Zuriah Baker
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | 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: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Cloud | The Southern Ute Drum
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This year marks the 103rd annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair with the theme “Blooming Creations” held in Ignacio, Colo. from Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14. The event packed weekend was accompanied by heavy rainfall, which led to some contests and events being cancelled or postponed for safety reasons. Rainy or not, the weekend was filled with excitement for highly anticipated events such as the Tribal Parade, Powwow, and the Native Rez-olution Youth concert XV and much more!  

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