97th Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Rodeo

Above, the girls' steer riding competition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I decided to go back to Red Rock State Park for the last day's rodeo of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial.

Above, I guess you can call this a parody of the Beatles' "Abbey Road" album cover. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I arrived, I perused (again) the exhibit of artwork by Indian artists. Most, if not all, items are for sale (if one happens to win a prize ribbon, the price tends to go up). They consist of rugs, pottery, jewelry, fetishes, sculptures and paintings.

One painting, a parody of the Beatles' "Abbey Road" album cover by Irving Toddy of the Navajo tribe, had an asking price of $2,800.

Above, holding pens of some of the rodeo participants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was able to see more today as the crowds were a little thinner.

It is interesting to see the prices for the Navajo rugs. The lowest I saw was around $2,500. My dad paid under $200 for ours back in the 1970s in Page, Arizona. It's still in great shape!

After browsing around the exhibit hall, I headed to the rodeo arena to catch the rodeo. The pre-rodeo entertainment was by sheep riding by young children.

Above, the kiddie sheep-riding competition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, after the opening ceremonies, events including girls bull-riding, men's bronco riding and others took place.

Above, what's a rodeo without some bronco riding? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I stayed for about an hour. I could have stayed longer, but I thought it prudent to not overtax myself and headed on home. Besides, I didn't want to endure any more of the rodeo clown's bad jokes. He's worse than Bob McArthur.

Above, headed back to The Beast for the 8-mile drive back home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hopefully, I will be in better condition to enjoy next year's Ceremonial, which will be their 98th (it started in 1922).