© LeRoy DeJolie

© LeRoy DeJolie

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Navajo Nation Fair

When/Where: The Navajo Nation Fair is held at the beginning of September each year at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock, Arizona.

Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation (the largest Native American tribe and Native American Nation in North America) and the center of the tribal government. Behind the town is a graceful red stone arch that appears to be a window through which you can see Window Rock.

For a more complete description of the fair, click here.

Getting There: Window Rock, Arizona, is located just north of Interstate 40 near the Arizona border with New Mexico. It is approximately 228 miles from Phoenix. Directions: From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff. Then, take Interstate 40 east to Route 12. Take Route 12 north to Window Rock.

Where to Stay: Hotel accommodations are available in Window Rock. Because the Navajo Nation Fair attracts tens of thousands of visitors, reservations need to be made several months in advance. For reservations, contact the Navajo Nation Inn at (520) 871-4108 or the Days Inn at (520) 871-5690.

Other Things to See/Do: Window Rock is also home to the Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park and the Navajo Tribal Museum. The zoo includes animals that are native to the Navajo Nation and domestic animals that are culturally important to the Navajo people. It includes an exhibition center, trails and examples of traditional Navajo dwellings. The Navajo Tribal Museum is a hidden world of Navajo history and present day culture. The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich and unique culture of the Navajo Nation.

Don’t Forget: You are a guest of the Navajo Nation. Visitors should respect the privacy and customs of the Navajo people. If you would like to take photographs of Navajos, please ask for their permission first.

Alcohol is not allowed on the reservation.

Window Rock is 6,880 feet above sea level. Some visitors may be affected by the high elevation.

Although the state of Arizona does not participate in Daylight Savings Time, the Navajo Nation does. During Daylight Savings Time (April through October), time on the Navajo Nation is one hour ahead of the rest of the state.

More Information: For more information on the Navajo Nation Fair, visit www.navajonationfair.com.