Alamo Navajo to host celebration

Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Alamo Navajo community will celebrate its 25th Anniversary Alamo Navajo Indian Day Celebration Oct. 7-8. "Weaving a Lifelong Journey with Tradition and Education" is the theme for this year's event.

Two days of activities will begin with the crowning of Miss Alamo 2005-06, Ritasha Secatero, at noon Friday, Oct. 7. Secatero is a senior at Alamo Navajo Community School.

Following the coronation of Miss Alamo, a variety of contests and activities for elders is planned."Honoring our Elders" features Navajo song and dance, the crowning of Ms. Alamo Elder, and free lunch for elders at the Alamo Senior Citizen Center.

Friday's events will begin winding up at 6 p.m. with entertainment presented by "James and Ernie" at the Alamo Navajo Community School. Admission is $5.

Saturday's events begin at milepost 27 with "Walk for Wellness" participants walking to the turnoff for Alamo Health Clinic a little over 2 miles. There is no registration fee and persons completing the walk will be awarded a duffle bag.

For more information, call Julie Apachito (505) 854-2626 ext. 106 or Angela Padilla at extension 147.

After the walk, there will be time for a quick tour of the concession stands before the most popular event of Alamo Indian Days, the Grand Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. at Highway 169 and the Alamo Campground area.

Parade highlights include Grand Marshal and County Commissioner Stanley Herrera, the first Native American to hold elected public office in Socorro. Colorful floats, walking groups, musical and dance groups, cars/trucks/wagons, /horseback entries, and individual entries will follow, honoring past and present leaders of Alamo and acknowledging Alamo's creative spirit and excellent workmanship.

Festivities will continue at Alamo Community Park with a frybread contest, as well as horseshoe, chainsaw, and Navajo song and dance contests. Also featured will be food booths, entertainment and a gospel "singspiration" featuring musical groups throughout the Navajo Nation.

The public is invited to attend this celebration of Alamo's growth and progress throughout the years. Alamo is located in west central New Mexico, about 30 miles north of Magdalena.

For more information on the parade and Miss Alamo events, contact Marlene Herrera (505) 854-2609, ext. 1403 or 854-2672 or Christine Monte for Program Information at (505) 854-2987 or Eugene Monte at (505) 854-2664 for the Alamo Elders Day.