Northern Arizona’s largest Christmas parade on Saturday, Nov. 25, kicked off the holiday season in Navajo County.
Navajo County kicked off the holiday season this weekend during the 73rd Annual holiday parade in Winslow, Ariz.
The community honored veterans, country, and culture.
There are 110,000 Arizonans who live in Navajo county. Of that number, 46% are Native American, according to the U.S. Census. Out of 7,501 veterans in the county, 3.78% are indigenous.
There are 671 female veterans in Navajo County overall.
Last month, the state honored its Native American veterans by renaming segments of state and federal highways. State Route 264 Changed to Navajo Code Talkers Highway.
“Our veterans carry with them the marks and honors that demonstrate their commitment to protecting freedom,” said Seth Damon, Speaker of the Navajo Nation.
In addition to honoring veterans and a love of country, Winslow residents celebrated love of culture, family, and community.
Winslow is a town of roughly 9,400 people and has a rich Native American History, which non-resident parade attendees got to experience.
Hundreds of area vendors lined up downtown for visitors to enjoy, including fry bread, tamales, hand-crafted Native American jewelry, blankets, flutes, and more.
The Annual holiday event is the largest Christmas parade in Northern Arizona. As many as 10,000 visitors and resident alike have attended the event in previous years.
Brandy Rae Ramirez Brandy Rae Rameriz is an Arizona native, writer, journalist, editor, and educator with more than a decade of media experience and teaching at the university level.
