Yakama Indian Nation

For the past 86 years, members of the Yakama Indian Nation have trekked down Craig’s Hill on horseback, officially opening the Ellensburg Rodeo. Once again, the Kittitas County Fair welcomes its friends, the Yakama Indians, to demonstrate traditional dances and join hands with visiting patrons of the Fair in a final "friendship" ring dance.

Like days gone by, and throughout the 5-days of the Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo, members of the Yakama Nation establish a teepee village just north of the Western Village on Eighth Avenue. The Yakama Indians cordially invite all visitors to the Fair and Rodeo to visit their village. As always there will be dancing, stick games and other displays of cultural heritage in the village this year.

Join the Yakama’s Circle of Friendship at the Kittitas County Fair.

Photos by Kristina Philipp