The 56th Annual Mul-Cha-Tha Fair & Rodeo took place from March 9 – 11, 2018 at Sacaton, Arizona. For the second year in a row, Bookyourevent.com, now the Latin American Music Division of TSE Entertainment, has worked with RAWHIDE Events as the booking agent for the 3 days of outstanding entertainment. Bookyourevent.com not only was the booking agent, but also handled the production issues for the three days of music entertainment.
The Fair and Rodeo is held each year by the Gila River Indian Community of Sacaton, Arizona. The Gila River Indian Community has a long history that dates back to the ancient HuHuKam who first farmed this land around 300 B.C. Following in their footsteps are the Akimel O’Odham (Pima tribe) and the Pee Posh (Maricopa) who now reside on the 372,000 acres that is divided into seven districts.
The fair’s theme this year was “Honoring Our History and Everyday Heroes.”
The Mul-Chu-Tha Fair & Rodeo was established in 1962, as a fundraising effort for the community. The 1962 volunteer committee wanted a traditional name to reflect the culture of the People. The final decision was “Mul-Chu-Tha,” which means foot races in Pima. The understanding behind “Mul-Chu-Tha” is that the Pima used to have foot races for entertainment and the participants would run from village-to-village or district-to-district. Since that was an activity of the tribe to share entertainment, news or tribal events, they felt that the name was appropriate for the Community.
The fair has also continued to grow since that simple beginning. The Gila River Indian Community wanted to find a way to make their Community a more enjoyable place and provide a little fun for everyone. This year’s event featured the following activities:
- Mul-Chu-Tha Concert Lineup
- Parade
- All Indian Rodeo
- Junior Rodeo
- Masters Rodeo
- Wild Horse Race
- Competitive Pow Wow
- Bird Singing & Dancing Contest
- 2018 Miss Gila River & Jr. Miss Gila River Pageant
- Community Day
- Battle of the Bands
- Elder Chair Volleyball
- Horse Shoe Tournament
- Car Show
- Wood Chopping Competition
- Popover Contest
- Tee-Ball Tournament
- Little League Tournament
- Co-ed Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament
- Annual Footrace Half Marathon and Walk
- Songivu’l Tournament
- Thoka Tournament
- Women’s Basketball Tournament
- Men’s Basketball Tournament
- Skateboard Competition
- Gospel Concert
Bookyourevent.com is the Booking Agent for 3 Days of Live Music
The big highlight of the 3 days of rodeo, parade, sports tournaments, cultural singing, dancing, Pow Wow, vendors and cultural games, was the live music entertainment lineup booked by TSE’s Bookyourevent.com.
The Friday night crowd enjoyed the music of Terri Anne Strongarm. Terri hails from the Saskatchewan’s Starblanket Cree Nation and has performed since the age of 4. She has performed her songs at numerous Jamborees, music venues, fairs and music festivals.
Terri was followed by “One of These Nights” an Eagles Tribute band that had the audience relishing the sounds of the Eagles.
On Saturday, the entertainment went up a notch with Two Rivers Band opening for country star Rick Trevino and 5-time Grammy award winner, Flaco Jimenez!! Rick Trevino has been a fixture in country music since the mid-90s. He continues to be one of the most popular Hispanic singers in country music. Rick’s band, featuring, Norteño, Tex-Mex and Tejano legend, Flaco Jimenez, made sure a good time was had by all.
On Sunday the entertainment started with Smokestack Lightning, a blues band. They were followed by a great band out of Chicago, called Shining Star. This Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute band filled the 30 X 60 stage with look, feel and sound of Earth Wind and Fire.
To top off the event, bookyourevent.com booked the Atlanta super group, Arrested Development to deliver the hip hop sounds of the 90’s to the Fair crowd. What a great night of entertainment it was.
Now that the 2018 Mul-Cha-Tha Fair and Rodeo is in the books, TSE Entertainment’s Latin American Music Division, Bookyourevent.com and Bill Angelini would like to thank the Gila River Indian Community for allowing us to be your booking agent and be part of this wonderful tradition.
While Mul-cha-tha means foot races in Pima, it has come to mean honoring history, celebrating life and a good party. For more information about this event, visit http://www.mul-chu-tha.com/.
