Notah Begay III to be Grand Marshall in 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Parade

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - The 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Parade Grand Marshall is Notah Begay III.

The parade will take place Saturday, September 10th beginning at 8:00 am. The Navajo Nation Fair is already in process and will conclude on Sunday, September 11th.

Navajo Nation Fair Parade Grand Marshall Notah Begay III

Begay is a four time PGA tour winner and the only full blooded American Indian, Navajo - Cochiti/Isleta, on the PGA Tour. He is a 1995 Stanford University graduate.

Last week, the Notah Begay III Foundation raised $500,000 to improve health and wellness for American Indian youth. The one day event was held at the Atunyote Golf Club course at Turning Stone Resort & Casino on the Oneida Indian Reservation in central New York.

Begay also owns a successful consultant business to serve American Indian communities interested in the development of golf properties. "I am very proud that NB3 Consulting is a Native American owned business that always acts in the best interest of the community," Begay states on his website.

Begay was selected as the Grand Marshall for the largest Indian Fair Parade based on his leadership and advocacy of American Indian health and wellness through his Notah Begay, III Foundation. Begay's nomination letter stated,

"Notah Begay, III has excelled as a professional athlete, an academic scholar, community leader, health and wellness advocate, and philanthropist on and off the Navajo Nation thereby making him a noteworthy individual who has served as an ambassador of American Indian people in general, and Navajo people in particular."

In response to Notah's selection, Navajo Nation Vice President, Rex Lee Jim, said,

“I believe that Notah Begay, III successfully demonstrates the Navajo principles of T'aa ho'a'jit'eego and K'e, two basic principles of our Navajo culture. We are pleased to honor his personal, academic, community, and professional achievements.”

It will be filled with carnival rides and games, the annual Ms. Navajo Nation presentation at the Night Performance, Indian Rodeo, Nizhoni Arts Market, Contest Powwow, Social Song & Dance, Easton Corbin Concert, Matt Kennon Concert, numerous youth activities, food courts, a vendor fair and other activities.

posted September 8, 2011 6:40 am edt