Two day celebration kicked off Friday morning
In her first official public appearance, newly crowned Miss Cocopah Santana Marie Salazar and 2nd Attendant Kayla Burney participated in the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe’s Indian Days 2014 celebration.
The two-day event kicked off Friday morning.
As a symbol of unity, Salazar and Burney joined royalty from several other Native American tribes for the celebration and to offer best wishes to the two candidates running for the title of Miss Quechan.
Cocopah Tribal Councilwoman Rosa J. Long also attended the event.
Outgoing Miss Quechan Gina Rivera bestowed the crown to Miss Rivera at the conclusion of the pageant Friday night.
On Saturday, Miss Cocopah and 2nd Attendant Kayla Burney took part in the Indian Day Parade that started at 9am. Cocopah Tribal Police Officer Jesus Verdugo drove one of the police vehicles while Salazar and Burney waved and passed out candy to children along the parade route.
Salazar and Burney later participated in the Bird Dancing contest that started at 2 pm.
Miss Cocopah and her Court are now preparing for their appearance at the 18th Annual Cocopah Cultural Celebration, which will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the West Reservation.
