As 2024 came to an end, cars filled the parking lot for Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s annual new year’s eve celebration at the Salt River Community Building.

From 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on December 31, attendees enjoyed arts and crafts, O’odham-Piipaash social dances and carnival rides that operated until midnight.

Hunger was never an option as many food vendors, including Frybread Riot, Tigg Bakes, along with traditional carnival snacks, like funnel cakes, kettle corn, and anything deep fried, were available for purchase.

In addition, live music by DJ Tony was played, and later at night, Native Thunder, a live band, performed chicken scratch music. In another room, traditional O’odham and Piipaash social dances were performed.

Before the clock struck midnight, people gathered on the dance floor to countdown the final seconds of the 2024 year and to celebrate the first moments of 2025.