Despite the summer heat and humidity from recent rainfall, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community gathered in celebration of Independence Day on July 4 at the Accelerated Learning Academy’s football field. 

“The biggest challenge was the weather,” said Events Assistant Adrian Sixkiller, “thankfully we were more prepared to handle the heat this year around.” 

As the celebration kicked off, attendees enjoyed a variety of games and activities, including inflatable games like basketball and axe throwing. A dunk tank was also available, which featured Council Member Jacob Butler and the newly appointed 2025-26 Miss Salt River, Emma Scabby, Jr., Miss Salt River Tiare Begay-Smith and Jr. Miss Salt River 1st Attendant Aiyanna Toya.

DJ Jermatik played music throughout the event, followed by live music performed by the Gila River Indian Community band, Two Rivers.

Friendly competitions were also on the agenda. For the kids, a watermelon bowling contest, followed by a hot dog eating contest for adults. Contestants were put to the test; each person was given a plate of 12 hot dogs, courtesy of Earnies Catering, and had 10 minutes to eat as many as possible. Earnies also distributed free hot dogs to event attendees.

“We would like to give a big shout-out and thank you to Casino Arizona for donating the bottled waters and to Rousseau Farming Company for donating the watermelons,” said Events Assistant Kym Tyler.

Additional food options were available to guests, including frybread for purchase from Enos Family Eats, fresh lemonade by Dank Drank, and shaved ice. 

“I really enjoyed the event, especially watching the children enjoy themselves…the heat typically keeps them indoors otherwise,” said Andrea Preston, events specialist. 

“My favorite moments were the hotdog eating contest and fireworks,” Sixkiller said. “The hotdog eating contest always draws a huge crowd–and fireworks are always great to sit back and watch after all the months of planning.”

The fireworks were the finale of the event. As the lights went out, family and friends gathered to witness an amazing display of colorful sparks bursting into the air, marking the end of the celebration.