Navajo Times
Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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Fair queen contests see 1 or few girls trying for crown

Fair queen contests see 1 or few girls trying for crown

DILKON, Ariz.

There has been a trend this pageant season — having only one or few contestants.

At the Diné Bi Eastern Fair the last weekend in July there was only one contestant each for the title of Miss Diné Bi Eastern Queen, Miss Diné Bi Eastern Teen and Miss Diné Bi Eastern Powwow Princess.

Even the Miss Navajo Nation pageant only has three contestants this year.

For the Southwest Navajo Fair in Dilkon, the Miss Southwest Navajo pageant only saw one contestant, Raylynn Thomas, 17, from Indian Wells, Arizona.

“I was shocked,” Thomas said, about learning she was the only contestant. “Usually, there are a lot of contestants … I was nervous because I knew they were giving the crown to me. I’m still nervous.”

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About The Author

Pauly Denetclaw

Pauly Denetclaw is Meadow People born for Towering House People. She was raised in Manuelito and Naschitti, New Mexico. She was the co-recipient of the Native American Journalist Association's 2016 Richard LaCourse Award for Investigative Reporting. Denetclaw is currently finishing her degree in multimedia journalism from the University of New Mexico - Main. Denetclaw covers a range of topics including genetic research, education, health, social justice issues and small businesses. She loves coffee, writing and being with her family. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Her handle is @pdineclah

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