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La Fiesta de los Vaqueros – The New York Times called him “…probably the most successful living poet.” So it’s only fitting that Tucson-area cowboy and NPR radio host Baxter Black serve as Grand Marshall for the 2005 Rodeo Parade on February 24. The event draws 200,000+ thousand people and shuts down Tucson schools for 2 days. The rodeo itself, the 80th La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, runs February 19-27 and is billed as the first major outdoor event on the PRCA schedule.
From Cowboys to Ski Bunnies – Tucson is home to the southern-most ski area in the US, Ski Valley atop Mount Lemmon. Located just 30 miles north of Tucson in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Ski Valley is open year-round for Sky Rides. Ski season in the desert is typically December – March. Call 520.576.1400 for current conditions.
And While we’re at Altitude… Northwest Airlines will add a new, seasonal non-stop flight from its hub in Memphis to Tucson, on weekends from February 19 through April 30. Northwest’s "sun connection" to Tucson will be available in time for travelers to enjoy Tucson's spring events such as PGA Golf, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, and MLB spring training. For more information phone Northwest at 1-800-225-2525.
Southern Arizona Resort News…The Rio Rico Golf Resort, 45 minutes south of Tucson, has wrapped up renovations with a new resort name. Esplendor at Rio Rico overlooks the lush Santa Cruz River Valley. Besides championship Robert Trent Jones golf, horseback riding, tennis, and relaxing poolside, the resort is just minutes away from shopping and dining across the border in Nogales, Mexico. You may even spot a celebrity here… Catherine Zeta Jones called the resort home while filming Traffic back in ’02.
To Learn More About Tucson’s Rich Past and Vibrant Culture of Today – http://www.visitTucson.org highlights our fun traditions, exciting activities, and relaxed way of life.
Something to Think About…
The Giant Saguaro (saw-WAH-row) only grows in the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert covers 120,000 square miles in both the US and Mexico. An estimated 55% of the Sonoran Desert contains no saguaros, and another 10% is made up of towns and cities. In the remaining 35% of the Sonoran Desert, experts say there are between 20 million and 2 billion saguaros. The human population of the Sonoran Desert is about 6 million.
Dillinger Days – January 22nd marks the 71st anniversary of the capture of America’s first Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger. The Chicago gangster was hiding out in Tucson when an accidental fire at the historic Hotel Congress led to his arrest by Tucson Police officers. On January 22, 2005 from 11 am – 10 pm enjoy food, music and entertainment at Hotel Congress. This year the actual fire truck used to extinguish the blaze in 1934 will be on display.
The World’s Largest Gem Show – The Gem Show is really a misnomer – there are actually about 40 individual shows that make up Gem Show “season” in Tucson. Events run from January 30 – February 13, 2005. Some shows are not open to the public however. A full listing of all shows and their public status is available on our front page at http://www.visitTucson.org/gemshow
Do the Kids Really Get out of School for This? Yes! Schoolkids in Tucson get two days off from school because of the Tucson Rodeo. This years rodeo runs February 19-27, and the annual parade, billed as the nation’s largest non-motorized parade, happens February 24.
It’s Always Tee Time in Tucson! In February we’ll host the Chrysler Classic of Tucson. This PGA tournament is held at the Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa, and has been known to attract a rather famous Arizona golfer – shock-rocker Alice Cooper. The Chrysler Classic of Tucson runs February 20-27. More information is available on our front page at http://www.visittucson.org/golf
Luminarias del Pueblo – It’s believed to be the first time a public art project has teamed with a solar energy provider, but given the artistic and scientific talent in Tucson, it’s only fitting that it would happen here first. Dozens of artists have created huge, lighted sculptures called luminarias. Most are being illuminated using only solar energy. Right now the luminarias are on display throughout Tucson, on April 2 the will be auctioned off at a gala reception at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
What’s Next? It’s sports season! In March Tucson hosts three MLB teams for Spring Training. Games are played almost daily between the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Colorado Rockies, and the Chicago White Sox. Also in March, the Rancho de la Osa Adventure Challenge Race.
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