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What’s New in Tucson
June 2006
Flandrau Re-enters the Atmosphere – Flandrau Science Center, with its world-renowned observatory, planetarium, and Mineral Museum, will re-open on September 1, 2006. The newly renovated science center will now also feature a living and working laboratory. At a new “Design Garage” of prototype exhibits and planetarium programs, visitors of all ages can try-out new exhibits and offer ideas on improving them. Watch for updates, on the center’s website, at www.flandrau.org, or call 520-621-4227.
Sonoita Rodeo Blasts into 9th Decade – Fur will fly, hooves will pound, purses will be won, and dreams will be shattered for the 91st year at the Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo. Just 40 miles south of Tucson, the timeless town of Sonoita has hosted bull riding, calf-roping, and barrel-racing cowboys and cowgirls since 1915. This year’s rough-and-tumble event is September 2-4 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. In addition to the main events, there will be a Kids’ Rodeo with mutton busting and steer riding. Once the dust settles, join the traditional weekend steak fry and rodeo dance. For more information, call (520) 455-5553, or visit www.sonoitafairgrounds.com.
Happy 50th Birthday to Arizona’s First State Park – A celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Arizona State Parks system takes place at its very first park during “Juan Bautista de Anza Days,” October 21-22. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park was named Arizona’s first state park in 1957 — just 205 years after it was established as a Spanish fort. “Anza Days” commemorates Tubac’s link in the Spanish expedition to colonize San Francisco, and celebrates Southern Arizona's cultural heritage, with living history presentations, folklorico dancers, live music, and children’s activities, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, contact Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, (520) 398-2704, or visit http://www.tubacaz.com.
Tour Old Mexico from the Old Pueblo – Enjoy three days and two nights of Mexican charm and history, with a tour of historic Spanish missions in Sonora, Mexico. Kino Mission Tours – led by bilingual guides and professional historians – takes groups to Spanish colonial missions founded three centuries ago by the region’s pioneer explorer, Father Kino. The tours depart from Tucson on selected weekends each fall and spring. Cost is $395 per person, including transportation, lodging, lunches, beverages, and two margarita parties. For details, visit www.smrc-missiontours.com, or phone (520) 722-6410.
Got All Your Marbles? – This summer’s hottest accessories are inspired by a classic kids’ game and created right here in Tucson. Marbles are the focus of jewelry created at the new “Got All Your Marbles?” company. The hot accessory line includes pendants, rings, and earrings, handmade from sterling and bronze. Each piece comes with an assortment of colorful marbles that can be interchanged to suit the wearer’s moods and style. A unique and patented design makes it easy to pop the marbles in and out, while providing a tight and secure fit. The original, and most popular, pendant sells for $42 (sterling chain or leather cord sold separately). For shopping information, visit www.gotallyourmarbles.com, or call 520-628-1433 or 866-628-1433 (toll-free).
A Green Thumb’s Desert Paradise – Weather you’re an experienced green thumb or just looking for a great Arizona souvenir, Tucson’s B&B Cactus Farm is a must-see. Located near the Tanque Verde Wash, on the way to Saguaro National Park East, this landmark plant-nursery is known, locally and nationally, for its huge selection of hardy cacti and succulents. It’s also known for its knowledgeable and accommodating staff who, since 1981, have been filling shipping requests for cacti collectors round the country. Visitors to the two-acre nursery will find beautifully landscaped gardens, rows of greenhouses, and wonderful gifts. Open Tue. – Sat. 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 520-721-4687, or visit www.bandbcactus.com.
Opera Film Series – Arizona Opera has teamed with The Loft Cinema to present a summer film series based on Arizona Opera's 2006-07 Season. The films are free to the public and begin at 1 p.m. at The Loft Cinema on Speedway Boulevard. The series includes: July 9 Jean Cocteau’s 1946 fantasy, “La Belle et la Bête” (“Beauty and the Beast”); August 13 David Cronenberg’s 1993 romance, “M. Butterfly” based on the Puccini opera, “Madame Butterfly;” and September 10 Akira Kurosawa’s 1957 action/thriller, “Throne of Blood,” based on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” For more information, contact the Arizona Opera (www.azopera.com, or 293-4336) or The Loft Cinema (www.loftcinema.com, or 795-0844).
Total Tucson Air Travel News – AirTucson.com is a website that has everything an air traveler needs to know about getting to and from Tucson. It’s all there – whether you're shopping for the Internet's best Tucson airfares and hotel rates, scheduling business client itineraries, needing real-time Tucson Airport flight arrival or departure times, or searching for destination airport status and flight delay weather information. Check it out at www.AirTucson.com.
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