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What’s New in Tucson / October 2006
2nd Annual Puro Mexicano: Tucson Film Festival – The second annual “Puro Mexicano: Tucson Film Festival” takes place in Downtown Tucson at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, November 3-5. The 2006 festival kicks off Friday with a documentary tribute to the late Lalo Guerrero, born in Tucson and known worldwide as “The Father of Chicano Music.” Saturday includes the Reel Inspiration Kids Competition; a collection of films on border issues; a variety of outdoor screenings at Cinema La Placita; and an elegant “Vamos a Tucson” evening reception. Sunday features the Best 2006 International Shorts. The festival schedule is at www.tucsonfilmfestival.org. Created in Tucson, this is the first annual U.S. festival honoring Mexican and Mexican-American filmmakers. For more information, phone (520) 624-1515.
Walk a Mile in Our Shoes – Fall weather is perfect for strolling around Downtown Tucson on a guided walking tour. This month, the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum begins its 10th season of select Saturday tours (departing from the Hotel Congress) featuring visits to Warehouse District art galleries and railroad-era neighborhoods (520-623-2223). Docents at the Arizona Historical Society (520-622-0956) conduct walking tours of three historic, downtown Tucson neighborhoods (departing from the Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House), Thursday and Saturday mornings, November-March. Old Pueblo Walking Tours offers tours of the El Presidio District and Rio Nuevo urban renewal area (520-358-8500). The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (520-624-2333) offers regularly scheduled docent-led tours of its exhibitions and Historic Block buildings, October-April. In all cases, call ahead for schedules and reservations.
El Tour de Tucson – On Saturday before Thanksgiving, Tucson hosts one of the premier organized bicycle rides in the United States. The “2006 First Magnus El Tour de Tucson presented by Diamond Ventures” happens Saturday, Nov. 18. This event is open to pros, fitness buffs, fun-lovers, and kids, and features 109-, 80-, 66-, 33-, 4-, and ¼- mile courses starting at various places around the city. The 109-mile perimeter race begins downtown at 7 a.m., and ends about four hours later when a winner crosses the finish line at the same spot. More than 9,000 riders are expected (compared with 7,000 in 2005), most of whom are not from Tucson, but hail from across the state, the nation, and a few from other countries. For more information, contact Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, www.pbaa.com, or phone (520) 745-2033.
Sweet Surprises at Tucson Bakeries – With the holidays coming, the Mexican panaderías (bakeries) in Tucson are beginning to take orders for traditional, holiday-themed sweet breads, pastries and cookies. There’s “pan de muertos” for Day of the Dead, and “rosca de reyes” for the Feast of Three Kings. All year round, customers can find a wonderful variety of freshly baked empanadas (turnovers filled with fruit preserves, like pineapple and mango), boleas (bread rolls), and bolillos (French rolls) at favorite panaderías like El Rio Bakery (520-882-9457), La Estrella Bakery (520-741-0656), and Le Cave's Bakery (520-624-2561).
A Southwest Nutcracker – Tucson Regional Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker reflects Tucson’s unique culture and history. Set in 1880s Tucson, A Southwest Nutcracker features “Maria” as the lead, as well as a Rollerblading roadrunner, Indian princesses, a prickly pear fairy and her caballero, Spanish chilis, tumbling tumbleweeds, rattlesnakes, “Mama Piñata,” coyotes, and a Zorro look-alike called “Tio Diego” in place of Drosselmeyer. This original, full-length ballet is performed at Tucson Music Hall, with accompaniment by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and guest dancers from the San Francisco Ballet, December 1-3. For ticket information, phone (520) 885-0862, or visit www.tucsonregionalballet.org.
Scenic Winter Marathon – Over 4,000 runners and walkers will enjoy Tucson at its winter best during the “2006 Holualoa Tucson Marathon,” Sunday, Dec. 10. This point-to-point course starts in the historic town of Oracle, north of Tucson, and runs on a paved scenic road along the majestic Santa Catalina Mountain range, dropping through the town of Catalina and finishing in Oro Valley, at the base of Pusch Ridge at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort. The half marathon starts in Oracle Junction and runs the last 13 miles of the marathon course, mostly downhill and great for walkers. The Tucson Marathon is heralded as the "fastest USA Track and Field marathon course in the country" and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. For details, go to www.tucsonmarathon.com, or phone the Marathon Hotline at (520) 320-0667.
La Paloma Makes More Room – The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is enhancing its meeting space to include an additional 4,300-square-feet for small- and medium-size group events. The enhanced meeting space will include the new Sonoran Room, a junior ballroom with adjacent patio and pre-meeting gathering space, as well as two exclusive gift shops and a new café serving panini, gelato and Starbucks coffee, with indoor and outdoor seating. The resort also has updated its Sonoran Desert landscaping, and recently unveiled four lawn areas featuring modernized ramadas and new patio furnishings—all perfect for smaller luncheons and other intimate gatherings. Visit www.westinlapalomaresort.com for more information on the resort and spa, or for reservations.
Savings of the Season: November 20 through December 30, 2006 visitors can save up to 50 percent off regular, high season room-rates at Tucson’s hotels, resorts and ranches. Tucson’s annual holiday-season rates apply to guests who book rooms online through the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau’s “Winter Super Savers” program. In addition to value-priced room rates, visitors and residents can enjoy 2-for-1 discounts on activities (museums, parks, shops, performances, and sports events) with the just-published “2006-07 Tucson Attractions Passport” – a $400 value for just $15. For details, or to search for room availability, phone (800) 638-8350, or log on to www.TucsonSuperSavers.com.
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