FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nelson Warnell, Public Relations Director
201 N. Court Ave.
(520) 623-6024
(520) 884-0902
nelsoxaz@aol.com
Historic District to Kick Off "Presidio Nights"
While many Tucsonans currently perceive the downtown area to be a daunting maze of road construction projects, the Historic Presidio District just north of the Old County Courthouse is taking matters into it's own hands to confirm that the birthplace of Tucson is still a vibrant and essential element of the Old Pueblo experience.
Starting on the evening of June 6th, the District will come alive with history, arts, and commerce with a regularly scheduled "Presidio Nights" event. The centerpiece of the inaugural occasion will focus on the release of the new Arizona State Quarter, which is being placed in general circulation on June 4th. Members of the San Agustin del Tucson Garrison living history re-creators, as well as County and City dignitaries, will be on hand starting at 6:30. The Garrison members will be mustering at the Presidio (Southwest corner of Washington Street and Church Ave.) and marching around the traditional perimeter of the old fortification site while distributing vouchers that can be redeemed at any Old Town Artisans merchant or El Charro Cafe for a shiny new Arizona State Quarter displayed in special keepsake packaging. In addition, El Charro will feature 25-cent specials while the Tucson Museum of Art will debut a new exhibit (that runs through September 28th) entitled "Mexican Photographers Today: Facing a World in Transition, Selected Works from the Margolis Foundation."
The core of activity will be located at the Old Town Artisans courtyard where live Irish (don't forget, the founder of Tucson was Irishman Hugo O'Connor!) and bluegrass music will be presented. Irish/Celtic singer and guitar player Jamie O'Brien performs at 5:30 followed by bluegrass band Crystal Ridge from 7:30 until 9:30 P.M.
"We aim to present the Presidio Historic District as an energetic, stable and safe locale within the confines of a downtown area currently undergoing chaotic revitalization efforts," says El Charro Café owner Carlotta Flores. Tucson Museum of Art Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Meredith Hayes, emphasizes that "the museum continues to be a cornerstone of the Historic District", while Mary Lou Focht, owner of Old Town Artisans says that, "with the local economy generally considered to be in a recession, our unique downtown enclave now more than ever needs to make a special effort to present itself as the true historic Tucson experience."
Old Town Artisans is located in the El Presidio Historic District and occupies an entire little city block. The 150 year-old adobe building has six distinctive shops and galleries, which feature traditional and contemporary art and fine craft from hundreds of local and regional artists. The Spanish style courtyard and patio offer a relaxing place to enjoy a meal or beverage amidst regional plants and trees.
Present-day Old Town Artisans is located on the site of El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson, the fort built by the Spanish in 1775 to stake claim to the northern frontier of New Spain. The current location was the stables area and the north wall is the setting from which Apache attacks were repelled.
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