Tucson, AZ - - Presented by the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission and hosted by the Presidio Museum, the “Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson 249+” will be held this year on Aug. 17 6-10pm FREE.
The event celebrates the August 20, 1775 founding of the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson and formal anniversary date of the City of Tucson.
The event honors the many people and cultures that have contributed to our community and modern-day city.
The name Tucson originates from the local Tohono O’odham word
“S-cuk Sǫn” (pronounced Skuk-shone), meaning “spring at the base of the black mountain.” The mountain they were referring to was what we know today as Tumamoc Hill. The arriving Spanish established the Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón fort on August 20, 1775, using a spelling of the word S-cuk Sǫn that they had heard from the locals. This fort established what would become our modern-day downtown. Later, with the arrival of more settlers, the name “Tucson” was used and is still the name of our great town!
This FREE fiesta is held at the Presidio Museum and its title corporate sponsors are HSL Properties and Downtown Tucson Partnership along with support from the City of Tucson, Pima County, and Rio Nuevo and Desert Diamond Casino. Additional media sponsors are Cox Communications, the Arizona Daily Star, and Tucson Lifestyle magazine.
Performances will celebrate the variety of cultures that make our region special:
- 6 pm Mariachi Estrella Juvenil
- 7 pm Kolencia Oficio Achalim: Yaqui Deer Dancers from the Old Pascua Community (no photos please)
- 8 pm Food Heroes Awards presented by Tucson City of Gastronomy and Special Announcement by the Buffalo Soldiers:
Southern Arizona Chapter - 8:30 Presidio Garrison Musket Demonstration
- 8:45 Live music with Kevin Pakulis and Friends
Attendees will also have the opportunity to discover our rich history through family crafts and demonstration from community partners, including:
- Archaeology Southwest
- Border Community Alliance
- Buffalo Soldiers: Southern Arizona Chapter
- City of Gastronomy
- Councilwoman Santa Cruz: Ward I Office
- El Presidio Historic Neighborhood
- Fort Lowell Cavalry
- Himdag: Ki / Tohono O’odham Cultural Center
- Jewish History Museum
- Los Descendientes
- Lohse Family YMCA
- Mexican-American Heritage and History Museum
- Mission Garden
- Old Pascua Museum and Yaqui Cultural Center
- Old Pueblo Archaeology
- Presidio Museum Garrison
- Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
- Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
- Tohono O’odham Cultural Center
- Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society
- Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
- Tucson City of Gastronomy
- Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
- Tucson Wagon and History Museum
- Vail Preservation Society
- Wa:K Royalty
Food and drinks available include:
- Free eegee’s
- Fry bread and tacos available for sale.
Updated details will be available at www.TucsonPresidio.com.
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