La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is Southern Arizona’s oldest and most celebrated heritage event. Since its debut in 1925, area schools have scheduled a two-day holiday during rodeo week so families can enjoy the annual rodeo and parade festivities.
Though originally created as a “Wild West” exhibition, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, aka the Tucson Rodeo, has evolved into one the top 25 rodeos on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) calendar. Over 650 cowboys and cowgirls, including current and former World Champions, head to Tucson to compete for a share of the $460,000 purse.
Each rodeo day begins at 12:30 p.m. with little buckaroos competing in Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and the Justin Junior Rodeo. Pro rodeo events kick off at 2 p.m. and include bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, women’s barrel racing and bull riding. Plus, the antics of rodeo clown CrAsh Cooper guarantee plenty of smiles and Quadrille de Mujeres, a women’s riding team, exhibit the razzle-dazzle side of synchronized horseback riding.
Contest Rules:
What: Tucson Rodeo:
When: Six rodeos: Feb. 16 & 17; Feb. 21-24
Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave. (at Irvington Rd.)
Time: Gates open 11 a.m.; Kids’ Rodeo 12:30 p.m.; Pro Rodeo 2 p.m.
A treasured tradition of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is the Tucson Rodeo Parade, billed as the longest non-motorized parade in the world. An estimated 200,000 spectators line the parade route to see over 150 western-theme floats and buggies, Mexican folk dancers and marching musical groups. The Tucson Rodeo Parade is Thursday, February 21 at 9 a.m. See www.TucsonRodeoParade.com for more information.
Enter to Win one of TWO family 4-packs of tickets to the
Tucson Rodeo:
(Tickets are for February 16 or 17)
Contest Rules:
- In the comments section below: Tell us what you are looking forward to seeing at the Tucson Rodeo, and which date (the 16th or 17th) you'd prefer to attend.
- You MUST be subscribed to East Tucson Macaroni Kid. If you're not, just click here to subscribe. It's absolutely FREE!
- TWO winners will be randomly selected by random.org.
- Deadline: Sunday, February 10 at Midnight. The winner will be notified by e-mail by Monday, February 11. The winners will have 24 hours to respond and accept the prize, otherwise it will be awarded to someone else.
