Dust off those cowboy hats and boots, Tucsonans, the rodeo is coming back to town. Tucson’s 86th annual “La Fiesta de los Vaqueros,” or celebration of the cowboys, will take place at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds from Feb. 19 to 27.
Gary Williams, the general manager of the Tucson Rodeo Committee, called it the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, one that features a parade, several competitions and other events you might be surprised to find at a rodeo.
The Coors Rodeo Dance is a new event this year and will be held every night following the ProRodeo competition and feature The Greg Spivey Band and The Jack Bishop Band.
In addition to the Coors Rodeo Dance, David Stoecklein will lead a photography workshop sponsored by Canon. Stoecklein, who has been photographing the American West for more than 40 years, will mentor participants on capturing images of cowboys and cowgirls as they compete.
Also, the Rodeo Education and Children (REACh) program will once again be offered to children for free. Penny Conway, a rodeo contestant and founder of REACh, will educate students about the history of rodeo along will life lessons such as drug prevention.
Tickets to the rodeo or any of these new events can be purchased at 741-2233 or online at tucsonrodeo.com. Dates, times and locations of events are as follows:
Rodeo Competition featuring Dodge Mutton Bustin’, Justin Junior Rodeo and ProRodeo contestants. Competition will take place at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave.
• Opening day: Feb. 19 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $16-$22
• Second performance: Feb. 20 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $16-$22
• Third performance: Feb. 24 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$23
• Fourth performance: Feb. 25 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$23
• Fifth performance: Feb. 26 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $18-$24
• Final performance: Feb. 27 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$26
Tucson Rodeo Parade, a rodeo favorite, is the world’s longest non-motorized parade and features more than 200 floats.
Float decorating: Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. in the northwest area of Tucson Rodeo Grounds parking lot.
Parade: Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. The 1.5-mile parade route starts at Park Ave. and Ajo Way and proceeds south on Park to Irvington Road. Tickets for grandstand seating at Irvington Road and South 6th Ave. are $6 for adults and $4 for kids under 13.
Coors Rodeo Dance, located in the VIP section of Tucson Rodeo Grounds.
The Greg Spivey Band Feb. 19, 20 and 24
The Jack Bishop Band Feb. 25, 26 and 27
Admission: $5 per person, rodeo contestants free.
Canon Rodeo Photo Workshop:
Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
REACh Program: Feb. 21 and 22 from 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. each day. School children grades K-6.
