Summer in Tucson - Rodeo, Gems, Culinary Battles, Monsoons and More
Tuesday July 10, 2007
Tucson isn't afraid of a little heat. They have some great ideas cooked up for this summer. - The Best Little Rodeo in Arizona - The Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo has been a tradition in Southern Arizona since 1915. On September 1-3, the rodeo celebrates its 92nd anniversary, with and old-fashioned contest of the cowboys. The action includes everything from a wild horse race, bareback bronc riding, team penning and steer wrestling to mutton bustin' for peewee cowpokes. visit www.sonoitafairgrounds.com.
- Gems & Minerals add Color to Fall Season - Tucson's Fall Gem Shows are around the corner, and the winter shows are not far behind. On September 6-9 the public can shop for glass, porcelain, and silver beads at the Best Bead Show at the Tucson Convention Center; shoppers will find designer jewelry, gemstones, and beads at the Beaudry Gem and Mineral Show at Gem Central (Irvington and Country Club Roads). Details on all shows are available online at www.visitTucson.org/gemshow .
- Celebrity Mixologist at Tucson Culinary Festival - Connoisseur cocktail bars are a growing trend as consumers are drinking less, but much better, spirits and cocktails. Elevating the happy-hour experience is the business of Tony Abu-Ganim, celebrity bar-chef and star of the Modern Mixology DVD. Abu-Ganim will teach a one-hour class at the Tucson Culinary Festival, October 4-7, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. He'll offer recipes, demonstrations of drink-mixing techniques, and tips on stocking a home bar. The four-day festival is sponsored by the Tucson Originals, a group of Tucson-area independent restaurants. For more information.
- Best of the Barrio Culinary Tour - Sample the cuisine of South Tucson's historic Barrio neighborhood via an air-conditioned Gray Line bus. This four-hour "Best of the Barrio" gastronomic tour includes stops at five of Tucson's finest family-owned, off-the-beaten-path eateries. Sightseers will find handmade pastries and tortillas at La Estrella Bakery, traditional Sonoran-style Mexican entrees at Micha's, ceviche and fish tacos at Rodriguez Fish Company, Sonoran hot dogs and carne-asada burritos at El Guero Canelo, and, finally, "raspados" (shaved ice, ice cream, fresh fruit) at Oasis Fruit Cones. Cost is $59 per adult for tour and food. To reserve a space, call Gray Line, (520) 622-8811, or visit www.graylinearizona.com and go to Sightseeing Tours.
- It's Monsoon Time. That means plenty of rumbling clouds and natural fireworks. To watch the monsoons in luxury, head for the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort high above Tucson. With a view of the city and mountains, it's the best place I can think of for Monsoon watching! More information.
- New Hanger for Vintage Planes - Pima Air & Space Museum has tripled its exhibit space with the addition of its 42,000-square-foot "Spirit of Freedom" hanger. The new hanger houses 10 rare aircraft (more will be added later) as well as the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame and an expanded gift shop. Displayed are the world's only remaining Martin PBM-5A, a World War II Navy bomber; an F-107 Ultra Sabre, a 1950s Air Force fighter-bomber that is one of only two remaining in the world; and the impressive Lockheed SR-71, a Cold War spy plane known as the Blackbird, which is one of about 12 on display around the country. The museum's renowned collection of more than 250 aircraft and spacecraft is preserved in Tucson's dry desert air on 80 acres at 6000 E. Valencia Road. For more information, visit pimaair.org.
- Snob Hollow Home Turns 100-One of Tucson's first exclusive homes is turning 100 this summer. The J. Knox Corbett House museum represents an upper-class residence in Tucson's "Snob Hollow" neighborhood of the early 1900s. Inside the 4,400-square-foot, two-story restored bungalow are decorative objects from the American Arts and Crafts era, such as Tiffany lamps and handcrafted woodwork; the basement once held an early water-cooled air conditioner. The exterior-white stucco walls, clay-tiled roof, curved gables, and wide covered-porch-contrasts with neighboring adobe row houses. The home was built for a pioneering Tucson family whose members included the late Tucson Mayor Jim Corbett and Arizona Sen. Hiram Corbett (namesake of Hi Corbett Field); it is one of five homes on the Tucson Museum of Art Historic Block. For tour information, contact the Tucson Museum of Art at (520) 624-2333, or www.TucsonMuseumofArt.org.
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