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This Rodeo festival first took place in 1925, and is a big attraction each year in Tuscon. At the inaugural event, prizes included a 750lb block of ice, 100lbs of potatoes and a 'Big Cactus' ham. The spoils may have been modernized, but pride remains the motivation for the riders as they compete in the various disciplines. The event has grown from its humble beginnings almost eighty years ago when the president of the Arizona Polo Association, Leighton Kramer, came up with the idea of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros to attract visitors to Tuscon during the mid-winter season. The arena at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds now has seating for 11000 spectators, and is always a sell- out. Events at the festival include bareback riding, bull riding, steer-roping and steer wrestling, which is probably the quickest event in rodeo, with the world record standing at 2.4 seconds! The events are professionally run, with judges, stop-watches and all the paraphernalia of a modern sports meet, but there remains an authenticity about the La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. After all, the events in the competition are all derived from the daily challenges and chores that cowboys faced on the ranch back in the days of the Wild West. La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is a major attraction each year, and local hotels and dude ranches are usually very busy during Rodeo season so if you plan on experiencing that Wild West atmosphere, make your bookings early. In 2005, the events will take place at the Tuscon Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave, Tuscon between Saturday February 19th & Sunday February 27th. Tickets are available at 520-741- 2233 or 1-800-964-5662 from December 1st 2004. For general information, email info@tucsonrodeo.com. |