WELCOME RODEO FANS TO THE

La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros

Each February since 1925, Tucsonans saddle their horses, hitch up their buggies and shine their cowboy boots for the “Celebration of the Cowboys.” Feb. 18-26, 2006 marks the 81st Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, a community event highlighted by the Tucson Rodeo Parade on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Locals, however, did not greet the first rodeo and parade, with enthusiasm. Many of the citizens flatly stated the staging of a rodeo and parade as too pretentious. Many were heard to exclaim,” There is absolutely no reason to have a rodeo let alone a parade.”

After all, most of the streets were dirt, no stop signs existed, the radio and phonograph were popular, no one had natural gas for heating, the schools were strict, church socials and musicals were in vogue…yes, it was a quiet and peaceful life. Who needed a rodeo and parade? The entire city is surrounded by a rodeo everyday at all the ranches and private schools. Even though some businessmen though the rodeo and parade were a waste of time; even though some of the city fathers refused to back the rodeo and parade, both were a huge success.

The Tucson Rodeo Parade is the community’s most beloved tradition, and remains Tucson’s finest display of the Old West. Area schools are closed on Parade Day each year, and many local businesses close in order to participate in the parade with an entry. Over 200 floats are entered each year. The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, a 36-member volunteer board, plans and executes the parade, with the cooperation of the City of Tucson.

Each year, more than 200,000 people enjoy the western-themed floats and buggies, historic horse-drawn coaches, festive Mexican folk dancers, marching bands and outfitted riders. The route begins at Park Avenue and Ajo Way, continues south to Irvington Road, then heads west on Irvington Road to South 6th Avenue. Grandstands for viewing are located on Irvington at South 6th Avenue. Viewing along both sides of the route, which stretches just over a mile, is available at no charge.

Visitors to Tucson in January and February can explore the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum. Located on the northeast corner of S. Sixth Ave. and Irvington Road, the large building was originally the first city airport hanger, established in 1918. It was dedicated November 20, 1919 and was referred to as the Mayse Airport.

There are over one hundred buggies and wagons on display as well as a continually growing collection of Old West artifacts. There is a typical western street with various shops, and historical memorabilia of Tucson.

The Museum is open Monday through Friday during January and February from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and will be opened upon request on Saturdays. Special groups such as school children or organizations may see the Museum during the week by appointment.

La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros is the sixth stop and half-way point on the Wrangler ProRodeo Winter Tour, the PRCA's premier 12-city series of rodeos that culminates in the Pace Picante ProRodeo Chute-Out.

Events

The La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros hosts not only a stock show where the best of the best show off their barrel racing horses, geldings up to aged mares and aged stallions - It is also home to rodeo events like: bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

Past Results

2006 La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros