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Tucson Rodeo Parade
Thursday,
February 26, 2009
9:00 a.m.
Broadcast live on KOLD-TV channel 13 and Public Access TV
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Billed as the country's longest non-motorized rodeo parade, this two-hour spectacle features western-themed floats and buggies, historic horse-drawn coaches, festive Mexican folk dancers, marching bands and outfitted riders. An estimated 200,000 spectators view the parade each year.
Over 200 non-motorized entries are featured. The Parade route begins at Park Ave. and Ajo Way; proceeds south on Park to Irvington Road; proceeds west on Irvington Road to the Tucson Rodeo Grounds at S. 6th Ave. Route is one and one-half mile long.
The Parade day begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Grandstand seating area with pre-parade entertainment. The actual Parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
Grandstand seating is available on a first come basis. To get the best seats, arrive early. Tickets may be purchased at the Tucson Rodeo Parade Office, 4856 S. Sixth Ave., after January 15, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or at the ticket booths on Irvington Road the morning of the Parade.
 History of the Tucson Rodeo Parade
(from tucsonrodeoparade.org) In 1924, Frederick Leighton Kramer, President of the Arizona Polo Association and later recognized as the Founder of the Tucson Rodeo and Rodeo Parade, gathered a group of local business men to discuss the possibility of having a Rodeo.
This group included C. James and Albert H. Condron, President and Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, respectively. Also Monte Mansfield, a local car dealer, M. H. Starkweather, Architect, "Jack" J.C. Kinny and Bud Parker, local and well respected cattlemen, were present at the meeting.
This was the inspiration and moving force that made it possible for the Tucson Rodeo and Tucson Rodeo Parade to take place on February 21, 1925.In "Progressive Arizona - 1925", Kramer observed, "The City of Tucson excelled itself the day of its first Rodeo Parade called "La Fiesta de los Vaqueros". The first Parade was led by Major Nuestatter, Tucson's veteran Parade Leader, followed by the Band of the 25th Infantry from Nogales.
Next was the Platoon of the Reserve Officers Unit, Polo Players, cowboys and cowgirls, buggies, wagons, Indians and lastly the Band of the 10th U.S, Cavalry from Ft. Huachuca.
Read more about the history of the Tucson Parade. Request copies of The 2006 and 2007 Parades on DVD (100 mins) which includes Grand Marshall Press Conference.
Seating for the Rodeo Parade
Grandstand seating is located at Irivington Road and S. 6th Avenue. Grandstand entertainment begins at 8:00 a.m. and the Parade starts to roll at 9:00 a.m.
Judges and Reviewing stands are located on the south side of Irvington close to Sixth Ave. Grandstand seating is on Irvington Road. Seating in this area requires ticketing which can be purchased at Ticket Booths near the Grandstands or in advance at The Rodeo Parade Office.
The 2009 Tucson Rodeo Parade will be announced when the upcoming dates are planned.
Tucson Rodeo Parade Parade Tickets
Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children (under 12). Viewing areas along route at no charge. Purchase tickets at www.TucsonRodeoParade.org, or parade tickets can be purchased at The Parade Office at 4823 S. 6th Avenue, or by calling 520-294-1280. Parking is available at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. Parking rate is $5 per car.
Shuttle service (wheelchair accessible) is provided from area malls on Sun Tran busses. Call (520) 792-9222 for information, or go to www.suntran.com.
Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, Inc.
P.O. Box 1788
Tucson, Arizona 85702
Phone: 520-294-1280
Museum: 520-294-3636
Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum
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