Top 10 Events

Upcoming Events

Thursday 16th Feb to Sunday 26th Feb: 57th Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show & Shopping Expo

Largest Show of its Kind in the World!

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show will celebrate its 57th birthday at WestWorld of Scottsdale during the week of February 16-26, 2012. The Show attracts over 2,400 of the world’s finest Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. These magnificent, versatile, user-friendly animals and their owners will gather from around the world to compete for over $1,000,000 in prize monies in more than 640 colorful classes.

Come watch the exciting Gamblers Choice where Arabians and Half-Arabian horses race around the arena jumping obstacles for points, the Mounted Native Costume class where riders and horses dress in traditional desert regalia, the $5000 Arabian Freestyle Liberty Class where beautiful Arabian Horses are set free in the arena saddleless and bridleless to music… and much more.

In addition to its gorgeous horses, the Scottsdale Show is a shopper’s paradise. The dazzling commercial exhibits area overflows with treasures for every taste and budget, with more than 300 vendors and trade booths offering everything from lavish jewelry, clothing and works of art, to boots, saddles, gifts and trinkets.

Tempting international cuisine courts, exciting demonstrations, and unique educational seminars compete for visitors’ attention with the luxurious, exotically decorated stabling areas in which the horses are housed.

Hours: Starts daily at 8 am. See the website for specific show times. Admission: $10 general, $7 seniors, under 12 free. FREE family night Friday, Feb. 24, 6 pm.

A Scottsdale tradition, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is also a highly successful fundraiser put on by the Arabian Horse Assn. of Arizona. Over the years, millions of dollars have gone to worthy charities.

480-515-1500, www.scottsdaleshow.com

Saturday 18th Feb to Sunday 26th Feb: 87th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros® — The Tucson Rodeo

Arizona’s Celebration of the Cowboy

In February 1925, Leighton Kramer, the president of the Arizona Polo Association, paraded area cowboys, visiting trick riders, folk dancers and marching bands through downtown Tucson en route to a midtown polo field. There a long-planned, community-sponsored rodeo and Wild West show debuted to a full house.

Celebrating the heritage and contributions of the cowboy and Mexican vaquero is as popular today as it was almost nine decades ago. As one of the top 25 rodeos on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) calendar, the Tucson Rodeo attracts the sport’s current and former world champions, all vying for a share of over $420,000 in prize money.

Rodeo evolved from a friendly competition among ranch cowboys to a popular and unique American sport. Come enjoy the six performances: Feb. 18 and 19, and Feb. 23-26. Festivities begin at 12:30 pm. each day. Tickets are $12-$26, and available in advance online or by calling 800-964-5662. Don’t miss the little buckaroos competing in Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and the Justin Junior Rodeo.

A treasured tradition of rodeo week, the Tucson Rodeo Parade is billed as the largest non-motorized parade in the world boasting over 150 western-themed floats and buggies, Mexican folk dancers and musicians. The parade is Feb. 23 at 9 am; grandstand seating is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 13.

If you miss the parade, the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum opens Jan. 3 – April 7 at 4823 S. 6th Ave. in the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. This world-class museum was featured on Antiques Roadshow! View more than 150 vehicles including the recently restored Maximilian & Carlotta Inauguration carriage made under Napoleon’s order in 1863, and surreys featured in the film ‘OKLAHOMA’. The museum also offers many displays of historic southwest Arizona. See ad this page for hours. 520-294-1280

Rodeo: 520-741-2233, 800-964-5662, www.tucsonrodeo.com
Rodeo Parade: www.tucsonrodeoparade.com

Friday 2nd Mar to Sunday 4th Mar: Bluegrass on the Beach

Lake Havasu “Bluegrass on the Beach”
Featuring the U.S. Navy Bluegrass Band and the 3-time IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Mar 2-4, 2012, Lake Havasu City, AZ.

By Larry Baker

“Bluegrass on the Beach” returns to the beautiful shores of famous Lake Havasu. L&S Promotions celebrates 10 years of southwest bluegrass with this year’s festival again being held March 2-4, 2012 at the beautiful Lake Havasu State Park Windsor #4.

L&S Promotions is bringing another incredible line-up of world-class award-winning bluegrass music to the shores of Lake Havasu. This year’s incredible line-up brings The U.S. Navy Band, Country Current performing their superb music with 2 great sets, one Fri and one Sat. The band has entertained fans all around the U.S including most recently a nationally televised Sunday night NFL National Anthem and half time show. Also performing is IBMA’s three Time (including 2011) Male Vocalist of the Year Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. They have also been Vocal group of the year 7 consecutive years – one of the hottest & most exciting bands in the business today. One you don’t want to miss! They are scheduled for both Friday at 4:30 pm & Saturday at 4:00 pm performances.

We are just getting started: add the popular hard driving sounds with great traditional music The Bluegrass Brothers. They have many musical accomplishments over numerous years, and their vocals and musicianship are second to none. The Bluegrass Brothers are one of the finest bluegrass shows in the country, and they are friendly country folk. Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa, the former Master Chief and lead singer of the U.S. Navy Band has one incredible band with his smooth and stellar voice bringing a great selection of music. Wayne Taylor is one of the most respected performers in the bluegrass today.

L&S Promotions has assembled more outstanding bluegrass music starting with the powerful, hard-driving sounds providing excitement and entertainment from Nova Scotia, Canada, for our Canadian friends, The Spinney Brothers. They bring a blend of traditional and southern flavored music with a professional approach to their work. Their influence is the first generation fathers of bluegrass, yet their personal lives and local heritage comes forward in their performances incorporating original material intertwining the past and present. Look for this band to make a big splash in the years to come with freshness & excitement. Their professional approach to the music is something special and a must see performance.

Fasten your seatbelts for this one! Brand New Strings with hardcore bluegrass for the hardcore fan. These are exciting, fresh, songs played and sung by superbly talented musicians and singers in take-no-prisoners, no apologies, strictly bluegrass style. This is bluegrass the way it ought to be! Kyle Cantrell (SIRIUS XM Radio).

Arizona’s own Thomas Porter & Copper River… talk about a array of experience, with every band member having played with many well known bands including Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver among many others. Thomas brings a smooth voice with a variety of great original songs. The Central Valley Boys, dedicated to paying homage to the great country and Bluegrass musicians. Vern Williams, Del Williams, Ray Park, Rose Maddox and the Maddox Brothers. The Farmer Boys and more were all performing out of the beautiful Central Valley of California. Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys first got together in 1995 and the lineup has remained remarkably steady ever since. Belle Monroe leads the group with her powerful and sultry vocals and steady rhythm guitar playing. While the band has a great appreciation for traditional bluegrass music, they don’t quite play it straight; they inject a bit of blues, a smidgen of swing, and a whole lot of fun and frenetic energy.

To wrap up this great line-up you better be ready for some wonderful fun, laughter and a great act with the Cleverlys. This act will bring you to your feet or have you laughing with their one of a kind entertainment. This is one you don’t want to miss!

The wonderful southwest sunshine brings the best out in everyone along with great traditional bluegrass music in the Arizona desert. With sights and experiences you will not forget, such as beautiful sunsets against the rocky terrain of the desert mountains to the smooth sights of beautiful Lake Havasu, with the sounds of guitars, mandolins, basses, banjos and more in the background. Lake Havasu City has it all with all the amenities that come with large cities, fabulous restaurants, big super markets, competitive gas stations, hotels, sightseeing activities, the famous London Bridge, full service RV Parks, for those shoppers a brand new mall, great fishing, golf courses and much more.

The LHC Visitors &Tourism Bureau has worked with L&S Promotions and has lots of valuable LHC information available for bluegrass fans that have never been to the area. It’s time to schedule your winter vacation to enjoy the southwest while taking in “Bluegrass on the Beach” Mar 2-4, 2012 and not to be left behind, the great sound will be provided by the popular and fan favorite “Old Blue Sound Co.”

For those of you who have attended an L&S Promotions festival in the past and for those of you who will be first timers, we welcome you with open arms and big smiles as early camping opens at 8:00 am Monday Feb 27, 2012. For those camping, we encourage early arrival (Mon) to insure a camping spot close to the stage area. Everyone who purchases a 3-day ticket with camping is guaranteed a spot within the park. Our shuttle service will be fully manned and in action all week long.

This festival is shaping up to be another “Don’t Miss” Festival in the desert southwest. The weather in March is generally in the upper 70’s to low 80’s so be sure to pack your sunscreen. Lake Havasu State Park with its fresh facelift has great facilities including a large audience area, nice showers, clean restrooms, lots of walking & nature trails and the beauty of the lake.

In addition to the wonderful music and beauty of the lake, we will again feature great band workshops. Our superior arts & crafts show returns with dynamite vendors along with the tasty food vendors. The LHC Main Street Association will man the beer concessions. Ice will be available for purchase. A honey wagon & water truck will be available. Our Shuttle Service within the festival grounds proved to be valuable and will continue in full force at LHC. With the nice big layout of the park, jamming is again expected to be at major levels.

Tickets can be purchased on-line via our web site www.landspromotions.com. We continue to work to bring this exciting festival to a higher level. Early camping/jamming is encouraged and welcomed beginning Mon. Feb 27, 2012. Music starts at 10:00 am Mar 2. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for grass seating and most important have FUN! For additional festival information and/or questions call L&S Promotions ~ Larry & Sondra Baker (209) 480-4693 or e-mail us at roaddog@caltel.com. Get your tickets today and don’t be left out! See you there!

LIFE IS TRULY GOOD!!

Friday 2nd Mar to Sunday 4th Mar: Coolidge Cotton Days 31st Annual Festival

The Coolidge Chamber of Commerce would like to invite one and all to come celebrate our Annual Cotton Festival with us at located San Carlos Parkat 320 W. Central Ave., Coolidge AZ 85128.

This year’s festivities include three days of fun filled activities for everyone. Friday evening’s Teen Night Dance Contest will give everyone a chance to show off his or her dance moves. Start your Saturday morning with our Boy Scott Pancake Breakfast followed by a fantastic Parade. The 6th Annual Ride to the Ruins bike run will benefit the Pinal County Advocacy Center. They will lead the parade.

Join us for a laugh with David Membrila, a great comedian who will entertain you all day long. The fun doesn’t stop there. We have a Cotton Bale contest, Horse Shoe tournament, Carnival, delicious food booths and lots to see with all the arts and craft booths.

Come join us for an action packed weekend. We have live entertainment all day long. Registration for the Bike run is still open. For more information visit our website www.coolidgechamber.org or join us on Facebook.

520-723-3009
www.coolidgechamber.org

Saturday 10th Mar to Sunday 11th Mar: 30th Annual Wa:k Pow Wow

Head to the San Xavier Mission South of Tucson

For an exciting display of American Indian inter-tribal dancing along with a great selection of traditional food and crafts, come to the 30th Annual Wa:k Pow Wow on March 10-11, 2012. The pow wow takes place at the San Xavier Del Bac Mission 10 miles southwest of Tucson. Gates open at 10:30 am on Saturday and 10 am on Sunday.

There will be Gourd Dancing Saturday at 1 pm and Grand Entries at 2 pm and 7 pm. On Sunday the Gourd Dancing takes place at 11 am followed by the Grand Entry at 12 pm. There will also be a Drum Contest, Team Dancing, Hoop Dance Contest and Two-Step Contest. Registration for all categories closes at 7 pm on Sat.

Visitors looking for Native American arts and crafts and souvenirs will find an excellent selection including silver jewelry, beaded earrings, Native American T-shirts and hats, CDs and much more. Try the delicious traditional foods such as Indian fry bread, red and green chili burros and Indian tacos.

Take I-19 South, Exit 92. No alcohol, drugs or video cameras are allowed. Admission is $7 adults, $5 children (6 & under free) and parking is $3/car. Pow Wow hours are Sat 10:30 am – 11 pm and Sun 10 am – 7 pm.

520-573-4000

Saturday 10th Mar to Sunday 11th Mar: Tres Rios Nature & Earth Festival

The popular Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival returns to the vast Estrella Mountain Regional Park in 2012 and will again offer a unique opportunity for nature lovers to visit a riparian corridor in the West Valley near where the Salt and Agua Fria rivers join the Gila River.

Scheduled for March 10-11, 2012, the “Three Rivers” Festival will emphasize local plants, animals, ecological relationships and available recreational opportunities. Don’t miss out on opportunities to see live wildlife up close, go canoeing, try archery, fish, view local birdlife, hike and learn about recycling and green-living zones.

A true family event, the Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival will feature a special area for children with hands-on activities centering around nature, recycling and the outdoors. A recycling fashion show, free fishing clinic, live reptiles, local performing groups and numerous other features will give the annual event a true festival flavor.

Estrella Mountain Regional Park is located near Goodyear, approximately 5 miles south of Interstate 10 off Estrella Boulevard at 14805 W. Vineyard Blvd. Festival hours are 9 am to 4 pm each day. Although the event is free, a $3 per vehicle entrance fee will be charged by the park. Take advantage of the reduced entry fee to enjoy all of the park’s amenities!

623-932-2260, www.tresriosnaturefestival.com

Saturday 10th Mar to Sunday 11th Mar: Civil War in the Southwest

Official AZ Centennial Event

This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Engagement of Picacho Pass! In addition, the 2012 Civil War in the Southwest is an official Arizona Centennial Event. Visitors travel from around the country to experience three fascinating historic battle re-enactments complete with lifestyles of the soldiers in the southwest during the 1860s. More than 200 re-enactors come from many states and will camp at the park with their authentic Civil War camping gear. Food and beverage concessions are also available, including the popular Kettle corn vendor.

Vehicle Entrance Fee: $10 up to 4 persons. Each additional person is $3. Individual Entrance Fee is $3 for walk-in or bike. Gate Hours are from 9:30 am – 3 pm and entry to park is permitted only during Gate Hours. Event hours are from 10 am – 4 pm. No Dogs are permitted in Event Area. Event schedule can be downloaded closer to the event date at AZStateParks.com/Parks/PIPE.

Saturday 17th Mar: A Night in the 40s

Big Band Hangar Dance and WWII Musical Show

The Commemorative Air Force Aircraft Museum (CAF) and presenting sponsor Hensley and Company invite you to take a Sentimental Journey back to 1943 with “A Night in the 40s” Big Band Dance. This glamorous event features a WW II 1940′s musical show followed by a big band orchestra playing sounds of the era to dancing men and women dressed in period styles – all in the shadow of the vintage B-17 WW II Flying Fortress bomber “Sentimental Journey”!

“A Night in the 40′s” benefits a worthwhile cause – a fund raiser for the non-profit volunteer CAF Aircraft Museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Rd at Mesa’s Falcon Field, a organization dedicated to keeping aviation history alive for current and future generations.

“A Night in the 40′s” will be held Saturday, March 17. Entertainment begins at 5:30 pm with The Kathy Donald Jazz Ensemble. At 7:30 pm, the Sonoran Swing Big Band Orchestra plays favorite music from the war years. There will be a costume contest for the best-dressed 1940′s costume and a swing dance contest.

Tickets for “A Night in the 40′s” are $35 per person purchased in advance and $40 the day of. Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online at www.bigbanddance.com. All admission fees and donations are fully tax deductible.

480-924-1940, www.bigbanddance.com, www.azcaf.org