Celebrate Tucson’s big day a day early
It all started in 1775 when Hugo O’Conor founded Presidio San Augustin del Tucson. After Mexico fought for independence in 1821, Tucson became a part of that country, but the 1854 Gadsden Purchase put it under the jurisdiction of the United States.
Visited by Father Kino and Dillinger, it is also home of the Arizona Wildcats and was once home to Lee Marvin, Ted DeGrazia and Linda Ronstadt.
In those 240-plus years, the Old Pueblo has grown into a city of more than 520,000 in population.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Tucson’s 242nd birthday — Join Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Las Donas de Tucson and Ken Karrels for the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum’s 10th annual Tucson Birthday Party. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. at the historic AMTRAK Tucson Train Depot lobby, 400 N. Toole Ave., with music by Mariachi Innovacion. Arturo Valenzuela, president of the Galeria Cuadro Arte Latin Internacional, will explain why we celebrate Tucson’s birthday, and Charles Hancock will share the history of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers.
Birthday cake and melodies by the Southern Comfort Band to follow. Master of Ceremonies William Kalt will sign copies of his new book, “High in Desert Skies: Early Arizona Aviation.” Read about how aviation helped shape our city in Sunday’s Home + Life.
Create seed balls using a mix of Old Town Tucson Wildflower Seeds at the Arizona History Museum, 949 E. Second St., 628-5774. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. each participant will learn how to make five seed balls to take home. $3.
Monday, Aug. 21
Tucson’s Birthday Celebration — Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave. Presentation by city officials, cannon firing, Los Changuitos Feos, birthday cake and Folklorico dancing. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 21. Free. 837-8119.
