The Pomeroy Elementary School band marches along Congress Street in front of the Fox Theater during the 1961 Tucson Rodeo Parade.

Before the Tucson Rodeo Parade moved its stomping grounds to Park Avenue, it had a home in downtown Tucson.

Take a look at these historical photos from those times, and be sure to catch this year's parade Thursday at 9 a.m.

The route starts on the corner of Ajo Highway and Park Avenue and then heads south to Park and Irvington Road where it will turn west and end at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on the Irvington and Sixth Avenue.

Check the Tucson Rodeo Parade's website for more info.

The 1962 Tucson Rodeo Parade.

Tucson Rodeo Parade heading north on Stone Avenue from Pennington St in 1949. The historic Pioneer Hotel is at upper right. Photo by Reginald Russell

 

Parade watchers hold in the chill morning air during the 1961 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

Former Gov. Jack Williams, shown in the 1978 Tucson Rodeo Parade, is among the many dignitaries who have ridden in the "Maximilian coach." The century-old vehicle has been the subject of tall tales and controversy since it was acquired by the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee in 1932.

Rodeo parade spectators fill the streets at Stone and Alameda in 1951.

Rodeo fans in front of the Tucson Convention Center during the 1980 Tucson Rodeo Parade.

Down the hatch, pardner. A young boy with a Popeye holster watches the 1964 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

Little Cowpunchers riding in the 1938 Tucson rodeo parade. Victor Aros is in the front, left. Pete Aros is standing in the middle, the only one without a cowboy hat. Photo courtesy of Victor Aros.

Tucson Citizen newsboys distribute newspapers at the 1951 rodeo parade.

Spectactators sneak a peek between the bleachers during the 1980 Tucson Rodeo Parade in front St. Augustine Cathedral.

Fans have lined Rodeo Parade routes since 1925. The parade has rolled along South Park Avenue and East Irvington Road since 1991.

Club de Charros de Tucson performs during the 1974 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

Parade watchers with their 35mm rangefinder cameras and 8mm film movie cameras at the 1961 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

A couple young cow pokes walk the Tucson Rodeo Parade route with mom in 1964.

A young girl points out something of interest to her doll during the 1964 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

It was a rainy and windy day in 1983 as the parade made its way along Pennington Street. Because of the tight quarters downtown, the route was moved to S. Park Ave. in 1991.

The aftermath of the 1962 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

Parade watchers at the La Placita parking garage during the 1980 Tucson Rodeo Parade in front the Tucson Convention Center.

A Tucson Police officer holds kids at a safe distance while watching the 1964 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

The Willcox High School marching band on Church Ave during the 1974 Tucson Rodeo Parade.

Mariachis march in the 1962 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.

An adult keeps a boy at a safe distance during the 1961 Tucson Rodeo Parade on Stone Avenue in downtown Tucson.

The Sunnyside Junior High marching band during the 1980 Tucson Rodeo Parade in front the Tucson Convention Center.


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