The end of February is near, and along with that comes the Tucson Rodeo. The Tucson Rodeo Parade began the morning of Thursday, Feb. 22. What follows next is six days full of rodeo. 

The Tucson Rodeo, also known as La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, focuses on bringing the Southwestern American culture of cowboy rodeo to the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.

“When February rolls around in Tucson, that means one thing: that means Tucson Rodeo,” said Tucson Rodeo General Manager Gary Williams. 

According to Williams, the Tucson Rodeo’s turnout rate is 55,000 to 60,000 people each year. “The primary reason to come to the rodeo is to be entertained and have a good time with your family and friends.”

Tucson Rodeo Grounds is set- up with cold beverages, fired-up barbecue foods, music, street vendors with cowboy hats and colorful toys. Sponsored events include bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and plenty more. 

“Everything from children 4 to 6 riding sheep, to professional rodeo cowboys riding bulls and everything in between,” Williams said. 

According to Williams, ticket sales for this year’s Rodeo have been running over 6 percent ahead of last year’s sales. 

“We focus primarily on the rodeo and making it the best it can be,” Williams said. 

Tucson Rodeo Grounds is located on 4823 S. Sixth Ave. For more information visit: http://www.tucsonrodeo.com/about.html  

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