Think that all the rodeo action starts with the parade next Thursday?
Think again.
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros kicks off its 86th year with competitions and a dance on Saturday and runs through Feb. 27.
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros:
Rodeo schedule
SATURDAY
• Opening Day: Dodge Mutton Bustin' and Justin Junior Rodeo, followed by ProRodeo Competition.
• Tickets: $16-$22. Select bleacher seats $7.
• Bonus: Canon Photography Workshop, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $75 and includes lunch. Reservations required at 741-2233.
SUNDAY
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• Second performance: Dodge Mutton Bustin' and Justin Junior Rodeo, followed by ProRodeo Competition.
• Tickets: $16-$22.Select bleacher seats $7.
MONDAY AND TUESDAY
• Timed events competition (slack): Barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down and team roping only.
• Time: 8 a.m.
• Tickets: $5; free kids under 13. At the gate only. Free parking.
NEXT THURSDAY
• Third performance: Dodge Mutton Bustin' and Justin Junior Rodeo, followed by ProRodeo Competition.
• Tickets: $17-$23.
FEB. 25
• Fourth performance: Dodge Mutton Bustin' and Justin Junior Rodeo, followed by ProRodeo Competition.
• Tickets: $17-$23.
FEB. 26
• Fifth performance: Dodge Mutton Bustin' and Justin Junior Rodeo, followed by ProRodeo Competition.
• Tickets: $18-$24.
FEB. 27
• Final performance: Dodge Mutton Bustin' and Justin Junior Rodeo, followed by ProRodeo Competition.
• Tickets: $20-$26,
Music
New this year is the Coors Rodeo Dance, a family-friendly event that takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. after every day of ProRodeo Competition at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.
• On stage: The Greg Spivey Band performs Saturday, Sunday and next Thursday. The Jack Bishop Band plays Feb. 25-27.
• Admission: $5; Free to rodeo contestants, and children age 12 and under. Western BBQ and other foods for sale.
• What: Cowgirls with Heart Rodeo Dance, a night of country music and dance featuring singer/songwriter Pat James.
• When: 5 p.m.-midnight. Feb. 25.
• Where: El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th St.
• Cost: $8 advance; $10 at the door. Tickets on sale at area Boot Barns, Vaquero Feed & Livestock Supply and Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum Box Office.
• More: 954-4355. Read more in next week's Caliente.
• What: Tracy Lawrence in concert. The John Eric Band from Phoenix opens.
• When: 7 p.m. Feb. 26.
• Where: Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, at Interstate 19.
• Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show, at www.ticketmaster.com or the casino box office.
• FYI: The Cactus Moon, 5470 E. Broadway, is the rodeo's official watering hole.
Parade
• What: Tens of thousands turn out every year to watch this parade, which features 115 western-themed entries, dignitaries, nine high school marching bands, Mexican folk dancers and much more.
• When: 9 a.m. next Thursday. Crowds begin lining the streets much, much earlier.
• Where: 1 1/2-mile parade route starts at South Park Avenue and East Ajo Way, heads south to East Irvington Road then west to South Sixth Avenue.
• Grandstand seating: At Irvington and South Sixth Avenue, $7 adults, $5 kids under 13. Call 294-1280 for tickets.
• Watch from home: The parade will be broadcast live on KOLD-TV, Channel 13 and Public Access TV.
• Tribute: The parade will feature a tribute to the victims of the Jan. 8 shooting. Six riderless horses will be led in the parade in honor of the six who were slain in the shooting at Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' "Congress on Your Corner" event at a northwest-side Safeway. Thirteen others, including Giffords, were wounded.
If you go
• What: 86th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros.
• When: Gates open at 11 a.m., unless otherwise noted, Saturday through Feb 27.
• Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
• Cost: Varies.
• Parking: $5.
Did you know?
The rodeo parade will include more than 40 wagons and buggies from the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum.
The museum, at 4823 S. Sixth Ave., includes 150 buggies and wagons, historic artifacts, and a recreated western Main Street. Admission is $10.
