It’s Rodeo week in Tucson and urban cowboys and cowgirls might want to giddy-up and check out the 14th Annual Rodeo Days Arts Celebration Saturday at Plaza Palomino.
Conceived by local artist Susan French and sponsored by NAI Horizon, the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2900 N. Swan Road will feature more than 50 artisan booths with fine art, jewelry, pottery, metal, glass and wood. Festivities also include food; live music and entertainment; a silent auction; free pony rides from noon to 2 p.m.; and cat and dog rescue adoption opportunities highlighting nine local animal rescue groups. Western dress is encouraged.
The event is an incredible outreach opportunity for local rescue groups and the homeless pets they serve, according to Nancy Wright, President of the Board of Directors with Rescue Me Marana.
The nonprofit, which works closely with Pima Animal Care Center and has a storefront in suite 902 at Tucson Premium Outlets, is currently fostering about 15 dogs and 15 cats. It focuses on rescues from rural areas in the far northwest, Globe, Casa Grande and the tribal nations and has placed more than 1,200 dogs and cats since it opened in 2021.
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“We want to build awareness that there are all these animals out here needing homes and we want to make it comfortable for people to meet the pets. Many people may not feel comfortable going into a shelter setting: Some find the numbers overwhelming or simply get too sad. I have seen children and adults sometimes burst into tears and be overcome by the sights and sounds,” Wright said.
She said that the smaller, more personal environment at Plaza Palomino can be an ideal opportunity to meet several dozen prospective dogs and cats and spend one-on-one time with them. The event will also feature animals from Finally My Forever Home, Hope Animal Shelter, Hope of Deliverance, Miss Maggie Mays, Paws Patrol of Green Valley, Paws Without Borders, Whiskers and Wishes, and Valley Humane Society.
Wright emphasized that the rescue organizations — the majority of which work on shoestring budgets with no marketing dollars — collaborate in an effort to find forever homes for animals and assist PACC, which is at capacity.
“We feel whenever one of us succeeds in getting a rescue animal adopted, we all win. There are many options for rescue groups and people can come out and see adoptable animals and learn where they can go for more. It is like a mixer for animals and people who are ‘single and ready to mingle,’” Wright said.
For those who prefer to shop as opposed to adopt, several rescue organizations offer animal-related art and gifts, and donations are also welcome. A silent auction to benefit Rescue Me Marana will also be held. Bidding is also available online at https://givebutter.com/c/RescueMeTucsonSilentAuction/auction through 4 p.m. Saturday .
Ultimately, Wright said the family-friendly event is a win-win for the nonprofits, artists, attendees who can enjoy entertainment by Mariachi Herradura de Tucson and strolling mariachi music; Ballet Folklorico Tapatio; Kevin Pakulis and his Band; and Larry Armstrong & Copper Moon. Participating Plaza Palomino restaurants such as Vero Amore, Trident Grill II, and Le Buzz Caffe will offer Rodeo Days Arts Celebration specials, and Tacos & More food truck will feature tacos, burritos, Sonoran hot dogs and more.
“It is so much fun to see the dancing entertainment and the incredibly talented artists in the beautiful setting at Plaza Palomino. It is just a great day out at a wonderful time of year,” Wright said.
