La Fiesta de los Vaqueros - 87th Tucson Rodeo Parade

Last Thursday at something cold and dark o’clock we hauled ourselves out of our nice  warm bed, into the truck and just as dawn was breaking headed off to park on the rodeo grounds before the roads were closed.

Our first stop was for steaming hot chocolate before taking our seats on the cold bleachers waiting for the start of the longest non-motorised parade in the world.

There was some entertainment before the parade, one of which was some excellent Mariachi sadly I can’t remember their name.

The start of the parade

Each of these flags have, at one time or another, flown over Arizona.

Just a few of the participants in the parade.

Mexican Charro

Chinese Dragons, as this was the first time a dragon had been in the parade  the parade marshalls had to ensure that the dragon didn't spook the horses.

Marching Bands

 Arizona Rangers

 Tucson Symphony

 Rodeo Queens

Mormon Battalion

The boots on this horse are facing backwards in memory of Louise Serpa, world famous photographer

The Sherriff’s Posse of El Paso

Of course after all those horses, the cleanup crew were needed before the road could be re-opened to traffic.

Was it worth the cold, dark early morning start?   Absolutely!
 

Have fun, we are!