Community Traditions

Many communities have traditions that are passed on for generations. Some of these traditions include non-profit organizations which create unique communities and opportunities to give back and make a difference.  

I live in Tucson, Arizona and in 1925 the first Tucson Rodeo was held in the middle of Prohibition. According to Tucsonrodeo.com, because of the number of visitors expected, there was a decision to clean up the town and Arizona State Prohibition Director Frank Pool led a force of federal officials to town two weeks prior to the rodeo. According to the Arizona Daily Star 25 stills were captured, and an estimated 3,000 gallons of moonshine destroyed. Interestingly, Taxi fare from downtown to the rodeo grounds was set at 25 cents for a party of four. Prizes at the 1925 Rodeo Parade included a 750-lb. block of ice, 100 lbs. of potatoes and a “Big Cactus” ham. Leighton Kramer conceived the idea of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros to draw visitors to Tucson during the mid-winter season. Kramer was a winter visitor himself, and president of the Arizona Polo Association. He wanted to give visitors a taste of a cowboy range and Tucson’s Wild West notoriety.  The first rodeo was held at what is now known as Catalina Vista neighborhood, east of Campbell Avenue between Grant Road and Elm Street.  The city leaders and the University of Arizona declared February 21, 1925, a city holiday.

When I was a kid and to this day, local schools take a few days off during Rodeo Week, which includes a parade. This year the Grand Marshal is Jessica Cox. One a personal note, I have had a longstanding tradition of wearing cowboy boots each day of rodeo week and these boots are made for walking February 20-26, 2023.

Consider taking some time to learn about your community traditions and think about how you can get involved with your time, talent, and treasure. Being involved in a community tradition can be fun and rewarding at the same time.