Political Calendar: Week of September 22, 2019

The Political Calendar is posted on Sundays. Please send us notice of your political events prior to the Sunday before your event 7 days would be most helpful). See the calendar icon in the right-hand column of the blog page for easy access to the calendar.

Send notices of your events to blogforarizona@gmail.com.

Note: For Event Notices and Fliers, click on the “Calendar” button in the menu options above.

Political Calendar for the Week of September 22, 2019:

Monday, September 23, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson luncheon, (NEW Location) Kettle Restaurant, 748 W. Starr Pass Blvd., west of I-10. East 22nd Street turns into W. Starr Pass Blvd. at the I-10.  The Kettle restaurant serves American buffet food, and is on the north side of the street, near the Quality Inn. An optional buffet lunch is available for just $12.00 that includes beverage, tax, and tip. Ordering from the regular menu is available. Featured speaker is Claire Knipe from Arizona List. Next Week: Sierra Yamanaka for DNC Update.

Monday, September 23, 5:30 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting at HQ, 2914 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Meet and greet (and dinner) begins at 5:30. Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, September 23, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Pima County Housing Center, 801 W. Congress Street. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more information please contact Eva Dong at ecdong1@gmail.com.

Tuesday, September 24: National Voter Registration Day.

Tuesday, September 24, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at the Water of Life Metropolitan Community Church, 3269 N. Mountain Avenue, Tucson. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Kim Holoway at kimholaway@gmail.com.

Thursday, September 26 – Sunday, September 29: Cochise County Fair, at the Cochise County Fair Grounds, 3677 N. Leslie Canyon Road, Douglas.

Thursday, September 26, 6:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Labor Caucus meeting, at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street, Tucson.

Thursday, September 26, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

LWVGT Candidate Forum – Tucson Mayor and City Council

Thursday, September 26, 6:00 p.m.: LWVGT Candidate Forum at the YWCA, 525 N. Bonita Avenue,Tucson. Come to hear what the candidates for Tucson Mayor and City Council have to say. Candidates for the Mayor’s office will speak first; there will be a short break,  followed by the forum with the City Council candidates in competitive races.  The forum takes place after the primary, so these candidates will be on the general election ballot.  For information, email League@lwvgt.com or call 520-327-7652.”

Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29: Oktoberfest on Mount Lemmon, 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon (Tucson). Free admission. $5 parking and highway fees. Enjoy a festival of German food and music in the forest at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley during the last two weekends in September and first two weekends in October: Sept. 21-22, Sept. 28-29, Oct. 5-6, and Oct. 12-13, 2019. No dogs admitted, please. For more information please call (520) 576-1321.

Saturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Saturday, September 28, 11:00 a.m.: Tucson Pride Parade 2019. Step off at 11:00 a.m. at Reid Park, 22nd Street (at Alvernon Way) in Tucson.

Saturday, September 28, Noon: 42nd Annual Pride in The Desert, at Reid Park, 22nd Street (at Alvernon Way) in Tucson. See Pride In The Desert 2019.

Saturday, September 28, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. Meet the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Witthoeft at sdwitt77@gmail.com.

Saturday, September 28, 3:00 p.m.:  San Tan Oktoberfest, at Dr AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler. Typically includes beer, brats, live music/polka, stein races, keg rolling, tricycle races, keg contest, bratwurst eating contests and a beer pong tournament. Admission $12-$15.

Special Announcements:

DCSRA Current Events Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area hosts a Current Events Discussion Group at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley (Suite 420, between the Barber Shop and the restaurant Carne Y Vino). Join us at the weekly meeting of the Democratic Headquarters Current Events Discussion Group. We’ll talk about some of the major events of the previous week, including but not limited to political topics, and try and go behind the news for a deeper understanding. For more information, please contact Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.

Drinking Liberally

Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally returns to The Shanty, 401 E. 9th Street, Tucson. We need to know by the morning of each meeting approximately how many folks will attend. Please RSVP to tucson@drinkingliberally.org. Informal but thoughtful conversation. As a reminder, The Shanty does not serve food (yes, there is popcorn), so please feel free to bring your own or order in, all allowed at The Shanty. There is no obligation to order anything–but as a thank you to our host, I hope everyone will order at least one drink (alcoholic or otherwise).

Sunday, September 29: Rosh Hashanah begins.

Sunday, September 29, 2:00 p.m.: AZ Civics for PCs and PC 101, at Wheeler Taft Abbett, Sr. Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. PCDP’s Civics 2.0 series continues on Sunday, September 29, with a Workshop by Ellen Toigo and Barbara Tellman. This workshop will acquaint people with the basics of how precincts and districts are formed and how PCs fit into that and into the party structure. Attendees will also learn in detail what a PC (Precinct Committeeperson) is, what activities PCs do and the benefits of being a PC. The event is free but registration is required to attend. Register at Eventbrite.

Sunday, September 29, 3:00 p.m.: Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Reserve Plaza, 8333 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson. For more information please contact Buddy Gill at maranadems@gmail.com or (408) 806-2036.

Wednesday, October 2: MSNBC will host a 2020 Gun Safety Forum with the Democratic presidential candidates focusing exclusively on gun violence, from Las Vegas, Nevada, on the second anniversary of the largest mass shooting by a gunman in American history. The day-long event—in partnership with Gabby Giffords and March for Our Lives—will be moderated by MSNBC anchor Craig Melvin and will focus exclusively on gun safety policy. The forum will stream online on NBC News Now but will also air in portions across MSNBC programming.

Thursday, October 3, 10:00 a.m.: Save Our Schools Arizona Townhall – West Valley, at Desert Sage Elementary School, 4035 W. Alameda Road, Glendale. “Have a question about Arizona’s public education funding crisis you’ve been dying to ask? Have an idea about supporting public schools that you’d like to share? Join us this fall for a series of SOSAZ Townhalls where we’ll discuss the issues, share insights, and collect feedback about what it takes to truly support Arizona’s 1.1 million public school families, our economy and our future.” For more information see our Facebook page.

Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6: Rex Allen Days. The Town of Willcox celebrates the music and life of hometown hero, the actor/singing cowboy Rex Allen, with a rodeo, parade, dances, and cowboy poetry readings.

Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 27: Arizona State Fair, at the Arizona State Fair Grounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.

Saturday, October 5, 9:30 a.m.: Legislative District 2 meeting, at the Continental Shopping Plaza, 210 W. Continental Road, Bldg. 210, Suite 203, Green Valley. For more information please contact Gerald Stoops at gfstoops@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 5, 11:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting, at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 798 S. Highway 92, Sierra Vista. For more information please contact ghadc1@yahoo.com.

Saturday, October 5, 11:00 a.m.: Flagstaff Oktoberfest, at Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff. The event supports the Flagstaff Sunrise Lions Club. Live polka music, German beer, and free root beer floats for kids in the root beer garden. Contests for yodeling, costume, brat eating and beer hoisting.

Pinal County Democratic Party Gala & Silent Auction

Saturday, October 5, 5:30 p.m.: Pinal County Democratic Party Gala & Silent Auction, at The Property, 1251 W. Gila Bend Hwy., Casa Grande. Keynote Speaker is Mark Kelly, candidate for US Senate. We will also be hearing from AZ Secretary of State Katie Hobbs. Event includes Buffet Dinner, Silent Auction, 50/50 and entertainment. 5:30 pm Registration & No Host Cocktails; 6:45 pm Dinner. Please RSVP Here.

Monday, October 7, 6:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party executive committee meeting.

Tuesday, October 8: Yom Kippur begins.

Tuesday, October 8, Noon: Democrats of Rim Country meeting, at Tiny’s Family Restaurant, 600 Arizona Hwy. 260, Payson, AZ. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Tuesday, October 8, 3:30 p.m.: Saddlebrooke Democrats meeting, at SaddleBrooke Activities Center, 64518 E. Galveston Lane (Saddlebrooke). Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Groth at (520) 385-6686 or check our web site. SaddleBrookeDemocrats.org.

Tuesday, October 8, 4:00 p.m.: Democrats for Picture Rocks meeting, at Horseshoe BBQ Restaurant, 6575 N. Sandario Road, Tucson. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Catalina Hall at dems4prandav@gmail.com.

Wednesday, October 9, 7:00 p.m.: Graham County Democratic Party meeting, at La Paloma Restaurant,  5183 Clifton Street, Solomon. Meet the second Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact us at grahamcountydemocraticparty@gmail.com or visit our Facebook Page.

Thursday, October 10 – Sunday, October 13: Graham County Fair, at the Graham County Fairgrounds, 527 E. Armory Road, Safford.

Thursday, October 10, Time TBA]: CNN and Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ Town Hall. This primetime event, airing live on the evening before the 31st anniversary of National Coming Out Day, will feature the largest ever audience for a Democratic presidential town hall devoted to LGBTQ issues. The candidates will take questions from the audience and CNN journalists on specific LGBTQ concerns as well as their plans to promote equality and civility. The Democratic candidates will appear in back-to-back town halls throughout the evening from The Novo in Los Angeles. An HRC Foundation spokesperson said the audience will be comprised of invited guests, LGBTQ stakeholders and members of civic organizations. No public tickets will be available.

Thursday, October 10, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson. Guest Speaker is Mark Kelly, candidate for U.S. Senate. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Non-members will be asked to make a contribution of $20 at the door or in advance. For more information, contact DGT at Pima County Democratic Headquarters (520) 326-3716.

Thursday, October 10, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Disability Caucus meeting, at Direct Center, 1001 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson. Monthly meeting of the Disability Caucus. Open to the public. For more information please contact Contact Carol Brown (520) 325-9874.

Thursday, October 10, 5:30 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party meeting, at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Road, Prescott. $10.00 donation, $5.00 if you bring a dish to share. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Please RSVP to (928)541-0413 or email us at info@yavdem.org.

Thursday, October 10, 7:00 p.m.: Yuma County Democratic Party meeting, at the new Yuma Democratic Party HQ at 290 S. 1st Avenue, Ste. 1, Yuma. Parking is available in back. Meet the second Thursday of each month. For more information please contact us at yumademocrats@gmail.com.

Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 13: Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake. Tempe Sister City holds its annual Tempe Oktoberfest as a fundraiser for its student and teacher exchange program. At the three day Oktoberfest, you will find a carnival, dachshund runs (Sunday) and a 5 Mile / 5K / 1 mile race (Saturday) in addition to German food, beer & wine gardens and live music. 15 german beers and three stages of live music! Kinderfest with craft zone and carnival amusements for kids. Six hours of polka music on Sunday. Admission is free. All day pass for kids amusements is $30. Tempe Beach Splash Park will also reopen for the weekend. Cash is needed to purchase tickets for food and beverages.

Tucson Meet Yourself

Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 13: Tucson Meet Yourself, occupying 4 city blocks and Jacomé Plaza, in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library, downtown Tucson. 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sun. Southern Arizona’s diverse folk and ethnic communities are celebrated with performances and demonstrations, food vendors, and more at this family-friendly festival in downtown Tucson. Admission: Free for spectators.

Saturday, October 12 – Sunday, October 13: Butterfield Overland Stage Days & Rodeo – City of Benson. The two day Butterfield Rodeo will be held at the Arena Bar and Rodeo Grounds, 250 N. Prickly Pear.

Saturday, October 12, 9:30 a.m.: Tanque Verde Valley Democrats meeting, at Risky Business, 8848 E. Tanque Verde Road. Usually meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information visit our web site. Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club.

Saturday, October 12, 10:00 a.m.: Mule Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Community Y, 26 Howell Avenue, Old Bisbee. For more information please contact John Viverto at vivertos@aol.com or visit our web page Mule Mountain Democrats.

Saturday,  October 12, 10:00 a.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party meeting, at Coconino County Democratic Party HQ, 201 E. Birch Avenue, Suite #6, Flagstaff. Meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information please call (928) 214-0393 or email Kevin Ordean at Kordean@ccdem.org.

Saturday, October 12, 1:00 p.m.: Sun City Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, in the Navajo Room of the Activity Center, 1495 Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Sun City. Meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information lease contact Maureen Salz mosalz@outlook.com.

Saturday, October 12, 3:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meeting at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley (Room 203 meeting room). Program on the current state of water presented by two speakers form the Uiversity of Arizona’s Water Resource Research Center. For more information please contact (520) 838-0590.

31st annual AIDSWALK Tucson

Sunday, October 13, 7:00 a.m.: 31st annual AIDSWALK Tucson, starts at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library – Jacome Plaza – in Downtown Tucson. Fundraiser for the care services, prevention programs, and LGBTQ initiatives of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. We can’t do any of this without the generous support of our walkers, their furry friends, our sponsors, and donors. And of course, the dedication of 300 volunteers who help to make this event possible! REGISTER HERE.

Monday, October 14: Columbus Day observed.

Monday, October 14, 6:30 p.m.: Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive (SE corner at La Cañada). Meet the second Monday of each month. For more information please contact Mike Dayton at teachers12@msn.com or (520) 742-3774, or visit our web site http://www.demsov.org/.

Monday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.: Democrats of the Highlands at Dove Mountain meeting, in the Dove Mountain Clubhouse Catalina Room II, 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd., Marana. For more information please contact (520) 661-1919.

Tuesday, October 15, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at Manda Le Bar & Grill, 3455 Canyon De Flores, Sierra Vista, Meet the third Tuesday of each month. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00. For more information please contact Pat Smith at pandw111167@aol.com. Visit our web page. Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Tuesday, October – 15 Wednesday October 16 [Time TBA]: Fourth Democratic Presidential Primary Debate from Otterbein University, in Westerville, Ohio. The moderators for October’s debate will be Marc Lacey of The New York Times, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett. Eleven candidates have qualified for the debate so far.

Wednesday, October 16, 6:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of Northern Gila County meeting, at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road, Payson. Meet the third Wednesday of the month. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m.: Democracy for America – Maricopa County (DFA-MC) monthly meeting is the third Wednesday of every month, and the new location is Macayo’s on Central Avenue, South of Indian School. For more information contact DFAofMC@gmail.com.

Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m.:  Legislative District 10 meeting, at new meeting location, Unitarian Universalist Church, Goddard Hall, 4831 E 22nd Street, Tucson.There is a social time for all members and guests, beginning at 6 p.m. Meet the third Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact Bonnie Heidler at ld10azdems@gmail.com.

Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, location varies. For more information please contact Constance Jackson at jcksconniejean@aol.com.

Thursday, October 17, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks breakfast, at Old Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona. Meet the third Thursday of each month. Admission is $15, includes buffet breakfast and gratuity. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP to (928) 274-6541.

Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20: Helldorado Days in Tombstone.

Saturday, October 19, 10:00 a.m.: Pima County Democratic Party African-American Caucus meeting, at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 1020 E. 31st Street, Tucson. Meet the third Saturday of each month. The caucus is not exclusively for African-Americans, all are welcome to join. For more information please contact Connie DeLarge at cdelarge@dmyl.com or (520) 241-8408.

Monday, October 21, 6:00 p.m.: Northern Pinal County Democrats meeting, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 2122 S. Goldfield Road, Apache Junction. For more information please contact David Coward at dbcoward@gmail.com.

Tuesday, October 22, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at the Water of Life Metropolitan Community Church, 3269 N. Mountain Avenue, Tucson. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Kim Holoway at kimholaway@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 24, 6:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Labor Caucus meeting, at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street, Tucson.

Thursday, October 24, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m.: Save Our Schools Arizona Townhall in Flagstaff,  at Coconino High School, 2801 N. Izabel Street, Flagstaff. “Have a question about Arizona’s public education funding crisis you’ve been dying to ask? Have an idea about supporting public schools that you’d like to share? Join us this fall for a series of SOSAZ Townhalls where we’ll discuss the issues, share insights, and collect feedback about what it takes to truly support Arizona’s 1.1 million public school families, our economy and our future.” For more information see our Facebook page.

Saturday, October 26, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. Meet the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Witthoeft at sdwitt77@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 26, 3:00 p.m.: Red Rocks Oktoberfest, at the Posse Grounds Park, 525 Posse Ground Road, Sedona. Local Arizona craft brewers will bring Oktoberfest beers. German style bratwurst, potato salad, and big pretzels! Music by Polka Katzen and The Naughty Bits. Advance admission price is $25, it is $30 the day of event.

Saturday, October 26, 4:00 p.m.: Save Our Schools Arizona Townhall in Kingman,  at Kingman Regional Medical Center, 3269 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman. “Have a question about Arizona’s public education funding crisis you’ve been dying to ask? Have an idea about supporting public schools that you’d like to share? Join us this fall for a series of SOSAZ Townhalls where we’ll discuss the issues, share insights, and collect feedback about what it takes to truly support Arizona’s 1.1 million public school families, our economy and our future.” For more information see our Facebook Page.

Sunday, October 27, 9:00 a.m.: Fall Cyclovia Tucson. “Cyclovia Tucson will take place on the route along South 12th Avenue from West 39th Street to Mission Manor Park. This 3.75-mile long route is home to dozens of locally owned small businesses featuring some of Tucson’s best Mexican food, plus scores of schools, community centers, places of worship, parks and neighborhoods. Dozens of free activities will line the route, concentrated around 5 activity hubs, and local restaurants will welcome guests with expanded outdoor seating for the day.”

Monday, October 28, 5:30 p.m. : Maricopa County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting at HQ, 2914 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Meet and greet (and dinner) begins at 5:30. Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 27, 3:00 p.m.: Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Reserve Plaza, 8333 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson. For more information please contact Buddy Gill at maranadems@gmail.com or (408) 806-2036.

Monday, October 28, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Pima County Housing Center, 801 W. Congress Street. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more
information please contact Eva Dong at ecdong1@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 31: Halloween.

Saturday, November 2, 3:00 p.m.: Procession of Little Angels, at Armory Park, 221 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson. The day before the big Procession, a small Procession takes place in Armory Park. The park fills with children and families, gathering to paint wings, create paper flowers, get their faces painted, dress in costumes created at our kids’ costuming workshops, and approach grief from a child-friendly, child-driven place.

Sunday, November 3, 4:00 p.m.: All Souls Procession, at Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Tucson.  More than 150,000 people gather downtown, some in costume, some carrying memorials or altars to celebrate, mourn and reflect on those who have died. The group walks about two miles together to watch a finale that includes performances by Flam Chen and the burning of a giant urn. Live music, dancers, entertainment. Event is free to attend.

Tuesday, November 5: General Election for City of Tucson offices: Mayor and City Council Ward 1, 2, and 4.

Tuesday, November 5, 7:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Election Night Party. Details TBA.

DCSRA Annual Dinner & Auction – Blue Wave Rising

Sunday, November 10, (Time TBA): DCSRA Annual Dinner & Auction – Blue Wave Rising, at the Quail Creek Clubhouse, Madera Ball Room, 2055 E. Quail Crossing Blvd., Green Valley. Details TBA. Save the date!

Monday November 11: Veteran’s Day.

Monday, November 11, 11:00 a.m.: Tucson Veterans Day Parade: Parade participants will start assembling at 8 a.m. The parade begins downtown at West Alameda Street and Granada Avenue and heads east on West Alameda Street and turns onto North Stone Avenue, then onto West Franklin Street. From West Franklin Street, participants will continue on North Church Avenue and then to West Sixth Street. From Sixth Street, parade participants will head south on North Granada Avenue and return to the staging point on West Alameda Street. The theme this year is “100 Years of Honoring Veterans.”

Saturday, November 17, 7:00 a.m.: El Tour de Tucson. Sign up now to ride, or go cheer on your favorite cyclist as they circle the perimeter of the city.

Thursday, November 28: Thanksgiving Day.

Sunday, December 1: World AIDS Day.

Saturday, December 7: Pearl Harbor Day.

Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15: 50th Anniversary Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair, 4th Avenue between University Avenue and 8th Street, Tucson. Tucson’s largest street market with more than 400 vendors from all over the world and 500,000 visitors. Shopping, food vendors, live entertainment. Free admission. No pets allowed.

Saturday, December 21, 11:00 a.m.: Somerton Tamale Festival, along Main Street in Somerton, about 11 miles southwest of Yuma. The Somerton Tamale Festival is the Woodstock of tamale events, with more than 30,000 people descending on the little border town southwest of Yuma. Visitors can sample dozens of varieties ranging from traditional beef and chicken to pork, turkey, corn and spinach tamales. There are even sweet tamales filled with pineapple, peach and strawberry. This is the 11th year for the festival, with all proceeds helping to provide Arizona State University scholarships to local students.

Sunday, December 22: Hanukkah starts.

Wednesday, December 25: Christmas Day.