Teenagers opened the parade down the south side.
  • Teenagers opened the parade down the south side.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAMANTHA SAIS

The 86th Annual La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros officially started today with the parade on the south side of Tucson. Thousands of Tucsonans lined the streets to partake and participate in the old Tucson tradition.

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(more after the jump)

Grandparents Chris and Patricia Scott extend their tradition of bringing their kids to the rodeo parade; this year it is 1-year-old grandson Quinn.
  • Grandparents Chris and Patricia Scott extend their tradition of bringing their kids to the rodeo parade; this year it is 1-year-old grandson Quinn.
Smokey the Bear greets kids along the short route.
  • Smokey the Bear greets kids along the short route.
Young Tucsonans are a regular site at the rodeo parade, usually donning their most colorful, authentic, and fun cowboy attire.
  • Young Tucsonans are a regular site at the rodeo parade, usually donning their most colorful, authentic, and fun cowboy attire.

This article appears in Feb 24 – Mar 2, 2011.

I am a journalist. I am an editor by heart and a teacher by nature. Photography is a medium in which a story can be told in a single power image, or through a series can take viewers through a visual journey. If...