Monsoon Gladness

You don't have to see triple digits to know that monsoon is right around the corner. The cicadas are buzzing. Pretty soon the fruit on top of the saguaros will be red. Then there's the humidity—sweat down the backs of knees and hair—usually straight in the winter—is now officially frizzy. Oh, and those evaporative coolers pretty much stop working. The fan becomes our best friend. The 18th Annual El Dia de San Juan el Bautista Fiesta is our city's way of welcoming this special summer season at Mercado San Agustin, the corner of Avenida de Convento and West Cogress Street, Wednesday, June 24, 5 p.m. The celebration goes back to as early as 1915 when our early city dwellers gathered at the Santa Cruz River to wish, hope and pray that monsoon rains would come in abundance without destruction or harm. This free, family event includes music and mariachi and folklorico performers. There are also piñatas for the kids, local vendors and food booths, informational booths and games. The event begins with a 5 p.m. procession at the Cushing Street Bridge. For more info, visit the event's Facebook page.