By Anne Earley
There are tons of nifty things to do in the next few weeks, and all of them are a reasonable drive from Vail. I'll start with my favorite type of activity, food!
The 6th Annual Salsa Festival in Maricopa is from 11-4PM on April 24th, with a $1000 first prize awarded to the winning salsa. You can find out more at www.maricopasalsafestival.com .
Next we have the Blessing of the Vines in Sonoita from 11-4 also on April 24th, checkout www.sonoitavineyards.com.
This on is also on the 24th of April but you get to bring your best buddy to it. It is the Dog-friendly Vineyard Party from 3:30-5PM. There will be lots of activities for your pooch, plus wine for you. Check out more info at www.canelohillswinery.com .
Our next culinary/wine experience is the Kief-Joshua Vineyards in Elgin with music from the very handsome and talented Andy Hersey, there is also a farmer's market. Check out www.kj-vineyards.com for more info. This takes place on May 1 from 11-5
Starting May 8 and running through May 16 is the Peach Festival in Queen Creek. This has peach picking, carnival rides, food etc, etc. For more info check out www.schnepffarms.com.
Moving away from food and into culture, music and history we have on April 23 the Benson Bluegrass Festival, tickets are $15-22 and more infor is available at www.bensonvisitorcenter.com .
A little further affield is the Charles Mingus Hometown Jazz Festival in Nogales April 23-25 with a margarita jazz brunch. Ticket information is available at www.mingusproject.com .
Also this weekend is the Fiesta de Garibaldi from 10AM-10PM. This event recreates the Plaza de Garibaldi in Mexico City and has food, dancing, music and crafts. Information is available at www.tucsonmariachi.org.
This next event takes place in Sierra Visita and revolves around the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldier Historic Sites Tour, May 15. Reservations are required and tickets are $12. Contact www.visitsierravista.com.
Finally we have the Twilight Tour of the Jewish History Museum also on May 15. This is in Tucson first Jewish center of worships and focuses on the contributions of our Jewish community to Tucson. For more information contact www.jewishhistorymuseum.org .
Hopefully you now have plenty of weekend activities for the next three weeks or so. Go out and have some fun!
