7th Annual Fiesta de las Calabazas

The 7th Annual Fiesta de las Calabazas (Harvest & Pumpkin Festival) will bring art, music, pumpkins, food & fun to Oracle State Park on Sat., Oct. 28th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Live musical performances include the Porchlights String Band, a bohemian-style bluegrass band from Flagstaff, & the talented guitar/violin duo, Don Simpson & Rebecca Bleich. The event also welcomes back, Zephyr Strings & acoustic vocalist, Fred Terry. From Tucson, the popular Carnivaleros perform, & an impressive youth band, The Night Owls. Check the Fiesta's site for the schedule of performances at: www.calabazas.org.

This year's Pumpkin Corral & Kids Area will offer a free pumpkin to paint for the 1st 200 children aged 13 & younger. There will be hands-on kids activities such as nature art & interactive educational booths. At the Gourd Gallery the public can vote for their favorite gourd art created by local students. The Corral Stage will feature live musical entertainment including flute & drums, didgeridoo, songs in Spanish, & a youth Mariachi band. There will also be a special educational program with live animals.

The Fiesta includes local author signings, free hayrides, & more than 30 vendors of hand-made arts & crafts. There will be plenty of great food including burros, barbecue, hamburgers & hot dogs, baked goods, shaved ice & more. The historic Kannally Ranch House will be open for self guided tours & will showcase a special art exhibit in the living room. The public will get their 1st glimpse at the Ore Cart Rolling Art Show featuring miniature models of Ore Cart Art created by 18 finalists whose life size creations will be exhibited at ecotourism waysides along the Copper Corridor Highway Route of Pinal Co.

Ride the shuttle to the festival site from the Oracle Courthouse Parking lot north of the Oracle Post Office and pay just $2 per person (children aged 13 & younger free). There is no additional charge to attend the festival or concerts. The 1st shuttle from town leaves the Courthouse at 8:30 a.m.

Because of space limitations on-site parking will be available only for those with handicapped stickers or others needing special assistance. The normal entrance fee of $6 per vehicle will apply. Children younger than 13 are free.

Oracle State Park is located approx., 45 minutes from Tucson, in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains near the community of Oracle in southern Pinal Co. For more info call Oracle State Park at (520) 896-2425.