More than enough to do — all for free– in one day, Sunday March 18 downtown from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

Cyclovia, 10 to 3 p.m. www.cycloviatucson.org
car-free bike friendly/skates/pedestrian only family and community event, see map for route below — from Armory Park south to E. 36th Street and back (5 mile loop)

Water Festival, 10 to 4 p.m. www.tucsonwaterfestival.org
Armory Park Center, 220 S. 5th Ave.
3rd annual water friendly, environmental & art fair for all ages sponsored by Tucson Arts Brigade
Click here for my blog yesterday about the Water Festival.

Solar Rock, 11 to 4 p.m., www.solarrocktucson.com *
Armory Park (along 6th Avenue between E.12th & E 13th, south of Broadway)
100% solar powered concert plus:

Now in its sixth year, Solar Rock will feature live music from local bands, speakers, games, kids’ activities, food, and exhibits from local businesses, schools, and community organizations.

Gloo Factory Ink. Open house 2 to 6 p.m., www.gloofactoryink.com, 520.740.0810
new location – 238 E. 26th Street – on Cyclovia route between 4th and 5th Avenues

Gloo Factory Ink. is a full service Union print shop offering custom offset and screen printing on t-shirts, stickers, paper, banners and more.

We’re sparking up the grill, will be treated to local musical talents and are eager to toast all the friends of the Gloo Factory who helped make this move possible.

* 3/17/12 UPDATE: 2012 Solar Rock cancelled due to predicted rain/wind (click here).

The 2012 parade will feature marchers including floats, military units, local dignitaries, media and entertainment personalities and civic, cultural and social groups. The Tucson parade has a 25-year history and provides a good time for the entire family.

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival opens at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17 at El Presidio Park Plaza, 160 W. Alameda Street, with live Irish music, dancers, entertainment, a children’s game area, and food and merchandise vendors. Irish organizations, ethnic and cultural tables will be set up in the park as well. Festival Schedule TBA.

The one hour Parade will begin at 11:00 A.M. at Pennington & Stone Avenue, making its way through Downtown – around the Presidio – down Main – through the heart of Tucson.

The 2012 parade and Festival theme, “Honoring our Founders”, will pay tribute to our parade founders, celebrate their vision, and honor their dedication to the Irish and Tucson community.

Portion of Festival Proceeds to benefit the Tucson Police Officers Association.

In memory of the more than one million Irish who died in the Potato Famine 150 years ago, marchers and spectators are asked to remember the hungry of Tucson. The Community Food Bank will accept canned food donations during the Festival.

Grand Marshal was supposed to be Mike Haggerty, one of their parade founders, and former Ward 3 Councilmember. Unfortunately Mike passed away at age 81 on 3/5/12 but he will be there in spirit and memory. The Haggerty family will be riding their decorated golf cart in the parade.

I usually go to this very “green” parade & festival, which is lots of fun, even for those of us who aren’t Irish (but would like to be). Note new location of festival at El Presidio Park on Alameda next to City Hall, west of Church Ave. and not at Armory Park.

www.tucsonstpatricksday.com

Also happening that morning for joggers:

The Third Annual “Running with the Irish” will feature the “Green Isle Mile.” It will begin at the corner of Pennington and Stone at 10:55 a.m.

This is THE competition for bragging rights to the fastest mile in Tucson!

The 1 mile run through beautiful downtown Tucson serves as the kick-off to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Register on www.taggrun.com and don’t forget to wear your green!

http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/%21ETT/ETThome.html

Participants may cycle 111, 85, 60 or 42 miles, plus the 6, 3 & 1/4- mile Diamond Children’s El Tour Fun Ride presented by McDonald’s, open to all abilities.

New this year:

The 111-mile startline (and finish line for all events) is located at Armory Park, across the street from the Tucson Children’s Museum in downtown Tucson at the corner of S. 6th Avenue at 13th Street. Upon crossing the finishline at the end of their ride, cyclists collect a special finisher’s medallion to commemorate their accomplishment. El Tour’s Downtown Fiesta will be in Armory park featuring food vendors, kids activities, the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden, El Tour Perimeter Store merchandise booth, and non-stop music and celebration throughout the day!

Don’t forget the “El Tour Bike, Fitness & Health Expo”

Tucson Convention Center (TCC)
260 South Church Avenue, Tucson
Downstairs in Exhibition Hall

Registration & Packet Pick-Up

Wednesday, November 16, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, November 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, November 18, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The El Tour Expo is the exclusive packet pickup location for over 9,000 cyclists.
◦It is free and open to the public.
The Expo offers something for cyclists and non-cyclists alike with over 100 booths offering:

•Sports and fitness products
•Athletic apparel
•Cycling gear
•Exercise equipment
•Recreational activity displays
•Nutritional products
•Free samples

For exhibit information contact Expo Director Kristi Wagner at (520) 745-2033 or development@perimeterbicycling.com.

I volunteer at the El Tour Expo every year, to assist Perimeter Bicycling’s efforts to fundraise for Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, a non profict agency. The 11 year old daughter of a friend of mine, Sydney Clanagan, was a Tu Nidito child and she passed away in April, 2003. Who they are:

Tu Nidito Children and Family Services provides comfort, hope and support for children and families whose lives have been impacted by a serious medical condition or death. Through its array of support groups and individual services Tu Nidito provides emotional, social, and educational tools to children and families and empowers them with strength and skills for the future.

Enjoy El Tour for the 29th year!