In June I wrote a blog about the Dalai Lama saying that we need to have more festivals to bring people together to promote world peace. Here’s a new website launched by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA), which is concentrating on annual festivals: www.southernazfestivals.org.

SAACA says they “exist to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities its serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for both the young and the old.”

Coming up is the October 17 and 18 Food and Wine Festival at Rillito Raceway Park (emphasis theirs). “This two day festival will feature over 200 food, wine and culinary themed art vendors. Enjoy LIVE MUSIC, DANCE and COOKING DEMOS all day long. In addition, this exciting festival will feature a PIE EATING CONTEST as well as CHILDREN’S COOKING AND ART ACTIVITIES! Attendees will enjoy food tastings from local restaurants and food vendors as well as regional wines, beer and alcohol for purchase in a quaint park setting.” Sounds like a fun festival, especially that pie eating contest.

Organizations can list their festival online for free via the website, or by contacting Kate@saaca.org. Other contact info for this group is:
760 E. Pusch View Lane, Suite 150, Oro Valley, Arizona 85737, phone is 520-797-3959.

A listing of other annual festivals is on the website, such as Arts Fest 2009 at La Encantada and and the Classic Car BBQ and Blues Show at the Oro Valley Marketplace.

Background on this arts group for those who are curious: “SAACA grew out of the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC), an organization established in 1997 to provide artistic and cultural opportunities for residents of northwest Tucson. GOVAC eventually became one of the largest arts organizations in the region. In 2009, owing to its success, the group expanded its mission to include creation of partnerships with business, governments, and communities throughout Southern Arizona that would encourage innovative, creative cultural expression in the arts for years to come.” Now that’s an artistic success story.