Meet Me Downtown

Throughout what seems to have become an annual ritual in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July–wondering if the City can afford to host a fireworks display on “A” Mountain–the Hotel Congress was planning an Independence Day event that would make the trip downtown on this night worth it, with or without the sparkly lights in the sky.

Hotel Congress has teamed up with the Tucson chapter of Local First! Arizona to host “Indie-pendence Day Extravaganza” from 5pm until Midnight tonight.

The pre- and post-fireworks outdoor party features local favorites Al Foul, Tom Walbank, Pork Torta, The Tryst, Right on John, and the “Cool DJ Stylings” of Carl Hanni.

Only $5 gets you in to the party, which features the 6 live acts, BBQ, and raffle prizes from local merchants.

Proceeds go to Local First! Arizona, which is capping off its 7th Annual Independents Week.

For more information on Local First! Arizona, visit their site:
http://localfirstaz.com/index.php

And, for information on the local economic benefits of supporting local businesses, check out this article in the magazine that taught me the use of the semi-colon:

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1903632,00.html

Some of the downtown merchants who are active in the Tucson chapter of Local First! Arizona are David Slutes of Hotel Congress, Deanna Chevas of Perri Jewelers (13 N. Stone Ave.), and Chris Early of Chris’ Cafe in La Placita.

And yes, there are fireworks downtown tonight, thanks to local businesses stepping up to fund the display.  But you knew that already.

Happy 4th of July!