At least 1000 people swarmed the streets of South Tucson for the first annual Feria de Sur Tucson on Sunday.
The Feria was held along the Cyclovia route on South Fourth Avenue from East 28th Street to East 36th Street. This attracted bike riders big and small to the Feria along with members of the South Tucson community.
With not a cloud in the sky and a constant breeze in the air, it was a perfect Tucson day for a community celebration.
Clothing and Toys and Bumper Stickers, Oh My!
From local artwork to crocheted clothing to handmade toys, vendors lined the street to hawk their goods.
One of these vendors was The Gloo Factory, a local screen printing company that produces anything from newsletters to bumper stickers.
Rae Thiebert, a screen printer and event coordinator for The Gloo Factory, said that the Feria was great for reaching out to the community and other local businesses.
“It’s a great way to network with other small business owners,” Thiebert said. “Everyone wants to hangout.”
Child’s Play
Children swarmed around a giant inflatable pool and gazed in wonder as other kids bounced on water in clear, inflatable balls.
Laguna Bubbles, a Phoenix based company, gave kids an opportunity to float on water in a giant “bubble.” One child’s description of the experience: “Awesome.”
Other kids opted for a pony ride. Step Up Into TLC, a non-profit organization out of Marana, brought two of their ponies to the Feria. Normally the ponies visit local hospitals and nursing homes.
“We travel the miles to bring smiles,” said Nancie Roahrig, president and founder. Paid events like birthday parties and the Feria provide funding for the hospital visits.
Hunger Pangs
It was impossible to escape the smell of carne asada in the air. Although burros, tacos and tortas were in high demand, Italian food from a truck was also popular.
Kids cruised the street with stained lips from their raspados. Parents walked beside them with a beer in one hand and a bag of kettle corn in another.
The Streets are Alive with the Sound of Music
From a street performer wailing the blues on his harmonica and guitar to the classic mariachi music of Ballet Folklorico Tapatio, music filled the streets of South Tucson.
At the main stage, New Generation Group, a Latin band from Safford, Ariz., played while middle-aged couples danced. It wasn’t uncommon to see people dancing in the streets.
Through the music, food and fun for kids, the streets of South Tucson came to life in early April.