Yuma Territorial Marathon
By Perry Mack & Ann Walker
Beautiful sunshine and wonderful agri-tourism industry are just a couple of great reasons to visit Yuma this winter. Yuma also loves to host events and this December and January are no different. Don’t miss these great festivals.
El Toro Bowl, Dec. 5 (Veterans Memorial Stadium, AWC) - Leading junior college football teams clash in this post-season game, while their fans enjoy a weekend of festivities in the sunshine. More info, ElToroBowl.com, 928-343-1715.
City of Yuma's Military Appreciation Day, Dec. 5 (Historic Downtown Yuma) - This event honors vets and active-duty service members and celebrates its modern-day bases, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. More info, 928-373-5028.
13th Annual Dorothy Young Memorial Electric Light Parade, Dec. 12 (Historic North End) - A great family holiday event, this evening parade features marching bands and lots of illuminated floats. More info, VisitYuma.com, 1-800-293-0071, 928-783-0071.
Somerton Tamale Festival, Dec. 19 (Main Street, Somerton) - Here's your chance to sample tamales in varieties you didn't even know existed, all made with care to raise scholarship funds for local ASU students. Info, SomertonTamaleFestival.com.
Gathering of the Gunfighters, Jan. 9-10 (Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park) - Old West re-enactment groups from around the Southwest ride into town for this annual showdown. But instead of hot lead, what's flying is fightin' words - and acting! Groups are judged on skits and whether their get-ups, gear and firearms are authentic to the 1876-1909 era. And though they didn't have shootouts inside the prison, the historic setting adds grit to the skits. More info, YumaPrison.org, 928-783-4771.
German Fest on Madison, Jan. 23 (Madison Ave. between 1st and 2nd Streets, Historic North End). Brighten the new year with musik, gut essen und real German bier, from 10 am to 8 pm More info, 329-4777.
Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half-Marathon, Jan. 30 (Cocopah Casino & Resort) - This certified, chip-timed race is a good bet for fast times because it's a flat, low-altitude, out-and-back course - and Yuma's January weather is usually sunny but cool. More info, YumaMarathon.com, 928-343-1715.
Yuma Medjool Date Festival
Yuma Medjool Date Festival, Jan. 30 (Historic Downtown) - Yuma is one of the world's leading producers of this gourmet date - Medjools grown here are shipped worldwide, even to the Middle East! Enjoy a full day of date fun, with food, entertainment, recipe contests, displays of specialized machinery, tours and more. Info, YumaMedjoolDateFestival.com, 928-373-5028
Civil War Days, Jan. 30-31 (Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park) - True, there were no Civil War battles here - but the Quartermaster Depot was an active U.S. Army post and a strategic point of defense at the time. Authentic re-enactment groups converge for an old-school encampment and mock battles - plus this year, President Abraham Lincoln makes an appearance. More info, YumaHeritage.com, 928-373-5198.
When looking for a place to stay in and around Yuma, visit www.rvonthego.com. You can search by state, region and/or type of accommodation and choose the park with the amenities you desire!