Visit Yuma
Visit Yuma
Post-holiday blues are not on the calendar in the nation's sunniest city - but January's lineup of events does offer something for everyone, from those who want to learn how their food gets from field to fork, to a fast marathon that's a great qualifier for the big-time races in Boston and New York. So grab your new 2017 calendar - and start marking these dates!
Old West aficionados won't want to miss the Gathering of the Gunfighters Jan. 7 & 8 at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Sponsored by Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, this competition between re-enactment groups from around the region features shootin' and shoutin' along with authentic period costumes and gear and lots of (virtual) flying lead. More info, 928-783-4771 or YumaPrison.org.
Another old-time era will be showcased during Civil War Days at Yuma Quartermaster Depot Jan. 28 & 29. Also sponsored by the Heritage Area, this event features authentic re-enactors in mock skirmishes with real cannons. More info, 928-373-5198, YumaHeritage.com.
History buffs may also want to get on board for walking or trolley tours of Yuma's historic downtown and riverfront, or spooky evening "ghost" trolley tours. All of the tours also include free admission and a guided tour of the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens, where this year's featured exhibit uncovers the naughty "Secrets of Victorian Yuma". Find more information, pricing and online ticket sales here.
For shopping and browsing, the Yuma Civic Center hosts its annual Desert Lily Quilters Show Jan. 13-14, the Yuma Home & Garden Show Jan. 20-22, the Americana Indian Art & Jewelry Show Jan. 27-29, and the Yuma Territorial Promotions Antique Show Jan. 28-29. More info, call 928-373-5040. Also, check out the 12th Annual Woodcarvers Expo Jan. 20-21 at the Yuma Readiness & Community Center and bring home a wooden work of art. More info, 928-373-5245.
Also on tap for January, German Fest on Madison offers bier, musik und gut essen on Jan. 21, info at 928-329-4777. Prepare and make room for a few extra calories by participating in the Volksmarch, a morning walk or run along the river and into the East Wetlands. It starts and finishes at the German Fest site, 2nd St. and Madison Ave., with registration at 8 a.m. and start at 9 a.m. Volksmarch info at 373-5200, or online here.
Make a date to enjoy a full day of family-friendly date fun with food, entertainment, displays of specialized machinery and more at the Yuma Medjool Date Festival, Jan. 28 in Historic Downtown, more info at 928-373-5028.
Entertainment offerings at the Historic Yuma Theatre in January range from country to rock 'n' roll to amazing Chinese acrobats -- full schedule and tickets at YumaShowTickets.com or 928-373-5202 - with lots of other choices at venues around town.
You can "Dine With the Dead" at a unique fundraiser Jan. 28 that includes a tour of the pioneer cemetery led by the departed pioneers as portrayed by members of the Colorado River Riders re-enactment group, 928-247-3924.
If all that doesn't leave you breathless, you're ready for the Yuma Marathon & Half-Marathon at Cocopah Casino & Resort Jan. 28. This marathon is known for its friendly, small-town feel and for fast times on a flat, low-altitude course. But it's chip-timed and certified, too, so you just may find that the fastest route to qualifying for big-time races like Boston and New York is a sunny detour to the border. Both races are sponsored by Caballeros de Yuma, get info or register to run at YumaMarathon.com or 928-343-1715.
Meanwhile, YVB’s popular Field to Feast agriculture tours also return, with trips scheduled Jan. 11, 12, 18, 19, 21 and 25; Feb. 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 15, 18 and March 1,2,4. On these tours, participants start by picking veggies from fields grown by the University of Arizona, then enjoy a narrated look at Yuma agriculture with a local grower while Arizona Western College culinary students prepare lunch from the harvest. The inclusive price is $50 per person, includes field-fresh lunch, produce to take home and transportation.
Last but not least, reserve a seat on a Savor Yuma progressive dinner tour Jan. 5 & 17; Feb. 2 & 23; March 2, 14 & 30. This culinary quest provides a taste of Yuma with three courses served in three distinctive venues. Cost is $55 per person including dinner, two adult beverages and transportation.
Info and tickets on both tours are available at YVB's Visitor Information Center, 800-293-0071 or 928-783-0071, or purchase online at VisitYuma.com.
Like the new year, the fun under the Yuma sun is just beginning - plan a visit now at VisitYuma.com, where you can also browse our online visitors guide or sign up to receive a free weekly events newsletter.