Submitted by AccessAdmin on
A proud Tucson tradition since 1925 and televised for many years, the rodeo parade was not available on Tucson TV screens in 2005. In 2006, the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, KOLD and Access Tucson partnered together to bring the parade back to the Tucson viewing audience. Access Tucson’s remote production truck and KOLD broadcast channel made this possible
“The thousands who tuned in each year to see their children and friends in the Parade let us know they wanted it back on TV. We couldn’t be happier that both KOLD News 13 and Access Tucson stepped up - in a show of unprecedented community spirit and cooperation - to provide live and repeat Parade coverage,” said Bill Gourley, 2006 Rodeo Parade Committee Chairman.
Jim Arnold, KOLD News 13 general manager, said, “Tucson is no longer the town at the end of the dusty trail. But we have an Old West history that should not be lost. Access Tucson and KOLD News 13 want to do our part to preserve an important piece of Tucson’s frontier heritage.”
For the last four years, Access Tucson has provided the equipment and technicians for the broadcast; KOLD News 13 has provided its frontline anchor team, program producer and control room staff for the Parade telecast.
“This is what community TV is all about; projects like the Rodeo Parade are why we’re here,” said Sam Behrend, executive director of Access Tucson.
Vicki Evans receives recognition award from Bob Stewart, Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee
Not only does Access Tucson help bring the parade to television each year, we also participate in the parade! The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee donates an entry each year for Access Tucson. Members from the Access Tucson Board of Directors, production volunteers and producers waved to the thousands of spectators along the parade route this year.
Hector Urias, J. Lisa Jones, Gordon Austin and Debra Rollinson wave to the crowd
A special thanks to Debra Rollinson and Elizabeth “Bunny” Uriarte spent hours decorating the Access Tucson entry this year. It was quite a colorful and festive ride for the parade participants!
Bunny and Debra decorate the Access Tucson Entry
You can see the 84th Annual Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo Parade (and the access Tucson Entry!) all this week at 8pm on Comcast 74/ Cox 99.