249th Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson at Presidio Museum

Presented by the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission and hosted by the Presidio Museum, the “Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson 249+” will be held this year on Aug. 17.

The event celebrates the August 20, 1775 founding of the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson and formal anniversary date of the City of Tucson.

The event honors the many people and cultures that have contributed to our community and modern-day city.

The name Tucson originates from the local Tohono O’odham word “S-cuk Sǫn” (pronounced Skuk-shone), meaning “spring at the base of the black mountain.” The mountain they were referring to was what we know today as Tumamoc Hill. The arriving Spanish established the Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón fort on August 20, 1775, using a spelling of the word S-cuk Sǫn that they had heard from the locals. This fort established what would become our modern-day downtown. Later, with the arrival of more settlers, the name “Tucson” was used and is still the name of our great town!

This FREE fiesta is held at the Presidio Museum.

Performances will celebrate the variety of cultures that make our region special:

· 6 pm Mariachi Estrella Juvenil

· 7 pm Kolencia Oficio Achalim: Yaqui Deer Dancers from the Old Pascua Community (no photos please)

· 8 pm Food Heroes Awards presented by Tucson City of Gastronomy and Special Announcement by the Buffalo Soldiers: Southern Arizona Chapter

· 8:30 Presidio Garrison Musket Demonstration

· 8:45 Live music with Kevin Pakulis and Friends

• Attendees will also have the opportunity to discover Tucson's rich history through family crafts and demonstration from community partners, including:

  Archaeology Southwest
  Border Community Alliance
  Buffalo Soldiers: Southern Arizona Chapter
  City of Gastronomy
  Councilwoman Santa Cruz: Ward I Office
  El Presidio Historic Neighborhood
  Fort Lowell Cavalry
  Himdag: Ki / Tohono O’odham Cultural Center
  Jewish History Museum
  Los Descendientes
  Lohse Family YMCA
  Mexican-American Heritage and History Museum
  Mission Garden
  Old Pascua Museum and Yaqui Cultural Center
  Old Pueblo Archaeology
  Presidio Museum Garrison
  Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
  Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
  Tohono O’odham Cultural Center
  Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society
  Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
  Tucson City of Gastronomy
  Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
  Tucson Wagon and History Museum
  Vail Preservation Society
  Wa:K Royalty

Food and drinks available include:

• Free eegee’s
• Fry bread and tacos available for sale.