Tucson: A UNESCO City of Gastronomy

Tucson has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its commitment to its Mexican and Native American foods, focusing on preserving the local foods that grow in the desert. The program certifies local farms, and culinary businesses for their commitment to local food. UNESCO promotes these internationally. Ingress Agents can enjoy the unique restaurants, bakeries, and other businesses by visiting tucson.cityofgastronomy.org and plan what they would like to try out. The Anomaly Google map has layers dedicated to the individual restaurants and artisans who are certified. https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=17ylr0icgER-eDGcRkc5j4acMi-y_vYU&ll=32.275607699876105%2C-110.94646230000001&z=13

Check out restaurant guides at https://tucsonfoodie.com/guides/

Tucson: A Dark Sky city

Dark Sky International is a non-profit whose mission is to protect night viewing for humans and wildlife by battling light pollution. Tucson has been a Dark Sky city since 2018 when they passed city ordinances that took steps to minimize city glow. All outdoor lights in Tucson have to be adjustable LED lights that are shielded, so that light is focused downward. This ensures that the world famous Kitt Observatory on Kitt Peak, Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, and Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona all have ample darkness to do their work. It also provides Tucson residents, and visiting Ingress Agents with some of the best stargazing opportunities, an incredible feat for a city of Tucson’s size.

Tucson: Rodeo

Tucson Rodeo

Tucson’s La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, established in 1925, marked the city’s frontier spirit amidst Prohibition. Arizona State Prohibition Director Frank Pool led a pre-rodeo cleanup, capturing 25 stills and destroying 3,000 gallons of moonshine. The inaugural event, conceptualized by Leighton Kramer, aimed to showcase Tucson’s Wild West allure and attract winter visitors.

The rodeo’s early days saw creative prizes like a 750-lb. block of ice and a “Big Cactus” ham. Kramer’s vision of reviving the Old Frontier spirit was realized as locals and tourists alike enjoyed the rodeo parade and dance. The event’s success led to its expansion, with Hollywood even using the Tucson Rodeo as a backdrop for films. Today, the Tucson Rodeo stands as one of North America’s top professional rodeo events, with the Tucson Rodeo Committee honored for its contributions to the sport.