News

After losing his bid to become County Supervisor, Rio Rico resident Gene Earl promised his supporters that he was going to continue being active in the community. That was not an empty campaign gesture. A window of opportunity was about to open.

Shortly thereafter he approached members of the Chamber of Commerce, exploring ways of stimulating more commerce in the area. His suggestion of a local annual festival was enthusiastically received. The Chamber members elected him to their board of directors and gave him the job of leading the project.

For six months he and a core group of volunteers have been meeting each week to plan the event. They recruited Rio Rico Rotary, Rio Rico Properties, Rio Rico Fire District, and the Santa Cruz County Exchange Club as major sponsors. They successfully solicited the participation of local businesses and groups, food vendors, and entertainers. Scores of booths will be selling a variety of products, and there will be a safe, fun area for the kids.

The First Annual Rio Rico Fiesta Festival and Expo will take place on Rio Rico Drive (Guy Tobin Trailhead) on April 25th and 26th (2009). The festival will open each day at 10:00 am, closing at 7:00 pm on Saturday and 4:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is free and so is parking.

The two-day event will feature a beverage garden, a dozen food concessions, music/entertainment complete with a stage and dance floor, and an area devoted exclusively to children’s games, activities and presentations. Local businesses will showcase their information in the expo area and vendors will offer shopping opportunities. Duck races will be another of the featured events during the festival with prizes to the winners. Participants may also purchase raffle tickets to win a variety of goods and services.

Between five and ten thousand people are expected to attend.

Through his leadership and the contributions of hundreds of his fellow residents, Gene Earl is continuing to make a difference in this community. He is demonstrating that progress can be made and things can get done, by ordinary citizens, in spite of a poor economy and a budget crisis.

It seems that an election loss may have resulted in a community victory for Rio Rico.

This event is a step forward in making this area a destination for tourists and promoting local businesses. For more information about the festival or to volunteer contact the Rio Rico Chamber of Commerce at 602-284-2378.