Redondo Day, Crossing Day celebrate Yuma history

Yuma's history lives on with the second annual Redondo Day and Crossing Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 240 S. Madison Ave. in front of the Sanguinetti House Museum.

It is free to the public.

Created to connect the present with our past, Redondo Day and Crossing Day is a venue for an interactive, fun history lesson that tastes good, too. Antique service cars, live blacksmith demonstrations, Cocopah Crafters and historical re-enactors are just a few of the activities scheduled to recognize Yuma's history.

Redondo Day will also capture what it was like to be a child in Yuma many moons ago. Thanks to the Federated Garden Club of Yuma, the Children's Heritage Area will feature games and activities from the past.

To spice up the day, Redondo Day will host its second annual jalapeño pepper-eating contest. New to the contest stage this year will be the inaugural cotton bale-rolling contest. Both offer cash prizes to the winners.

For more information about the contests or to register, email melindagraham@roadrunner.com or call Ron Shook at 785-3278.

In addition to sharing Yuma's history, Redondo Day showcases Yuma's strong cultural connections with a performance by the Gadsden School Mariachi Band and Folklorico Dancers and Cocopah dancers.

School art contest entries and winners will be on display.

Be sure to come hungry as there will be many choices for area treats. Tacos, fry bread, tamales, homemade tortillas and more will be on the festival's menu. Watch tortillas being made and eat one fresh off the grill.