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Thursday, February 19, 2009

PIMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, TUCSON, AZ

Our Opinion: Neutral. The fairgrounds are convenient when we are passing through Tucson and want to overnight or spend an extra day stocking up on supplies.

Date of Stay: February 19th (our third stay)

Weather During Stay: High in the low 70’s, low in the low 40’s.

Site Description: We are parked in the 500’s, a row of 50 amp/water sites that back up to a row of trees. Very level, with more grass than dirt. No sewer hookups in this row, but there is a dump station available. The utility boxes are absurdly close together - it would be impossible to have RV’s occupy all the “sites” at one time.

In another, larger, lot, a large number of 30 amp FHU sites are available on level, packed dirt, and most RV’ers seem to prefer them. The sites are back to back, closely packed. Since we won’t be here long enough to need a sewer connection, we picked one of the more spacious, grassy E/W sites. All sites are the same rate.

Rate: $20/night for 30 amp FHU or 50 amp/water.

Phone/radio/TV: All good. Cell phones and aircard have 5 bars. Local NPR on 81.5. Several local TV stations on the antenna, including PBS (channel 6). No obstacles for the satellite.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Elevation is around 2,800 feet. Terrain is flat desert, but palms, evergreens and grass have been planted at the fairgrounds - welcome green. Arid mountain ranges frame the distant views.

Lighting/Noise: Various fairground activities can be noisy during the day, but it has been quiet at night when we have been here. We are far enough from the light poles that the night lighting is unobtrusive - but this would not be true in all spaces.

Favorite Sites: The 500’s, with 50 amps and water.

Hiking/Walking: This is a large fairground with plenty of space for walking.

Comments: Typical fairgrounds, with an arena, many large buildings, restroom blocks, pavilions, lots of parking for RV’s and cars. Because of the horse and livestock events held here, we noticed lots of flies on one stay. A few miles off of I-10, it is a convenient spot to overnight or stay a few days to stock up at Costco and Trader Joe’s in Tucson. For a longer visit to Tucson, we prefer Catalina State Park or Justin’s Diamond J on the west side of town.