Display of Yuma's agricultural bounty at Yuma Lettuce Days, January 1999 Photo: Laretta Geren
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Yuma Lettuce Days
This annual two-day winter event promotes the local
lettuce industry and Arizona-grown products, focusing on Yuma
County as an agricultural and tourist region rich in history.
Sponsored by Yuma Main Street, Inc., it is held in the historic
downtown section of Yuma, which is known as the "Lettuce Capital of
the World." Yuma County is renowned for its winter-grown produce;
over 90% of the world's lettuce crop is grown in the region's
fertile soils from November through March. Lettuce is the leading
crop in the $900-million-a-year agricultural industry in the
county, which is watered by the Colorado and Gila Rivers. Varieties
grown include head lettuce, leaf lettuce, and romaine.
Celebrating the area's agricultural heritage, Yuma
Lettuce Days and features farm equipment, produce displays, live
entertainment and arts. A "Salad Toss-Off," in which local
celebrities vie for the prized "Best Salad" award, takes place on
Saturday with local celebrities as contestants. All proceeds from
the contest benefit agricultural scholarships. Other events include
the appearance of "Lucy Lettuce," live entertainment on two stages,
jugglers, musicians, country-western music, and educational
exhibits on local agriculture and the display of large farm
equipment.
Documentation consists of an eight-page report
describing the festivities, the history of lettuce and
lettuce-growing in Yuma, and facts about its cultivation; and ten 8
x 10 color photographs with accompanying descriptions.
Originally submitted by: Ed Pastor, Representative (2nd District).
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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