The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Sky Islands Tourism Association announce collaboration to present the 30th Annual Patagonia Fall Festival

New partnership to bring an expanded festival with stronger focus on community enrichment, economic development through tourism, and supporting local businesses

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Sky Islands Tourism Association (SITA) will partner to present the 30th Annual Patagonia Fall Festival the weekend of October 12 - 14, 2018.  The new collaboration will transfer the logistical management to SAACA with the goal of growing local impact through the festival and bringing local sustainability to the region. In addition to expanding the event, SAACA will be focusing more efforts on arts and cultural tourism and economic development in Patagonia, AZ.

“We believe this to be a spectacular and timely partnership with an organization who shares our values, and commitment to the arts,” Bonnie Maclean, 2017 Festival Director said, who also sentiments the support of this new partnership on behalf of the Sky Islands Tourism Association. 

Over 15,000 people attended the festival last year, according Maclean. “The Patagonia Fall Festival attracted many out-of-region visitors to our city and generated significant economic impact to our city, and has simply grown too large to maintain independent management” Maclean said. “Our partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is certain to generate great return to our community, along with providing our region with a unique, authentic and well-executed festival.”
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the preservation, advancement and creation of the arts in communities throughout the State. Each year, the SAACA makes its impacts through advocacy, diverse arts and cultural programming, opportunities for artists, and creative community projects. Over the past 20 years, the organization has provided services and programming for over 700,000 artists, organizations and individuals throughout the State. 

“SAACA is proud to partner with the Sky Island Tourism Association on this spectacular festival and we look forward to bringing new opportunities for the arts to Patagonia and the surrounding communities.” Executive Director Kate Marquez said. “The community of Patagonia has built one of the largest community festivals in the region, and we are honored to work hand- in-hand with the many volunteers, business owners and residents who have passionately grown this festival to the size it is today.” 

The Patagonia Fall Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2018. SAACA plans to provide several new additions to the festival to commemorate this momentous occasion. Based off majority artist and vendor feedback, the festival will be moving to a two-day format with a focus on creative place-making in the community. SAACA is adding a 30th Anniversary KICK-OFF CELEBRATION on Friday, October 12th, featuring vendors, community activities, and live music to celebrate the 30th anniversary. From 1 PM-5PM, the Friday festivities will include an (optional) Artist preview from festival participants, historic museum tour, wine tastings, free art classes and ending the day with a free community concert featuring a Local Band Showcase at 5 PM at the Gazebo. 

Music will still be a main highlight of the event as the Gazebo will be fully programmed with bands both days with an additional stage added to the west-end of the park that will feature local and emerging bands. The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild will return this year contributing the event's wine and beer garden. Major investments will be made by SAACA in building festival infrastructure, expansion of regional marketing and tourism opportunities for the community, and additional arts and cultural activations throughout the weekend. The Patagonia Fall Festival will take place at Patagonia Town Park on Saturday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, with live music continuing until 6:00 PM; and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00pm. 


Applications for artists, exhibitors and vendors can be found athttp://patagoniafallfestival.com/ starting on May 15, 2018.

●       Festival Dates: Saturday, October 13 & Sunday, October 14, 2018
●       Add'l Date:  Friday, October 12th - 30th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration
●       Location:  Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Ave, Patagonia, AZ 85624
●       Cost:  Free
●       Online: http://patagoniafallfestival.com/
●       Contact:   Carla Kiefer - 520-333-4087 - festivals@saaca.org

About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA)
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.

About Sky Island Tourism Association (SITA)
The mission of Sky Island Tourism Association (SITA) is to grow regional tourism, thereby enhancing business and employment opportunities within the Sky Island communities of Elgin, Sonoita and Patagonia. SITAS’ objective is to make the Sky Islands region a well-known and popular tourist destination for short and long term visitors. Our excellent visitor's center, highly capable volunteer staff, established website, and affiliation with the Arizona Office of Tourism, and now SAACA, form a solid foundation for these efforts.