Buckeye Arizona Air Fair and Fireworks

Buckeye Arizona, on the far west side of the Phoenix valley, once again hosted the air fair in February 2024.  On this particular day, there was also a fireworks demonstration.

The air fair featured a number of trick and even commedic prop engine aircraft.

One intriguing and exciting feature was a P-51 prop aircraft made famous in World War II along side an A-10 out of Tucson's Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

Following the air show, came the fireworks.   I've seen many fireworks shows.  This one, folks, was the best.   Coming back to the car, we took a golf cart back and shared it with a family from Oregon.  The father said to me the same thing, "best fireworks show ever."

There were common fireworks launches we've all seen, but there was also a night time parachute and fireworks of a lit up plane! Look at the photo below and look to the upper right.  See the plane?

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from the Buckeye Air Fair and Fireworks, click HERE

Wickenburg Parade and Senior Pro Rodeo

One day in February 2024 was a busy day in Wickenburg, Arizona.   In the morning, it was the Gold Rush Days Parade in downtown Wickenburg.   Then, in the afternoon it was action at the Senior Pro Rodeo.

Before the morning parade, we saw trick roper and shooter Will Roberts.   Will is also an actor.  If you can remember seeing Ozympic commercials, you would have seen him doing roping tricks.  He also plays General George Marshall in the movie "Oppenheimer."  

The parade featured local politicians, fancy and old cars, and of course horses, cowboy, and cowgirls.  

For more images from the parade, click HERE

Now, on to the rodeo at the rodeo grounds.  It's the senior pro rodeo.   These feature cowboys and cowgirls up to, believe it or not, 70 years old.  And they are good.

These folks might be legends, but they still have to pay the entry fee.  And losing or not qualifying means they are out that money and need to go to the next rodeo.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from the Wickenburg Gold Rush Days Senior Pro Rodeo, click HERE

Deer Valley Airport 2 February 2024

In a break between storms, I decided to go to the local Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix to capture images. 

 

I thought the backdrop of angry clouds might make some interesting photos.

I photographed small trainer aircraft landing and taking off, along with a few small jets and a helicopter.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

Turf Paradise 29 January 2024

A day many horse racing fans in Arizona didn't think would come.   I thought horse racing at Turf Paradise was finished once last years season ended in May of 2023. 

So it was a happy surprise when the ownership decided to have a shortened season starting 29 January 2024.    

Who knows if Turf Paradise will have an operating track next year.  But for now, horse racing will live on at least until May of 2024.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE 

Barrett-Jackson Car Auction 21 January 2024

Arguably the largest and biggest wow factor car auction is the Barrett-Jackson auction held again in Westworld Scottsdale.

Doors opened at 8am so I thought I'd be clever and get there right after opening.   There was already a huge crowd there!  

There were race cars, souped up cars you'd see on the streets, and cars owned by famous people.  There was also exciting and colorful lit signs. 

I used the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the Canon 14-35mm lens with a circular polarizer.   The CP I used to cut down on the glare.   Westworld was very well lit.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE