The third annual Tucson Palooza will take place on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., on the University of Arizona Mall, 1303 E. University Blvd.
Tucson Palooza is a free, community-wide, family-friendly event that brings together resources from throughout Tucson and Pima County to deliver useful information about mental health in a fun, informal setting.
The Tucson Palooza Steering Committee consists of multiple local agencies and is led by Camp Wellness, an award-winning program of the UA Department of Family and Community Medicine. Camp Wellness is for individuals with serious mental illnesses, general mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Arizona Complete Health is this year’s presenting sponsor of the event. Arizona Complete Health provides and administers health benefits through Marketplace, Medicaid and Medicare.
This year includes the inaugural “First Responder’s Lip-Off Challenge,” which promises to be a highly entertaining live lip-sync among police, fire and EMT teams. Celebrity judges will be Larry Mac from 96.1 KLPX, Damien Alameda from KOLD-TV and a spokesperson from Arizona Complete Health.
Tucson Palooza seeks to reach new audiences and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders. The event includes useful information and resources, festivities, including games for the whole family, and live music.
Tucson Palooza highlights:
- Admission is free.
- 9 a,m., Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild will kick-off the event.
- 11:15 a.m., First Responders Lip-Off Challenge.
- Giveaways, activities and games for all ages.
- Dunk tank
- Living Libraries
- Meditation Labyrinth
- Therapy dog encounters
Musical entertainment by local artists:
- DJ Clint Pittenger
- E.S.P.
- CW Tubbs and the Bucket List Band
- The Rifle
- DUI Squad
More information is available at tucsonpalooza.org and facebook.com/OfficialTucsonPalooza.