INTRODUCTION
The Butterfly Gardens in West Wetlands Park in Yuma.
Photo contributed by Photo by Yuma Parks and Recreation Dept.
Yuma and Tucson share one thing in common – they are among the two major locations in present-day first influenced by Europe through the Spanish explorations of the 16th century, and that strong Hispanic influence and culture remains true to this day.
There are culinary differences – when it comes to Mexican cuisine, “foodies” will argue in favor of their favorite region, be it New Mexico, or Tucson, or Yuma. Frankly, it’s all good.
ATTRACTIONS
Well before the first English settlers were pondering their first winters in Jamestown or Plymouth, Spaniards had explored this area of today’s American Southwest, then the home of several Native American tribes, including the Quechans, Cocopahs and the Yumans.
Surrounded today by fields under cultivation, Yuma’s central core is home to an ever-expanding Main Street that is home to cultural and civic activities in the Historic Yuma Theatre and Yuma Art Center; historic places; entertainment; and street fairs.
By: Stan Usinowicz
Yuma Territorial Prison.
Photo contributed by Stan Usinowicz
So who visits the Yuma area in winter?
This year’s 2010 Winter Visitor Guide will introduce you to some of the neighbors from the north that spend part of their lives in desert Southwest. Some of them will tell you that they have nothing to say, but it’s never failed that they do, for everyone has a story.
Meet some of them in the following snapshots:
Rena Bryla
Rena uncovered her artistic bent quite unexpectedly in the early ‘80s while she was waiting to be picked up to go out to dinner.