Tombstone Rose Festival 2013

Tombstone relives its past

Tombstone, Arizona relived its past glories today by celebrating the 128th blooming of the Tombstone Rose Tree. Most of the blooms were in the eyes of the celebrants who graced the boardwalks with their smiles.

Tombstone beauties

Somehow, I don’t think these people are playing dress-up. They are simply being themselves in full glory.

Tombstone citizens

Tombstone is dedicated to beauty, poise, and good manners.

Tombstone lovelies

Life in the Old West territory, happening now, today.

Tombstone Red Hat society

Let’s go for a spin.

Tombstone square dancers

And so, the joy spins on.

Johnny Bones

Johnny Bones was full of joy today.

Gemas Folklorico Dancers

So were Gemma’s Folklorico Dancers who entertained us from Douglas, Arizona.

Nogales AZ Mariachi Apache Band

The Nogales, Arizona High School Mariachi Apache Band was simply outstanding.

Nogales AZ Mariachi Apache Band

Please hand out record contracts to each and every one of the soloists.

Worlds largest rose tree

And finally, the world’s largest rose tree that brought us all together. The perfume is exquisite!

Orbs of Tombstone

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As I was out walking the streets of Tombstone, I spied this man coming walking toward me. He asked what I was doing and thought I might be finding a ghost if I kept taking his photo. Then he turned to me and said, “You hoping to find those little white balls in your pictures?” Am I wearing a sticker on my forehead that says “orbphotog” ?! Then he advised me that I would have better luck down the street “at the corner”.

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Perhaps I did see a ghost as he walked away. The “little white balls” followed him hopefully.

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Down the street at the corner is the Bird Cage Theatre, a must see on any tour of Tombstone. And, he was right about the “little white balls”.

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Here’s a look at Tombstone from the end of the street.

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Perhaps the “little white balls” just enjoy corners.

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They certainly seem to enjoy saloons.

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Big Nose Kate’s Saloon with a “little white ball” above the stained glass window.

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The sky above Tombstone comes alive with orbs of “little white balls” as the evening darkens.

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Looks like a lovely place to spend the night.

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Since 1880 The Tombstone Epitaph newspaper, which covered Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. You can still subscribe to it at www.tombstoneepitaph.com

I’ll be returning to Tombstone tomorrow for the annual Tombstone Rose Festival. Here is a peep at the newly crowned Rose Queen standing beneath the world’s largest rose bush this evening with her family:

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The orbs agree!

For those of you who are new to this blog, or would like to refresh your memory as to what orbs are, perhaps this will help: https://orbsdelight.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/photographing-orbs/

Tombstone Westerners

Tombstone by Cheyenne MacMasters

Welcome to the town that was too tough to die: Tombstone, Arizona.  We won’t be seeing orbs today, but you can imagine them resting on the shoulders of this gentleman.

Bird Cage Theatre by Cheyenne MacMasters

Our history is rather recent in the Old West, we’re just happy that some buildings have survived the desert sun.

Tombstone boardwalk by Cheyenne MacMasters

If you’re lucky the boards of the sidewalks are roofed to keep out the piercing heat.

Crystal Palace by Cheyenne MacMasters

The Crystal Palace has been welcoming parched travelers for over a hundred years.

Johnny Bones photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

Meet Johnny Bones, an 1800’s minstrel who plays man’s oldest instrument: rib bones. He is holding a pair of bones in each hand, and his knees are strapped with tambourines. Mr. Bones is an elegant dancer with a big smile and some fancy moves.

Stage coach driver photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

Not everyone smiles in Tombstone, after all there are tourists and horses and vigilantes to watch out for.

Tombstone gunfight photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

“Meet me at the OK Corral at 4 o’clock” snarled the man in white.

OK Corral photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

Looks like somebody’s going to lose…

Big Nose Kate's photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

For those who would rather listen to music instead of the sound of bullets, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is the place to be in Tombstone. The hall was packed and the songs of the West were particularly sublime this afternoon.

Walking Tombstone photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

A lovely day for a stroll on the boards.

T. Miller Mercantile Hotel photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

My favorite ice cream shop in Tombstone.

Tombstone woman photo by Cheyenne MacMasters

“You all come back now.”