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Sierra Vista Today
By the People, for the People
Tombstone Celebrates 250th Birthday and Veterans at Wild West Days
Annual event honors military service while marking America's milestone anniversary
Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:03pm
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Tombstone, Arizona is hosting its 18th annual Wild West Days this weekend, celebrating the nation's 250th birthday while also honoring military veterans. The event, organized by the local Marine Corps League, serves as a fundraiser with all proceeds going back to the community. This year's celebration holds special meaning as the city looks to support its residents amid rising costs of living.
Why it matters
Tombstone, a small city of just 1,300 residents, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making the Wild West Days event a significant economic driver. The celebration also provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of local veterans and support the community during challenging times.
The details
The 18th annual Wild West Days kicks off with the opening of the Road to 250 Traveling Museum, which will be on display through Saturday. The main event is the patriotic-themed parade scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, making its way down historic Allen Street. Organizers say all proceeds from the event will go directly back to the local Tombstone community.
- The 18th annual Wild West Days event is taking place this weekend.
- The Road to 250 Traveling Museum will be on display in Tombstone through Saturday night.
- The patriotic-themed parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2026.
The players
Wendy LaBute
Commando of the Marine Corps League Wild West Detachment, the organizers of the Wild West Days event.
Charissa Presti
City Clerk for the City of Tombstone, which relies on the event's economic impact to support its small population.
What they’re saying
“It's a big, big birthday party, but yet, we're also recognizing our veterans. Arizona's full of veterans, and we we love every service, man as they come through or woman.”
— Wendy LaBute, Commando of the Marine Corps League Wild West Detachment
“This year with the prices of groceries and everything, it's nice to donate all of our proceeds go to our local area and our local community. So we are going to make a lot of people quite happy here.”
— Wendy LaBute, Commando of the Marine Corps League Wild West Detachment
“We only get budgeted for 1300 people by the state, so with the half a million visitors that do come here a year, we depend on that sales tax, and we depend on that bed tax to keep us thriving and moving forward.”
— Charissa Presti, City Clerk for the City of Tombstone
What’s next
The patriotic-themed parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2026, and will be the main highlight of the 18th annual Wild West Days celebration in Tombstone.
The takeaway
Tombstone's Wild West Days event serves as an important economic driver for the small city, while also providing an opportunity to honor military veterans and celebrate America's 250th birthday. The community-focused nature of the event, with all proceeds going back to local residents, underscores the event's significance during challenging economic times.
