Winterhaven is getting closer and it is an all encompassing concern for me and my family about the change from mules to vehicles.   I keep getting all wrapped up in my emotional concern for our lost tradition.  I am so sad about this huge loss of our very identity. It is who we are!  I must admit, we are very proud of the fun mule rides we have provided to Tucson for many years.  ... then I stop and think...  Is it really fair for me to be so self absorbed?  Is any of this really about my pride?  Maybe it is about the fact that it is difficult facing change.  Any kind of change brings stress... animosity....  concern...   Especially when the change is not one that feels good.  Do we worry that no one will support this change?  That the Festival itself will suffer from this change?  Of course.  You guys are the reason we have been doing this all these years.  Likewise, you guys are the reason for the change...  I ask myself... is it reasonably prudent for us to take our teams in there knowing that the potential risk has increased for an accident simply due to the popularity of the event? Are we being fair as vendors to try to hang onto our tradition, simply for the tradition?  Or the popularity of the event? Or the revenue?  Or because we haven't hurt anyone? 

I suppose everything is simple... risk vs tradition.  Has the risk increased?  Yes... Why?  Simply due to the increase in foot traffic inside of the event.  Has the tradition changed?  Hmmm...  The residents are still going to decorate.  There will still be the Tucson Food Bank collecting donations and helping those in need.  There will still be wagons, trolleys, and vendors selling their cocoa, popcorn and cupcakes.  There will still be Tucsonans walking around and enjoying the lights.  There will still be memories made, relationships begun, and families strengthened through the power of sharing and spending time together.  Therefore, is it really going to ruin the festival?  I don't think so.  I sure hope everyone understands the struggle we all face in this decision.  All us mule vendors as well as the Winterhaven Committee.  We have to remember, this is a decision for YOU! Whether any of us like it or not... it is a good thing.   It will contribute to the safety and beauty of this event.  We are supportive of this decision.  We will look forward to your support!  I have faith that it is out there Tucson.

Winds of Change.... Do we embrace them?

 

We have made our living training mules all our lives. We train them to ride and drive for clients all over the country. We love it.   We understand the mules.  We admire the mules.  We want to show how amazing and great mules are!  One way we do this is by driving them at Winterhaven in Tucson Arizona.  Winterhaven is just the best with the teams and wagons. Simply beautiful. Amazing too... having teams alongside people walking the streets, enjoying the light show... Incredible!  This accomplishment is remarkable.  

 

Of course, with all good, there is risk…. Winterhaven has grown so tremendously over the last two years to a size never imagined by any of us involved.  This amazing and beautiful festival of lights has became known all over the world!  We have had  clients come and ride with us all the way from Europe, Australia, and many other places.   This has became a destination!  Unbelievable.  Sadly, because of this tremendous growth, the risk involved with having our beloved mules in winterhaven has also grown tremendously. 

Because of this growth and because of trying to live our lives honestly and morally, we have reached a crossroads in our winterhaven event.  All involved with the production of the Festival are debating on how to increase safety inside of the event?  As the wagon vendors, we ask ourselves...  How can we proceed with our wagon rides and still maintain the level of safety that we have held ourselves and our company  to year after year with the enormous work and accomplishments by us, our staff and of course…. Our mules!  Simply put, it is time we decide whether the wagons rides should continue with mules at the front or is it time to convert to vehicles out of respect for the safety of those on our wagons, people walking around in winterhaven, and our mules.  We love our mules.  We love having them in winterhaven.  We love promoting the beauty and work ethic of the mules.  We love advocating for their amazing talents by driving them in winterhaven.  However, as heartbreaking and disappointing as it is, we believe that change is inevitable.  We believe that it should be our responsibility to work hand in hand with the Festival Committee to create what is best for our passengers, families walking in winterhaven, and most of all, the reputation of our mules. 

Is this going to be fun?  Well… first off… we will miss our world famous mules pulling our wagons.  We have deliberated as to what would be fun…  Here is our plans should this change occur….   We think open topped jeeps that play Christmas music through the festival could be a blast.  We want the driver available to our passengers and that is why we want our vehicles open.   Music played during the ride might encourage singing and the Holiday Spirit!  We could decorate it with lights and make it beautiful.  We have considered the issue of exhaust and do not want our passengers subjected to this.  For this year, we would extend our exhaust pipes out away from the wagons.  We have discovered that it may be possible to convert each jeep to LP gas that burns cleaner and greener!  This would be a goal for 2014. 

So… will you guys ride with us? We hope so.  Will you guys support this effort of change towards a safer Festival of Lights?  We believe so!  We have faith in you!  The Food Bank has faith in you!  Still, the biggest question of all is will we be making the right choice?  Will we be able to sleep at night?    

I know I will…

But I’ll cry a little for the winds of change….  Julie...
 

 

 

2013~~~  Well... this year has held many interesting changes for all of us!  Not just at home but in our country as well.  Even now, the government is shut down! 

Still, we are gearing up for another exciting season at Winterhaven in Tucson Arizona.  We hope that our little event brings big joy to all of those who ride with us as well as those who see our wagons while walking through the beautifully lit streets of Winterhaven.  If you are looking for a great and unique family Holiday adventure, this is definately one that will be remembered for years to come.  I believe that quality time spent enjoying your family is worth all the gifts money can buy!  We hope we can help make this special time of year a little more magical for you and yours. 

This years festival is going to run from December 14, 2013 through December 26, 2013.  We will have wagons running each night at 6,7,8 and 9pm for a 40 minute ride through the Festival of Lights!  Check out our website for all the details and come on down and see us. 

Enjoy this fall!  It is short and precious and BEAUTIFUL! 

Julie and the Gang at Winterhaven Rides

2012 Winterhaven Festival is here!!

Well... it is almost here!  I cannot believe how quickly the year has passed.  I feel like I've spoken with so many of you just the other day...  however.... it was a year ago?  Crazy! 

We thank all of you who have reserved with us both in years past and now.  Things are coming together and we will be out there Saturday.   We are so excited to provide this tradition to all of you... Hope you enjoy it!

RESERVATIONS!! 520-825-0208

Hey Tucson!  For reservations through Winterhaven on a wagon pulled by mules or horses, call us at 520-825-0208!   Also, check out our site at www.winterhavenrides.com

Hope we see you out there!  It is BEAUTIFUL!!

To the Residents of Winterhaven......  YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!  You did a great job this year.  I'm impressed!!

Winterhaven 2011!

Winterhaven 2011 is on!  We are scheduled from Dec. 10th through Dec. 25th.  We are excited to be invited back and hope we can make your Holiday special.  We also hope to raise lots of food donations for the Tucson Food Bank! 

We feel that this time of year we like to give thanks and appreciate all we have.  We also try to help others if we can.  This year we have partnered with St. Jude Childrens Hospital.  We decided to donate some of our wagons to St. Jude.  We will take the wagon renter through Winterhaven and have them make the check for payment directly to St. Jude.  Help us help kids this year!!

Happy Holidays!

Winterhaven 2011 update!

Well, we had a meeting with the folks in charge of the Winterhaven Festival of Lights and you can all plan on the festival in 2011.  Thanks to generous donations of time and $$, the festival is definately planned for December 10th through December 25th 2011!  Can't wait!

Julie