Well, one of Tucson’s most wanted events couldn’t escape the grip that COVID has on the world, but luckily the historic hotel has a backup plan.
With the cancellation of the annual Dillinger Days, Hotel Congress is hosting a “Congress Cookout” —a Dillinger Days edition — from 4:15 – 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, January 24.
Think of it as a toned-down version of the Dillinger Days experience.
Hotel Congress posted the following on Facebook:
“We are super bummed, but the safety and health of our community, guests, and employees is much more important.”
The cookout is taking place outdoors only in the Congress plaza area, offering a safer and socially distanced encounter. Don’t fret, though. The event will still feature music from Kings of Pleasure, a vintage car or two will be parked near the hotel, whiskey tastings, a gun show experience, and a “best-dressed” contest.
Oh, and you can’t forget the grub.
The scent of delicious barbecue will be swirling throughout the plaza at Hotel Congress, including meal deals from the Plaza Eats food truck.
Tickets are $10 per person and it may be wise to purchase them sooner rather than later since seating is much more limited than past events in the plaza.
Additionally, the original fire truck that helped put out the fire at Hotel Congress 87 years ago will be on display as well, so be sure to check that out, too.
Hotel Congress is located downtown at 311 E. Congress St. For more information, call (520) 622-8848, or visit hotelcongress.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
