Free Mammograms, Networking, Shopping At The Tucson Woman’s Fair

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson women looking for networking, shopping and free mammograms can get their fix Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Tucson Woman’s Fair. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tucson Expo Center at 3750 E. Irvington Road, the event also provides free health information, entertainment and gives small businesses and nonprofits a leg-up in the Tucson community.

“I have lived here for three years and have found the community involvement to be lacking when it comes to supporting nonprofits, small businesses and other organizations that are trying to do good things for such small profits,” says Denise McDowell, the Tucson Woman’s Fair founder and event coordinator.

Having worked for the American Cancer Society as a Relay for Life event chair and publicity chair, McDowell has seen nonprofits struggle, running strictly on contributions and grants. So she gave them free booth space. Nonprofits in attendance will include Navy recruiters, Beads of Courage, ICSAVE, IMPACT, Kids Unlimited, Easterseals and others.

Additionally, as a breast cancer survivor, McDowell is passionate about the need to inform other women of healthcare requirements changes such as the need for earlier-than-standard mammograms for those with hereditary risk. Don’t Be a Chump, Look for a Lump’s founder Holly Rose will also attend, with her organization giving 30 free mammograms to under-insured or uninsured women or men at the fair. The SimonMed Mobile Mammogram Unit (MOM) and the American Cancer Society will also be present.

Those wanting culinary sustainment during the event can eat cuisine from Jozzarelli’s, American Flying Buffalo, Fiesta Filipino and Baskin Robbins while they shop vendors’ wares including children’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, photography, makeup, meal-prep items, skincare and more.

Though admission is free, door prize drawings (and vendor advance-quantity planning) are dependent on attendees reserving tickets. Door prizes include service gift certificates, haircare products, an outdoor security camera, jewelry and firesticks. A fashion show and an appearance by Ballet Folklorico are event highlights. Meanwhile, a Kids' Zone will be provided to keep children entertained.

So far, the Tucson Woman’s Fair has more than 2,000 tickets downloaded, 17 percent of which are reserved by men.

But while Saturday’s fair is the first of McDowell’s in Tucson, it won’t be the last. Santa will appear Saturday to talk about his and Mrs. Clause’s appearance at McDowell’s next event, a December 7 holiday fair.

Tickets for the Tucson Woman’s Fair on Saturday can be downloaded here, and vendor reservation applications for the Dec. 7 event can be downloaded here.