In 1992, the owners of downtown Tucson's Hotel Congress started staging a reenactment of the capture of John Dillinger in Tucson. The Hotel Congress owners, Richard and Shana Oseran thought that the capture of Dillinger would appeal to the public. This was the beginning of Dillinger Days. The first Dillinger Days was a one-act presentation in the Hotel Congress lobby.
Dillinger Days has become an annual community event in Tucson. Dillinger Days is held annually in January, bridging the popular New Year’s Eve celebration and the Gem show. Dillinger Days stresses Tucson’s role in history rather than John Dillinger himself. Dillinger Days is a weekend affair, featuring a historical reenactment of Dillinger’s capture, a vintage car show, speakeasy fundraiser, and other family-friendly activities.
See also: Dillinger Captured in Tucson
Sources:
“Big event almost held up.” Arizona Daily Star. Caliente. January 22, 2009. Page 25.
“Dillinger days frenzy coming up.” Tucson Citizen. Calendar. January 22, 2009. Page 13.
Downtown Tucson: Dillinger Days: Re-living Tucson's Colorful Past | Downtown Tucson Partnership
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