Guest Column: Gem show's success a credit to all involved

"We heard from many customers that the series of shows may have been best yet."

Guest Column: Gem show's success a credit to all involved

In my 10 months at the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, the question I have been asked the most is, "When is the gem show leaving?"

Race is on to tidy downtown in time for gem-show crush

City employees work in the rain to install rails for the new modern streetcar along South Granada Avenue, which lies just west of the Tucson Convention Center. As of Thursday, Granada had only one lane of traffic in each direction.

Race is on to tidy downtown in time for gem-show crush

This is the scene on South Granada Avenue as it approaches an underpass at Interstate 10. The road is a key artery for visitors to gem shows along the frontage road and the convention center.

Race is on to tidy downtown in time for gem-show crush

City officials say crews have been working overtime in an effort to get the streetcar construction completed before the gem shows. Business owners have complained that the work is a threat to their livelihoods.

Race is on to tidy downtown in time for gem-show crush

Tick tock. Tick tock. Streetcar crews have just seven days to transform chaotic construction zones downtown to pristine condition before the start of Tucson's gem-show season.