1. Yumans Could Survive On The Face Of The Sun
Perhaps this is a bit hyperbolic but nonetheless, Yuma is billed as having the most extreme climate of any city in the United States. They have the most days above 90 degrees, the least annual precipitation at three inches, the least humidity, and the most sunshine of any city.
In Yuma, shade is more valuable than most precious metals. No joke.
2. Which Is Why Nearly Every Pilot On Earth Trains In Yuma
The Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma is one of the premier training grounds for military pilots. In fact, nearly 80 percent of all marine pilot training is done within the bounds of their 2.8 million acre aviation and bombing land.
While it means a noisy sky from time to time, it also means a free annual air show for residents. Look up—it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… no, it’s definitely a plane.
3. The Baseball Stadium Is Now Home To A Tasty Taco Festival
Though all ties to professional baseball are now gone from the city--the Desert Rats minor league team left in 2011 and the San Diego Padres Spring Training camp was moved by 1994--Desert Sun Stadium still plays host to a range of local events like the Yuma Taco Festival and the occasional concert. Just leave your cleats at home.
4. Every April Yuma Becomes A Rock ‘N Roll Hub
Coachella might not belong exclusively to Yumans but the traffic it brings through town every April sure makes it feel like a local event. Anyway, at a short two-hours’ drive from town, Yumans don’t even need to splurge on the overnight camping to enjoy the nation’s biggest and best annual music festival, so party on!
5. For A Small City, Yuma Is Big On Heritage
Yuma is probably the only city in the nation that throws a party for lettuce, but the county’s biggest agricultural contribution is a reason for celebrating, says the City of Yuma.
The City is also responsible for the annual holiday celebrations like the Dorothy Young Electric Light Parade and the opening of Christmas Village, which actually gives the local youth a chance to sled on real (manufactured) snow--pretty cool for the middle of the desert!
6. Do Yumans Know Comida? Claro Que Si.
There is a general consensus amongst fans of spicy food that the sabor de Mexico gets more and more diluted as you move north and east through the continental United States. That means that Mexican cuisine in Yuma is as authentic as you can get without having to order in Spanish.
Need proof? Stop by La Fonda Restaurant and Tortilla Factory to see what 40 years of experience can do to classic Sonoran fare.
7. Yuma Has Creepy Old West History On Lockdown
Opened in July 1875, the Yuma Territorial Prison was where gunslingers, stagecoach robbers, and every other brand of outlaw could expect to end up until the site was closed in 1909. The inspiration behind (and setting of) such films as “3:10 to Yuma” and “Rawhide,” more than 3000 criminals came through the stone arch entryway in the prison’s tenure.
Now the cellblocks that tormented so many serve as an ideal place for a nine-year-old to pose as a criminal for mommy’s camera.
8. Yumans Take Family Fun Seriously, And That's Not Just Hot Air
Residents of Yuma will likely become quickly acquainted with West Wetlands Park. Home to the annual Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival and other community events, the 100-acre riverfront park was actually the Yuma landfill until about 1980.
Today, the area features a paved walking trail and the large-scale Stewart Vincent Wolfe Memorial Playground, the design for which was inspired by local elementary school students before its construction in 2007. Oh, joy!
9. And When It Comes To MMA, They’re As Tough As Rawhide Leather
Though not well-known for professional sports, Yuma has produced a number of MMA fighters (namely Kevin Gastelum, Cain Velasquez and Edgar Garcia), many of whom train or have trained at local MMA gym The Chamber.
10. Do Yumans Love Gaming? You Bet Your Butt.
For those in need of a gambling fix, Yuma has three Native American Casino resorts within a few miles of the city proper. Not into cards and slots? Though no official betting takes place there, stop by Lutes Casino on Main Street—Arizona’s oldest pool hall—for a day of saloon-style family fun and eats.
11. This Place Is An Agricultural Hotbed
Yuma County is the third largest producer of vegetables in the nation and actually supplies the United States with about 90 percent of their lettuce between the months of November and March. In fact, the area makes about half-a-billion dollars annually on lettuce alone.
Basically, once the scorching summer is over, the climate in Yuma gives the region one of the nation’s longest growing seasons. Now that’s some farm-fresh goodness.
12. But Yuma Is No Place For Bachelors
In addition to being a retirement hotspot, more than 55 percent of Yuman adults are already married, compared to about 44 percent in Phoenix and 37 percent in Tucson. Sorry, Arizona Casanovas—if you’re looking for love, you should probably just start somewhere else.
13. You’ll Feel Better About Woofing Down That Tamale Since The Proceeds Go To Charity
This is true, at least, during the annual Somerton Tamale Festival, put on each December by local El Diablito Arizona State Alumni Chapter. The event raises more than $50k annually to help support local students heading to Tempe for a university education through entertaining and flavorful means. #HotTamalesForCoolCauses
14. The Best Way To Celebrate Hump Day Is With Camels (Duh)
Take a trip to the local Wild World Zoo and Camel Farm. Complete with a petting zoo and other critters like kangaroos, deer, and farm friendly beasts, kids and kids at heart can get up close and personal with the humpbacked heroes of this place. They might even get a chance to bottle-feed a five-foot calf.
Watch out, though—these creatures have been known to spit from time to time.
15. Yumans Know What A Real Desert Looks Like
When someone says “desert,” the first thing you think of is probably a rolling hill of endless sand, à la the Sahara. Well, the Sonoran Desert of Arizona is more like a very thin forest compared to the Algodones Dunes just west of Yuma.
This 250+ square-mile area includes the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, which is where George Lucas goes to film deserts for Star Wars and where Yumans go to get off-road; nothing like a day of romping with sand in your teeth to get the adrenaline pumping.
16. Yumans Know The Tamer Side Of The Mighty Colorado
Looking for a way to waste a summer day and catch a few rays? Make a reservation to ride the Colorado River sans white water through Yuma River Tubing. The floats, which last several hours and end at West Wetlands Park, even present opportunities for night owls to relax on the water during their Full Moon Extravaganzas. Dogs are always welcome, but werewolves must be muzzled at all time.
17. This City Is The Original Stomping Grounds Of Cesar Chavez
The renowned civil rights leader and founder of the National Farm Workers Association was a Yuman through and through—he spent his entire life as a resident of Yuma County until his death in 1993.
Chavez’s legacy was critical in securing bargaining rights for seasonal farm workers and the effects of his efforts are still felt today in many ways.
Can one person truly make a difference for the greater good of thousands? “Si, se puede.”
18. Yuma Is A Migratory Haven For Snowbirds
In addition to thousands of seasonal farm workers, Yuma County’s total population of around 200,000 supports about 33,000 people aged 65 or better—that’s right around 17 percent, for those that are counting (the national and Arizona state averages are both closer to 14 percent).
This is why Yumans never need to worry about the turnout for a bingo event.
19. And It’s The Original Gateway Town
Straddling the border between California and Arizona on the Colorado River, Yuma is also just 60 miles from the Gulf of California, so pack your swim trunks, throw some towels in a beach bag, and prepare yourself for some fun in the sun just south of the border.
20. Ghostly Neighbors Haunt The Outskirts Of Yuma
Between Castle Dome 40 miles north of Yuma and the abandoned mining town 25 miles to the west known as TUMCO, Yuma is literally surrounded by real-life ghost towns. Take a quick drive to get a taste of the Old West at its spookiest--just make sure you are back before dark.
21. Yuman Sheep Are Hardcore And Hardcore Protected
Hiking and camping are permitted on the 665k acre wilderness reserve known as Kofa Wildlife Refuge, but the primary purpose of the area is the protection of endangered desert species like the bighorn sheep and Sonoran pronghorn. Talk about wild, this is a chunk of desert that promises to stay untouched for generations.
22. Yuma’s A Bit Of A Desert Oasis
Though fishing and watersports might not be at the top of your list of hobbies to keep in Yuma, the location right on the Colorado River means ample opportunity for both—the Redondo Reservoir just 12 miles north for is kept stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill, so bring your tackle box with you just in case. 
