History
100TH ARIZONA TOWN HALL, Tucson| The 100th Arizona Town Hall will be a gathering of 135 civic, community, business and public leaders from across Arizona to spend three and a half days discussing the topic of civic engagement in Arizona. Attendees will be provided a research report in advance that will be prepared by one of Arizona’s universities and will contain both history and perspective on the subject. The actual convening of the town hall in April will involve breaking the body in 5 panels, each charged with reaching consensus in response to a series of questions and drawing conclusions and making recommendations on how to build, enhance and expand civic engagement. At the end of the session, a consensus report of all panels will be developed in plenary session. The recommendations and research will be published and available to all Arizonans and there will be community outreach sessions presented across the state. Copies of the report will also be provided to elected and public officials, community leaders and educational institutions. (April 22-25, 2012)
2011 ROUNDUP & OPEN HOUSE AT THE EMPIRE RANCH, Sonoita| The 2011 Roundup & Open House at the Historic Empire Ranch celebrates 135 years of ranching history, showcasing past and present cowboy and ranch life at the Empire Ranch. Ranching heritage displays and storytelling, cattle and horse demonstrations of roping and riding, branding, horseshoeing are among the more than 70 presenters scheduled. Historic wagons displays, barbecue favorites and old fashioned Dutch oven desserts, auctions and raffles make for fun, family friendly festivities. (November 5, 2011)
60TH ANNUAL REX ALLEN DAYS, Willcox |Annual celebration for Hometown Boy (Rex Allen), star of movies, television, rodeo, singer & songwriter, and the voice of Disney for more than 30 years. Celebrated with concerts, rodeo, carnival, parade, tractor pulls, Western Legends Award, Cowboy Hall of Fame Dinner and much, much more. (September 30- October 2, 2011)
A NATURAL WONDER OF THE WORLD: THE ARIZONA GRAND CANYON, Phoenix| The third level of the Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor will be transformed to a vivid tribute of the Grand Canyon. The entrances to the concourses of level 3 will be adorned by the fine art collections of the Grand Canyon Association and U.S. National Parks Service. Additionally, the gallery in Terminal 4 will feature the story and paintings of Bruce Aiken, who lived at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for more than 30 years. From the edge to the basin of the Colorado River, airport passengers and visitors will witness the grandeur of the canyon through the artist’s eye. (June 16, 2012 – January 13, 2013)
ADORNED IN MEMORIES AND WRITTEN IN STONE, Phoenix |The title of this project, “Adorned in memories and Written in Stone”, alludes to the cultural traditions of death and remembrance common in Arizona from territorial times to the present. This project will combine contemporary examples of the altar tradition of Día de los Muertos with examples of the wealth of historical research information literally buried in our Phoenix cemeteries. For the past several years, the Phoenix Public Library has been host to a Día de los Muertos exhibit in the gallery of the Burton Barr Central Library. Contributions of altars by local artists are solicited through various traditional media outlets and through the library’s website at www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org. This year’s participants will be encouraged to create personal altars whose themes and subjects relate to Arizona’s history. Also this year, the Arizona Room of the Burton Barr Central Library will contribute its own altar highlighting the early cemeteries of Phoenix. Using library materials including books, documents, newspapers, and photographs, this exhibit will feature some of our local cemeteries in Phoenix and their residents. This display will make our cemeteries “come alive” as we reveal details about their inhabitants and their potential for future historical and genealogical research. (October 24 – November 4, 2011)
AJO ARTS ALIVE! ARIZONA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, Ajo | Ajo Arts Alive! Arts & Culture Celebration celebrates Arizona’s Centennial with a variety of arts & cultural activities including a quilt show, an old-time fiddler contest, open artist studios, art exhibits, an old-time vaudeville show, a historic home tour, the Sonoran Shindig Desert Festival, musical performances, and more. Some activities are FREE, others have an admission fee. FREE –Open Artist Studios, Art Exhibits, Sonoran Shindig Fiddler’s Contest & Show — $5 per activity Ajo Piecemakers “Quilting in the Sonoran Desert” Quilt Show — $2 per person Igor’s Jazz Cowboys Musical Performance — $12 per person Old Time Vaudeville Show — $7 per person Historic Home Tour — $10 per person (February 2- 11, 2012)
ARIPEX STAMP SHOW | The 54th Annual Stamp Show. The show will feature rare items of postal history from throughout Arizona. Up to 60 stamp dealer booths, stamp club information, 300 frames of competitive exhibits. (February 24-26, 2012)
ARIZONA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN PEORIA, Peoria Sports Complex | The Friday evening event will feature an old time’s baseball game with retired Major League Baseball players, kids activities and a fireworks display following the baseball game. Saturday morning, Centennial Plaza and Decade walk – an approved AHAC Legacy Project – will be dedicated by members of the Peoria City Council. Following the dedication are a community breakfast and art gallery exhibits from Cooperstown in the City Hall Art Gallery. (February 3-4, 2012)
ARIZONA CENTENNIAL FILM FESTIVAL, Prescott| The Prescott Film Festival is thrilled to pay homage to the history of filmmaking in Arizona that continues to this day. We will be screening three days of Arizona films; past, present and future. (September 16-18, 2011)
ARIZONA CENTENNIAL HISTORYMAKERS™ GALA, Camelback Inn, Scottsdale | A celebratory evening of dinner and dancing that will kick off the Centennial celebration highlighted by the presentation of IN OUR OWN WORDS: Reflections and Recollections of Arizona Historymakers™ – 58 influential Arizonans honored by the Historical League, Inc. for their contributions to the cultural fabric of Arizona. (February 11, 2011)
ARIZONA HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS FAIR, Tempe| The public is invited to submit 19th and 20th Century photos of people, places, and events that show the story of Arizona. The photos will be presented on a continuous tape in the auditorium. There will be speakers regarding Arizona history. (October 15, 2011)
ARIZONA NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW, Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix | Established in 1948, the Arizona National Livestock Show educates the public on the importance of the livestock industry and Arizona’s diverse agriculture and ranching heritage. Interactive educational activities, Arizona Ranch Memorabilia displays, 4-H and FFA youth program members showing their livestock, and the Pioneer Stockmen’s Organization annual luncheon are features of this show. (December 28-January 1, 2011 and 2012)
ARIZONA’S MILITARY HISTORY 1846-1912 LIVING HISTORY & RE-ENACTMENT, Watson Lake Park, Prescott, Yavapai County| Battle reenactments of the Civil War, Indian Wars, and Spanish-American War as well as performances by period entertainers and craftsman. Entertainers include the (1885) 4th Cavalry Brass Band from Tucson and the (Civil War era) Spencer & Jackson Theatrical Troupe from Phoenix (April 30th, 2011- May 1st, 2011)
ARIZONA ON THE MOVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, Peoria | This event will feature a variety of displays and activities that portray events in Arizona’s history, and is dedicated to the celebration of Arizonans and their transportation, past and present. Event components include “Wheeling through the Century,” a display that looks back on the evolution of various motorized vehicles, as well as art displays, live performances, and kids activities. (October 22, 2011)
ARIZONA’S STRENGTH – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, Tucson| Commerce Bank of Arizona in partnership with El Charro Café and the Stillwell House will host a free, public exhibition highlighting the strong Mexican American heritage of Tucson as lived through generations of the Flin/Flores families. The event, on the grounds of the historic 1901 Stillwell House – originally a boarding house for railroad workers – its adjoining gardens and casita – will feature a collection of articles about and reproductions of excerpts from the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War and whose exhibition (partially funded by the Bank) in honor of Arizona’s centennial year of statehood recently concluded at the Arizona State Museum (ASM). (September 22, 2011)
AZ CENTENNIAL MOMENT OF STATEHOOD BELL COMMUNITY RINGING, Sedona | A celebratory bell ringing for Arizona’s 100th Birthday! Dignitaries, professional bell-ringers music, refreshments, 2:14 pm simultaneous community-wide ringing of bells including “Sedona’s bell’ which hangs in the steeple at Wayside Chapel. A public birthday party is to follow the bell ringing. (February 14, 2012)
AZ CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION – YOU ARE THERE, RADIO THEATER SHOW, Sedona | Radio Theater style presentation re-enacting some moments, debates, personalities, humor and drama of AZ’s constitutional convention. An original show based on historical research. Audience participation. Decor of the era. Refreshments. Radio Theater is a form of audio storytelling with minimal visual components. It depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine the story. Tickets $7/adult, $4/youth, children under 6 free. (February 11, 2012)
CAREFREE SUNDIAL CENTENNIAL TIME CAPSULE, Carefree | The Carefree Sundial is the largest sundial in Arizona. In honor of the Arizona Centennial Carefree will place a Centennial Time Capsule into the Sundial to be opened in 2059, the Centennial of the Sundial. The public event to place the capsule will be held on February 14th.
CELEBRATING ARIZONA’S INFLUENCERS, Phoenix | Leading up to Arizona’s Centennial in 2012, The Stockyards will host a series of private events for honorees, thanking them for their impact on the history and future of Arizona. To commemorate each honoree’s Arizona legacy, The Stockyards also will dedicate a temporary booth in his/her name along with a plaque featuring historical photographs and press pieces. (June, October, December 2010 | January, April, October, December 2011 | February 2012)
CHANDLER CHUCK WAGON COOK-OFF, Chandler| The Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off demonstrates 1880s Old West lifestyle and is expected to draw 7-10 wagon teams from across the western United States. The highlight is an old fashioned culinary competition from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, where the teams will prepare their foods from their authentic chuck wagons and use cooking methods and utensils in the style of those used in 1880s cattle drives. Meals will be available for the public to purchase, and the event will also feature stage entertainment, family activities and shopping opportunities. Meals are available to purchase for $10 per plate. The event will also feature a centennial exhibit of historic photographs of chuck wagons in the Arizona Territory. (November 11-12, 2011)
CONFEDERATE FLAG PRESENTATION AND PROCLAMATION, El Mirage| It is a re-nactment, of the formation of the Confederate Territory of Arizona (1861) was a key step toward the establishment of the US Territory of Arizona (1863) and eventually the State of Arizona (1912). Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, signed the bill, passed by the CSA Congress, granting the Territory of Arizona Full admission into the Confederate States, including a representative to the Confederate Congress on February 14, 1862. Official statehood for Arizona would occur on the same date 50 years later. (August 20, 2011)
DOWNTOWN TEMPE WALK THROUGH HISTORY, Tempe| Tours will focus on the original Tempe (San pablo/ Hayden’s Ferry) town site and will include descriptions of the development of the community within the board patterns of state growth and development. Centennial information can also be distributed at the event. (February 4, 2012)
EXHIBITION: THE BORDER PROJECT: SOUNDSCAPES, LANDSCAPESE & LIFESCAPES, Tucson | The Border Project presents sound art, music, performance, painting, sculpture, installation, video, film, and photography that examine historical and contemporary life in the U.S./Mexico borderlands region. Unique in its range of focus, the exhibition treats Arizona, USA and Sonora, Mexico as partners with shared histories, dreams and political realities. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage of this region from Spanish colonization, to Mexican independence, to the Gadsden Purchase, through today. Building on these legacies, The Border Project acknowledges the complexities of border communities that encompass narratives of Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, Asian Americans, American Indians, and Europeans. The exhibition also explores borders as artificial boundaries, and purposefully crosses them. Visitors will hear sounds, experience fronterizo narratives, and view contemporary art forms juxtaposed with historical documents, allowing for an immersive experience. The artists, most of whom are emerging and mid-career artists from Arizona and Mexico, will be appearing throughout the exhibition for public programming. Exhibition programming will be extensive – 8 events in the planning in addition to the exhibition. (November 17, 2011 – March 11, 2012)
FIESTA DE SEPTIEMBRE, | A celebration with activities throughout the day including mariachi groups, folklorico dancers, Latin bands, arts and crafts, salsa contests and much more. (September 3, 2011)
FIESTA SAHUARITA, |The Fiesta brings the community of Sahuarita together for a day of family fun and community support. It is a great time to enjoy the beautiful southern Arizona community with family and friends, network, and make new friends. (Septmeber 24, 2011)
FOUNDER’S DAY FESTIVAL, Marana| Founders’ Day is a celebration of Marana’s 1977 incorporation. The event is being expanded from one day to four this year and includes a parade, carnival, live entertainment and various historical displays. (October 27-30, 2011)
GRAND CANYON HISTORY SYMPOSIUM, Phoenix| The 2012 Grand Canyon History Symposium is a three-day symposium of talks, presentations and tours focusing on all aspects of Grand Canyon history and the history of the Colorado Plateau. The symposium will be held at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend of (January 26-29, 2012).
HASHKNIFE PONY EXPRESS, Holbrook, Payson, Scottsdale |Every year, Arizonans gather to honor the days when mail was delivered the old fashioned way – by horse. The 54th Annual Hashknife Pony Express ceremonial trail begins in Holbrook, stops in Payson, and ends in Scottsdale, delivering first class mail along the way. (February 7-10, 2012)
HASSAYAMPA HERITAGE DAYS, Wickenburg| This event celebrates The Nature Conservancy’s Hassayampa River Preserve’s 147 years of history from its beginning as the Frederic Brill Ranch through its evolution as the “Garden of Allah”, one of Arizona’s first dude ranches, the Lazy RC cattle ranch, and finally as a nature preserve. This event showcases the history of the people and commerce along the Hassayampa River near Wickenburg and the critical role this area played in the development of Central Arizona. (November 5 – 6, 2011)
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 FUN RUN | Approximately 900 vintage vehicle, and thousands of spectators from all over the world come to Northern Arizona to celebrate the history of Route 66. Activities take place in every community from Seligman to Topock/Golden along this longest remaining continuous stretch of the Route including a show & shine in Kingman, a BBQ hosted by the Haulapai Tribe in Peach Springs, gunfights in Oatman, and an award ceremony in Topock. Vintage cars, great entertainment, vendor, and family-friendly activities make this an event that has something for everyone. (May 4-6, 2012)
HISTORY OF THE SOLDIER, Camp Verde | History of the Soldier is a military time-line event paying tribute to soldiers who have served and those who continue to serve our country. Volunteers and re-enactors conduct living history presentations, along with Dutch oven cooking demonstrations and vintage baseball games. (April 9-10, 2011)
IN THE DEVIL’S FRYING PAN, Cave Creek, Flagstaff, Tucson | A cast of actors of all ages will present this original play with music based on the oral histories of Arizonans from the state’s territorial period through the time of its statehood. The play will tell stories of extraordinary Arizonans from all over the state and illustrate how these disparate characters came together to form a unified state. The play will be written so that portions of it can be made available to schools. (January- August 2012)
LORI PIESTEWA NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN GAMES, Scottsdale |To provide a showcase for the talents and aspirations for America’s Native American athletes regardless of age or ability. It draws people from all over the country with a unique opportunity to highlight amateur sports as a part of the local amateur sports culture.
LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK BENEFIT RIDE, Apache Junction| Lost Dutchman State Park is the jumping off point for hikes to Flat Iron, Gold Field, follow the Apache Trail to Roosevelt Dam. The Friends of Lost Dutchman group was formed to assist the Lost Dutchman State Park preserve its history, and continued operation. (March 26, 2011)
MARICOPA’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WITH THE FIRST LADIES: HARVEST OUR HERITAGE, Chandler MARICOPA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS First Ladies Coming to Maricopa Photo 1912~Celebrating Arizona’s Centennial~2012 The Maricopa Historical Society cordially invites you to come and welcome America’s First Ladies on November 19, 2011 from 2-4 p.m. at Maricopa High School’s Multi-Purpose Room (45012 W. Honeycutt Ave). These dynamic women have come from all over the country to celebrate Arizona’s Centennial and look forward to sharing some of their memories as first ladies. Wearing dresses made from Arizona and Maricopa’s fine cotton, they will speak of their moments in history and honor not only Arizona, but also its first lady, Helen Hunt. Please reserve your place for this historic afternoon of reminiscing with America’s past by calling in your reservations as soon as possible. The First Ladies will donate all proceeds of this event toward the building of Maricopa’s Museum. Limited seating – all reservations must be made in advance. The admission is $25.00 which includes music, elegant table decorations and refreshments. (November 19, 2012)
MARSHALL TRIMBLE & FRIENDS, Surprise| The program will begin with an announcer reading Surprise’s 50th Birthday poem “Ode to Those Who Came Before”, a history of Surprise in poem form. The poem will be on a big screen. Marshall Trimble will tell his tales of Arizona’s history and culture and sing his songs of Arizona’s past. A musical group will perform the Arizona Anthem along with Arizona country songs.
The announcer will commemorate Arizona’s Centennial. The Arizona flag will be displayed with the American flag. (January 9, 2012)
NATIONAL TRAIN DAY, Chandler| May 10, 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad was completed. To celebrate this great achievement and to promote riding the rails on passenger trains Amtrak started National Train Day in 2008. In 2009 the Arizona Railway Museum joined in this event. During normal operations the museum has 3 to 6 pieces of equipment open for visitors to walk through. For National Train Day the museum opens all of its equipment, approximately 30 cars, for guests to see. In the past we have offered caboose rides, entry in to our locomotives and a chance to blow the locomotive’s air horns. When available, privately owned passenger cars and cabooses stored at the museum are also open to the public. Past attendance has ranged up to 1500 persons although it is believed that the facility can handle crowds up to twice that number. (May 12, 2012)
OLD DOMINION MINE PARK DEDICATION, Globe| The Park is a state legacy project for the Centennial and this event is a dedication of the project and a “sneak peek” of the park amenities. (April 9, 2011)
OPENING THE FLOODGATES : ROOSEVELT DAM AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SALT RIVER VALLEY, Phoenix| The exhibit at the Burton Barr Central Library will pay homage to the Roosevelt Dam. Roosevelt Dam is a historically significant landmark that is celebrating its own centennial during 2011. Its construction created jobs in Arizona, and was instrumental in furthering settlement by harnessing water for use in irrigation, in generating power, in ensuring water for domestic use, and for recreation.
(November 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012)
PASSAGE OF TIME: A HISTORY OF ARIZONA, Scottsdale| This event will take attendants through the period of Arizona history beginning with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and into the period of becoming the 48th state ending with our present day. (February 14, 2012)
PRESCOTT WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS, Prescott | The 2nd Annual Prescott Western Heritage Days event will celebrate the western heritage of Prescott and Yavapai County between 1864 and 1912. The event will be held on Whiskey Row, at Sharlot Hall Museum and various nearby venues and will feature the largest historical reenactment group gathering in Arizona. Family activities will include unique photo opportunities, reenactment skits, a period costume contest and fashion show, cowboy music and poetry, present-day rodeo events, a Wild West show and a film festival with Prescott-area movies. (September 15-18, 2011)
ROOSEVELT’S RIDE, Apache Junction |The project will feature a President Theodore Roosevelt re-enactor who will be the Grand Marshall for the annual Lost Dutchman Days Parade. He will be riding in an era-specific vehicle. After the parade he will drive to more locations on the historic Apache Trail where he will speak about the building of the road to carry materials for the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. (February 24 – 26, 2012)
ROUTE 66 DAYS CHARITY CAR SHOW, Flagstaff |The Route 66 Car Club evolved from one of the first car clubs active in Northern AZ. This club had as its primary focus the Chevrolet Corvair marque and older classic cars. The 7th annual charity car show that features over 400 antique, classic and collector automobiles – with music, food, vendors, all to benefit local charities. (September 10-11, 2011)
SHOW LOW 1912-2012 – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, Show Low| Two new exhibits in the Show Low Historical Society Museum. Show Low 1912-2012 Past, Present and Future is a beautiful room dedicated to Arizona’s Centennial. Silver Creek Railroaders, a model train club, is building “The Last Train to Maverick.” This exhibit honors the timber industry in the White Mountains. (February 14, 2011 February 14, 2013)
SILVER SPIKE FESTIVAL, El Presidio del Tucson and Tucson & Tucson’s Historic Depot| The A two day celebration of Southern Arizona history and the drive toward Arizona statehood. The first day will focus on the territorial period and the second day on the arrival of the railroad and its influence in achieving statehood. (March 19-20, 2011)
SIX DEGREES TO JAMES H. McCLINTOCK, Phoenix| When James H. McClintock came to Phoenix in the late 1870s the city, and the territory, were in their infancy. As a newspaperman, historian, and a major booster of the region, McClintock was acquainted with many of the famous, and notorious, individuals who developed the area. Based on the premise of six degrees of separation, that every person is connected by six steps to another, we will attempt to rebuild McClintock’s social network using his research and correspondence files. Join us at the Burton Barr Central Library and find out “who was who” in the early Phoenix. (February 1 – April 30, 2012)
STAGECOACH DAYS 2011, Maricopa | Annual celebration to commemorate and celebrate the founding of our community and to recognize our rich heritage. Families enjoy fun carnival rides, vendor village, arts and crafts, food court, kids corral, stagecoach rides, reinactments, beer garden, entertainment and more. Stagecoach Days is not only a one day event — enjoy other activities around town including barn dance, golf tournament, fun run, and Little Miss Maricopa pageants. (October 21 – 23, 2011)
STAMPING THROUGH ARIZONA, Show Low | This is a youth educational program that chronicles the history of Arizona from the early 1400?s to the present. The emphasis being on the 1800-1900?s when Arizona was a territory and fledgling state. (June 7, 2011 – July 31, 2012)
STATEHOOD DAYS, Phoenix | Pioneer Village has the Original Log Cabin where Senator ashurst, our first Senator was born and raised We have the Original Opera House from Prescott moved here brick by brick and we hold dinner theatre and plays inside. We have the Original One Room School house moved here from Gordons Canyon where we will have school teachers inside. A working Blacksmith Shop doing demonstrations throughout the day .A church where we have Weddings along with over a mile of new sidewalks throughout the village for wheelchairs and strollers. Re-enactors will be roaming the town and doing demonstrations inside the buildings, Dutch oven cooking, and gunfighter entertainment, along with Gun Safety talks trolley rides will be going on through the entire village, along with farm animals that can be viewed from their pens On the 14th we will have our Grand Celebration (February 9, 2012)
THE SOUNDS OF STATEHOOD, Tempe| The Sounds of Statehood is a musical story which portrays the history of Arizona from about 1870 to February 14, 1912, culminating with statehood. Using two fictional characters, Mariquita Hernandez and Captain Jesse Wrightson, The Sounds of Statehood depicts the lives of actual, true-to life town founders, such as Judge Charles Hayden and his wife Sallie Hayden of the Hayden Flour Mill in Tempe. Historical events and prominent Arizona pioneers are also brought to life on stage, from areas such as; Flagstaff, The Grand Canyon, Prescott, Jerome, Pinedale and Tucson. (February 14, 2012 – March 3, 2012)
TRAVELING THE COWBOY TRAIL: 100 YEARS OF ARIZONA TALES, Flagstaff | Cowboy entertainers will play music, tell stories and read cowboy poetry in celebration of Arizona and the centennial. Tony Norris is a veteran of the cowboy music and poetry festivals. He has appeared on the stages of the National cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, The Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium in Ruidoso, New Mexico and The Arizona Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Prescott, Arizona. (February 12, 2012)
TREASURES OF THE RARE BOOK ROOM: THE ALFRED KNIGHT COLLECTION, Phoenix| The Burton Barr Central Library will exhibit items from the Alfred Knight Rare Book collection including illuminated manuscripts, cuneiform tablets, Shakespeare folios and great works in the history of the book. (September 19 – October 30, 2011)
USPS CENTENNIAL POSTAL STATION, Show Low| Fee is based on a special envelope containing historical cachet, centennial stamp and centennial cancel. The Show Low Historical Museum is highlighting the Post Office Room with special displays and will be operating as an Official Centennial Station. We have pictures of the Show Low territorial Post Office buildings including the last one and also the first official Statehood Post Office. On display are several envelopes from the territorial days, artifacts from early post offices, and maps that show the movement of the post office buildings signed by the US postmasters. We have the Show Low 50 year anniversary of Incorporation (2003) canceller, pen and covers on display in a special sealed viewable box. This room is always included in our school Heritage Tour Day program for grades 3 and 5. (TBD)
VA VETERANS DAY PARADE, Phoenix| The VA Veterans Day Parade is an annual event designed to honor our nation’s Veterans on their special day Veterans Day. The VA Veterans Day Parade will include 100 entries to mark our AZ Centennial. Entries consist of Veterans Service Organizations (such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans etc.; novelty units such as horses, historical cars, War Dog entries; ROTC units, Color Guards, Floats, Helium Balloons, Floats and bands. There are several levels of Marshal in the parade including Celebrity Grand Marshals, Veterans Grand Marshals denoting each era of service and each branch of service, and a Business Community Grand Marshal. The Veterans Grand Marshals are designed to depict the history of Arizona’s military service, pulling from all units that are presently housed in Arizona. Tied to the parade each year is a state wide Essay Contest for students from grades 5-12 to write essays depicting the parade theme, which changes each year. The 2011 parade theme is “Veterans Our Resilient Heroes” denoting the educational component of what it means to be a military member and to highlight the impact that has on our families and citizens across the great state of Arizona. The winning essays are read to patients, staff, and the community at the Parade Reading Essay Breakfast on October 27 and the Essay Winners ride in the VA Veterans Day Parade. Along the route, there are 7-8 educational offerings as local celebrities from TV and Radio outlets gather to read the scripts assembled by the Parade Coordinator, to help educate those in attendance about our Veterans and the entities designed to honor, recognize and support them. (November 11, 2011)
VAIL PRIDE DAY 2012, Pima County Fairgrounds| Vail Pride Day is an annual event showcasing the Vail School District and Vail area community. It is highlighted by student and community organization fine arts performances, academic competitions and displays, hands-on activities and community displays. This event has the 2nd highest annual attendance at the Pima County Fairgrounds after the Pima County Fair. (February 18, 2012)
VULTURE MINE LIVING HISTORY DAY, Wickenburg| Mining is the core of Arizona’s history. Gold ore from the Vulture and other mines attracted the men and industries that led to statehood. Mining continues to be one of Arizona’s mainstay industries. This family oriented event celebrates AZ’s colorful mining history and Henry Wickenburg’s 1863 discovery of what became the fabled Vulture Gold Mine (October 22, 2011)
WALKIN’ ON MAIN STREET, Cottonwood| Walkin On Main Street is an annual one-day event celebrated the 2 Saturday of November. The theme for the event this year is Arizona’s 100th Year of Statehood and the historic significance of State Route 89A. Nestled between Jerome and Sedona, Cottonwood is blessed with a lively history. (November 12, 2012)
WHITE MOUNTAINS ROUNDUP, | An event that will be celebrating 100 years of Arizona cowboy and ranching heritage through poetry, music and fine arts. (July 15-16, 2011)
WICKENBURG GOLD RUSH DAYS, Wickenburg| Wickenburg will be celebrating Arizona’s Centennial at its 63rdAnnual Gold Rush Days and Rodeo. This celebration of Wickenburg’s ranching and mining heritage includes a rodeo, parade, concerts, arts and crafts, gold-panning, western dance, and other Western entertainment. (February 10-13, 2011)
WINTER RANGE, Phoenix | The Old West will once again come alive as more than 1000men, women and juniors journey to the Ben Avery Shooting Range February 20 – 25, 2012 for the 20th Annual gathering of Winter Range. Winter Range is an exciting 6-day event that provides the backdrop for the Single Action Shooting Winter Range has grown to the largest Western Encampment in the United States. In addition to the competitive events, Winter Range 2011 will feature displays of period militaria, exhibitions of western skills and crafts, and nearly 100 vendors purveying everything from period clothing to antiques and reproductions. Entertainment will be readily available in the form of a number of singers, cowboy bands, trick roping, trick horses and various other forms of cowboy entertainment. A variety of food services are also available – from authentic chuck wagon cooking to hot dogs. Winter Range is truly an exciting event for the whole family. (February 20-25, 2012)
WYATT EARP’S VENDETTA RIDE, Tombstone, Cochise County| Wyatt Earp and Tombstone became legendary across the country in 1882 during his Vendetta Ride against the Cowboy faction – a group of outlaws and cattle rustlers responsible for maiming his older brother and assassinating his younger brother. This five-day horseback ride follows Wyatt and his posse’s trail of retribution to those locales where Wyatt tracked and killed Curly Bill (in the Whetstone Mountains), Florentio Cruz (South Pass, Dragoon MTNs), Johnny Ringo’s Gravesite (Chiricahua MTNs), etc. Our ride also includes: An historic walk-around of Tombstone with an historian, who will also meet us at different locales we visit, a ride to Cochise’s Stronghold and history of the area and Cochise, a ride from Fairbank to Charleston along the San Pedro River. Lots of local history with local historians. We have used Marshall Trimble, Don Taylor, Bob Boze Bell and Nancy Sosa as our historians during the past two years. (October 16-21, 2011)
