Outdoors

100TH APACHE COUNTRY RODEO & PARADE “100 YEARS: OUR WAY”, Springerville | July 4th, 2012 is the 100th consecutive Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo in Round Valley. The annual parade is the morning of the 4th. Community events include free pancake breakfast by the Eagar Fire Department; skateboard competitions, racquetball competitions, art walk with wine and cheese reception, vendors, bicycle racing, educational forums, and two evening dances at the rodeo grounds. (June 29, 2012 – July 4th, 2012)

24TH ANNUAL OPTIMIST CLUB YUMA CATFISH RODEO AND NATURE FAIR, | The Yuma Catfish Rodeo and Nature Fair gives families the opportunity to test their fishing skills and to learn more about the centennial through their info booth. (October 22, 2011)

APS FIESTA OF LIGHT ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE, Phoenix | In partnership with the City of Phoenix Human Services Department, our Grand Marshals will be Centenarians from the Phoenix Senior Centers. In addition, the ASU School of Community Resources and Development, Parks and Recreation Management Special Event students will coordinate AZ Centennial 100 Years FREE activities for youth on December 2 during the preview party. These activities will be diverse and educational. (December 2-3, 2012)

ARIZONA ATV OUTLAW TRAIL JAMBOREE, Eagar Event Center, Eagar | The Arizona ATV Outlaw Trail Jamboree is the only ATV Jamboree that happens in the state. The event offers guided ATV rides with run-ins into outlaws, mountain men, nightly entertainment, cowboy poets, and a bbq dinner. (September 6-10th 2011)

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 GAME AND FISH OUTDOOR FESTIVAL, Coconino | An event to highlight the outdoors, wildlife, outdoor activities, environmental education and more. There will be booths each with something special and one booth in particular celebrating the Centennial.  (TBD)

ARIZONA MILITARY AVIATION WALK OF HONOR, AZ Wing Aviation Museum, Mesa | The Arizona Wing Aviation Museum is dedicating pedestals to past and present Arizona influencers in the field of military aviation. They will be hosting a walk of honor for those who are being celebrated and honored. (January 2012)

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 TRAIL CENTENNIAL ADVENTURE, | The Arizona Trail Centennial Adventure is to celebrate our state’s 100th birthday by enjoying many beautiful Arizona outdoor areas and out state’s communities, flora, fauna and history.  The goal is for the many different groups to traverse a section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail and in so doing, traverse the entire 800+ mile trail within the six week event time frame.  (September 15 – October 31, 2011)

ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE, Downtown Flagstaff | The Armed Forces Day Parade in Historic Downtown Flagstaff is a celebration for all Arizona citizens and all American’s who cherish and want to learn more about the time honored traditions of the U.S. Military. (May 21st, 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)

BISBEE 1000 THE GREAT STAIRCLIMB, Bisbee | Bisbee 1000, entering its 21st year this year, has long supported the preservation of Bisbee’s stairways with a concomitant emphasis on health and fitness. Bisbee 1000 has become a nationally recognized event, drawing participants and an audience from across the nation.  (October 14-15, 2011)

CENTENNIAL ZOOFEST, 100 YEARS OF ARIZONA NATURAL HISTORY, Prescott | The event is “Centennial Zoofest, 100 Years of Arizona Natural History.” There will be four areas of focus: what species lived in Arizona 100 years ago that don’t live here now; what species have been introduced to Arizona that weren’t here 100 years ago; what do Arizonans need to know about living alongside wildlife; and what current, on-going conservation efforts and how people can assist in those efforts. (October 22, 2011)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

PARADA DEL SOL PARADE, Scottsdale |The Parada Del Sol Parade is world-famous for having the longest horse-drawn parade. People young and old love to watch horse-drawn stage coaches, wagons, buggies and carriages make their way down Scottsdale Road ridden by cowboys and cowgirls in Old West attire. (February 11, 2012)

PARADA DEL SOL RODEO, Scottsdale |This annual rodeo brings the pioneering ages of Arizona and the Old West alive. The rodeo includes all seven major rodeo events, clowns, and a Kid’s Zone with tons of activities.  (March 4-6, 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)

TAKE A HIKE! HIKING SPREE, Prescott| The Take a Hike! Hiking Spree is an annual event in which 12 trails within the Prescott National Forest and the City of Prescott are chosen. We strive to choose 12 new trails each year and to fairly represent each of the three districts within the Forest. Participants have nine weeks to hike 8 out of the 12 trails. (September 17 – November 21, 2011)

THE FOUR HIKES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, Oro Valley | The hiking event will focus on the beauty of the natural environment and education. A celebration at the historic Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley will involve activities for all family members and will focus on the historical aspect of the property and the heritage of Arizona. (TBD)

TOWN OF PAYSON MOUNTAIN HIGH GAMES, Payson| The Payson Arizona Mountain High Games are the Southwest’s largest celebration of adventure sports combined with ATV trail rides, and a massive outdoor expo. Professional and amateur athletes from all over the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest will converge upon the mountain community of Payson to compete in 9 different competitions for cash and prizes. This year’s sporting events include: Mountain Biking, 5K Trail Run, Dutch Oven Cooking Contest, Archery Competition, ATV Rodeo, ATV Trail Rides, The Sawdust Festival, and an old fashioned horse shoe tournament. (June 3-5, 2011)

TUMBLEWEED TREE LIGHTING AND PARADE OF LIGHTS, Chandler| The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights is the City’s largest single day attended event. The event is free to attend and is family friendly. Activities include kids games, two stages with entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts booth, pony rides, along with free pictures with Santa. The two main features of the evening are Parade of Lights and the lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree. (December 3, 2011)

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)

WALKIN’ ON MAIN STREETCottonwood| 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)

WINGS OVER WILLCOX, Willcox| Wings Over Willcox is southeastern Arizona’s premier birding and nature festival that is held annually. Willcox is home to the cowboy movie star Rex Allen and the gateway to the Chiricahua National Monument. (January 11-15, 2012)

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)

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