Culinary
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)
ARIZONA CENTENNIAL TRAIN AND CENTENNIAL SWEETHEART DINNER, Williams/Grand Canyon| Ride behind a steam locomotive to the Grand Canyon with the in nostalgic 1923 Harriman coaches to one of the famous seven natural wonders of the world for only $7.50 round trip! Travel to the Grand Canyon for the same price charged in 1912. The train ride will be followed by a Centennial Sweetheart Dinner at the Sultana Theatre which was built in 1912. Enjoy a first class meal while viewing a photographic account of Williams history that will be displayed throughout the Theatre. (February 14, 2012)
AZ CENTENNIAL SPLATTER DAB BREAKFAST, | A breakfast event honoring descendants of families who were living in Arizona in 1912. The breakfast will include music, dignitaries, and a ceremony honoring Arizona pioneers. (February 12, 2012)
ARIZONA FARMING AND RANCHING HALL OF FAME HONOREES DINNER, Avondale ~ 2011 and Laveen ~ 2012 |Established in 2007, the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame honors the pioneers of agriculture that have created an enduring legacy for future generations. To-date, 27 honorees (living and posthumous) include farmers, ranchers, publishers, educators and businesses that support the industry and represent areas from Snowflake to Douglas, Florence to Parker, Maricopa County and many towns in between. (Avondale ~ March 5, 2011 | Laveen ~ March 3, 2012)
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)
CELEBRATION OF CAKES, Gilbert | Celebration of Cakes is a weekend long family event created to celebrate the art of cake decorating. (June 24 – 26, 2011)
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)
THE CENTENNIAL TASTE OF ARIZONA, Phoenix | In partnership with the Centennial Commission, The Stockyards will plan and execute the Centennial Taste of Arizona event in 2011 on February 9, – the 100th anniversary of the approval of the Arizona Constitution in 1911 – that will unofficially kick off the Centennial celebration leading up to Arizona’s 100th birthday. Designed as a participatory initiative, The Stockyards will conduct a public contest asking Arizonans to send their suggestions for a Centennial Menu. Finalists will be featured at the event, and attendees will vote for the items to be featured on the official Centennial Menu. (February 9, 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)
