EXPERIENCE ARIZONA

experience. arizona Festivals, powwows and get-togethers / by CARRIE M. MINER PHOTOGRAPHING THE KINO MISSIONS

Join Arizona Highways photographer Jeff Kida on this journey to southern Arizona and northern Mexico to photograph 17th-century adobe missions originally built by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino. Our first stop is San Xavier del Bac, the elegant mission just south of Tucson that has earned the nickname the "White Dove of the Desert." We'll continue across the border to the missions of San Ignacio and Pitiquito near the charming town of Magdalena, and we'll also visit the missions of Oquitoa and Tubutama near Caborca. This photo workshop offers the rare opportunity to travel with a historian from the Southwest Mission Research Center who will enrich the workshop with his historical knowledge of the region. Come along on March 18-22 for this scenic-and spiritual - adventure below the border. For more information or a free workshop brochure, please contact Friends of Arizona Highways at (602) 712-2004, toll-free at (888) 790-7042 or visit www.friendsofarizonahighways.com.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

March 10-16 Death Valley with David Muench April 12-19 Sea of Cortes - Whales and Desert Wildlife with Richard Maack April 13-17 Photograph the best scenery northern Arizona has to offer May 13-17 Explore the luminous slot canyons with Chuck Lawsen May 22-26 Enjoy the picturesque Havasu waterfalls with Kerrick James June 5-14 Rafting the scenic Colorado with Jeff Kida

54 FEBRUARY 2003

WINTER WONDERLAND

February 1; Flagstaff At The Arboretum at Flagstaff-the highest botanical garden in the United States at 7,150 feet-botanists research the 2,500 species of plants and trees growing at the 200-acre site. When winter comes to northern Arizona, the doors close for the season. But for one day, during Winterfest, you can enjoy the snow-covered gardens. Take a guided walk to learn about wildlife ecology, track animals and see icicle-laden evergreens. Back indoors, experts discuss the winter habitats of local residents, including elk, pronghorn antelope, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, rabbits and skunks. Information: (928) 774-1442.

HOMEGROWN HISTORY

February 8-9; Camp Verde It might seem unusual initially to find hundreds of acres of lush vineyards flourishing in the desert highlands of southern Arizona, but vintners have found the sunny days, soil composition and elevation a boon. Today, there are 13 wineries in the state. Some of Arizona's award-winning varietal wines have graced the tables of diplomats and presidents. Others better complement Arizona ostrich burgers and pecan pie. You can sample several of the state's best wines at the 3rd Annual Pecan, Wine and Antique Festival at the Community Center. Information: (928) 567-0535.

COUNTING SHEEP

February 7-9; Phoenix February 1, 2003, marks the beginning of a new year-the Year of the Sheep-on the Chinese calendar. Legend tells that each of the 12 lunar years are named for the 12 animals that bid Buddha farewell when he left this world-the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. Some believe that the animal ruling a person's year of birth will greatly affect his personality, saying, "This is the animal that hides your heart." Discover more about Chinese culture and the animal that rules your stars at the 13th Annual Chinese Week Culture and Cuisine Fair held at the COFCO Chinese Cultural Center. Fair attractions include food, photoexhibits, music and dance, martial arts demonstrations and arts and crafts. Information: (602) 548-8398.

NO ROCKING CHAIRS

February 21-23; Goodyear More than 23 years ago, cowboys and cowgirls older than 40 began competing in rodeo events when the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA) came into being. Today there are more than 80 sanctioned senior rodeos in the United States and Canada, including the 16th Annual Goodyear Rodeo Days held at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The NSPRA's motto, "No Rocking Chairs!", reflects the event's fast pace. Contestants compete in three days of roping, bulldogging, saddle and bareback bronc riding, bull riding and barrel racing. Other events include a chili-cooking contest and a scramble for kids to pull a ribbon off a calf's tail. Information: (623) 932-2260.

Other Events

World Champion Hoop Dance Contest; February 1-2; Phoenix; (602) 252-8848. Hoop dancing, food and crafts. Chocolate Tasting; February 8; Bisbee; (520) 432-5421. Restaurants, bakeries and confectioners offer samples. Territorial Day Festival; February 8; Mesa; (480) 6442760. Re-enactments and demonstrations of pioneer arts. Tour of Historic Florence; February 8; Florence; (520) 868-4496; toll-free (800) 437-9433. Tour of public and private buildings spanning four architectural periods. VNSA Used Book Sale; February 8-9; Phoenix; (602) 265-6805. Charity sale of more than 500,000 used books. O'odham Tash; February 14-17; Casa Grande; toll-free (800) 916-1515. All-Indian rodeo, powwow, music and arts. Great Arizona Outback Chili Cook-Off; February 15; Salome; (928) 859-3846. Chili and salsa competition, classic car show, tortilla toss and skydiving exhibition. Pinatas and Mariachi Festival; February 15-16; Douglas; (520) 364-2496. Mariachi bands, dancers. Tucson Rodeo Parade and Rodeo, February 19-23; Tucson; (520) 294-1280; toll free (800) 964-5662. Western-themed parade (February 20) and rodeo.

Note: Dates and activities could change. Before planning to attend events, phone for fees and to confirm days and times.