Mileposts/Calendar

GRAND CANYON GUIDE

Too vast and mercurial to be captured in one visit or interpretation, the Grand Canyon calls for multiple perspectives. And that's what makes The Grand Canyon: Intimate Views special. The glossy paperback guidebook delivers what its title promises: close-up looks at hiking trails, river rafting, geology, biology, early-day explorations, prehistoric Indians, and environmental concerns. But it also serves up a variety of impressions of the natural wonder, unique views from a team of contributors who are on "personal terms" with the Canyon.

The result, says writer Ann H. Zwinger, is a book that exceeds the sum of its parts, thanks to anthropologist Robert C. Euler, psychologist Frank Tikalsky, geologist Stanley Beus, biologist Steven W. Carothers, and Park Service ranger Kim Crumbo.

An updated version of The Grand Canyon: Up Close and Personal (published in 1980), the book contains 40 color and black-and-white illustrations. To obtain a copy ($15.95), check your favorite bookstore or contact the University of Arizona Press, 1230 N. Park Ave., Suite 102, Tucson, AZ 85719; (602) 621-1441.

TV MEMORABILIA

Fans of Michael Landon's "Little House on the Prairie" and "Father Murphy" will enjoy seeing props and wardrobe items used in the filming of the popular television series that are now displayed at Old Tucson, a Western theme park and motion-picture set just west of Tucson.

The wedding dress worn by Laura Ingalls in "Little House" is among the items exhibited. Many of the others are rented to film companies.

Old Tucson's dusty streets and old wooden and adobe buildings have been seen in more than 300 films and television episodes. Theme-park activities include gunfight reenactments, stunt demonstrations, games, saloon revues, and amusement rides.

For general information and filming schedules, telephone (602) 883-0100.

POLLEN PROTECTION

Thinking ahead to a spring vacation? If you have allergies, you'll want to obtain a free brochure from the Allergy Information Center & Hotline that lists 75 of the most common allergy-provoking grasses, weeds, and trees in five U.S. regions and gives their peak pollinating seasons. To get your U.S. Pollen Predictor, call the 24-hour center hotline toll-free at 1 (800) 727-5400.

EVENTS OLD-TIMERS RODEO

January 2-3; Phoenix Contestants in this annual salute to the Old West hope experience wins over youth: the cowboys are all over 40, but the broncs and bulls they tangle with are young whippersnappers full of energy and rarin' to bust out of the chute.

Part of the Arizona National Livestock Show, December 28-January 3, at the state fairgrounds (1826 W. McDowell Road), the rodeo is held in Veterans' Memorial Coliseum. Information: 258-8568.

OLD-TIME FIDDLERS CONTEST

January 15-17; Yuma Popular with Yuma's multitude of winter visitors as well as locals, this fiddling contest features a jam session Friday evening, competition on Saturday, and the finals on Sunday.

Newcomers tend to show up just for the finals, but veteran toetappers pack the Jaycees' clubhouse (it holds 500) every day. There's an admission charge; and refreshments burgers, hot dogs, donuts, drinks will be available. Information: 783-3641.

DIXIELAND AT LONDON BRIDGE

January 15-February 17; Lake Havasu City Eleven bands from throughout the West convene at the Ramada London Bridge Resort for a weekend of Dixieland music. Highlights this year include two Arizona bands: Igor's Jazz Cowboys and Cheryl Stephens Vintage Jazz Band; as well as a "pianorama" and "banjorama," showcasing members of various groups; and a Sunday morning gospel service. Admission is $45, all days; $15, Friday; $25, Saturday; $10, Sunday. Information: 855-0888 or 1 (800) 624-7939.

PHOENIX OPEN

January 25-31; Scottsdale The Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale will host the 58th annual Phoenix Open, a top PGA competition that draws huge crowds: 388,000

Edited by Rebecca Mong

last year. Play at this event is always exciting, and fans have a good view of the action: the course was designed with gallery viewing in mind.

Admission is $15 per day; ticket packages are available. Information: 870-0163.

GEM & MINERAL SHOW

January 29-31; Globe Jewellike rocks of every shape and color highlight the Gila County gem show at the fairgrounds in Globe, an old copper mining town on the east end of the Apache Trail. Globe, legend has it, owes its name to the discovery of a 50pound globe-shaped nugget of silver.

There will be an admission charge. Information: 1 (800) 448-8983.

PARADA DEL SOL PARADE

January 30; Scottsdale At 9:00 A.M., more or less, the "longest horse-drawn parade in the world" and one of the most fun-loving heads south along Scottsdale Road from Indian School to Palm Lane.

Post-parade activities kids' games, country-music performances, shoot-out reenactments, and Indian dancing will take place at Los Arcos Mall from about noon to 4:00 Ρ.Μ.

A month of special events, including dances, a chili cookoff, and the arrival of the Hashknife Pony Express, lead up to the parade. Afternoon and evening performances of the parade's rodeo run February 4-7.

The parade's free, there'll be an admission charged for the rodeo. Information: 9903179.