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ileposts TIME TRAVEL TO TERRITORIAL DAYS

Watching a blacksmith make nails, operate an old-fashioned printing press, and wander through a cattleman's Victorian home. Visitors on self-guided tours of Phoenix's Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum can do all this and more as they experience life the way it was during territorial days. Among other highlights at the museum (12 miles north of Bell Road at the Pioneer Road exit off Interstate 17) are: 20 historic structures, an opera house where melodramas elicit hisses and boos, a herd of horses said to be descendants of a rare breed brought to the New World by Columbus and other explorers, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a picnic area.

Historical interpreters in period costumes are a big plus, answering questions and explaining artifacts. Pioneer is spread out, so wear walking shoes and allow enough time to see everything. Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Admission is $4 to $5.75; children three and under get in free.

For further information, call (602) 993-0212.

ROCKHOUNDING GUIDE

The Arizona Rock Hound Guide, a free brochure available from the Arizona Office of Tourism, classifies rocks according to mineral content, describes what they look like, and tells where to find them and how to recog-nize them when you do. Basic enough for the novice but helpful to serious hunters, the guide also explores gold pan-ning and copper mining.

To obtain the brochure, contact the AOT, 1100 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007; (602) 542-8687.

KIDS' PLAYGROUND

When the youngsters of Kingman's Cerbat Elementary School designed their new playground, they wanted a haunted castle, a treehouse that is reached by climbing a beanstalk, a slide that comes out of a dragon's mouth, tunnels, mazes, bridges, and for a touch of modern adventure a rocket.

And, after raising the funding themselves, that's what they got. The playground, which is open to all young visitors after school and on weekends, was built by parents and other adults with help from architect Robert Leathers, who is responsible for similar projects across the country.

Kingman is in the high desert, 186 miles northwest of Phoenix. The school is at 2689 Jagerson Ave.

For further information, call (602) 757-5100.

FRIENDS' MEETING

The annual meeting of the Friends of Arizona Highways Magazine Foundation will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 20, 1993, at the Historic City Hall, 17 S. Second Ave., Third Floor, Phoenix, Arizona.

At the meeting, the Friends will vote on an amendment to articles of incorporation that would permit all future amendments to be made by the board of directors without member approval.

The Friends are volunteers who assist the magazine by conducting Photo Workshops and Scenic Tours and speaking to groups. Subscribers interested in becoming active with the Friends are invited to attend the meeting. For additional information, call the Friends at (602) 271-5904.

EVENTS WINTERFEST

Flagstaff offers plenty of family entertainment at its annual Winterfest. Visitors can enjoy more than 50 events, including snow softball, ice skating, sled-dog races, wine tasting, concerts, arts and crafts, and skiing. Activities take place at various locations, and some charge a nominal admission. Information: toll-free 1 (800) 842-7293.

ART FESTIVAL

The first European settlement in Arizona and now an artists' haven 45 miles south of Tucson, Tubac welcomes visitors to its annual celebration of the arts. Exhibits at galleries, studios, and street booths around town include watercolors, oils, sculpture, and jewelry. Be sure to allow time to visit the sights, including the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Information: 398-2704.

OLD FORT LOWELL TOURS

Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood during La Reunion de El Fuerte explore the rich cultural heritage of a unique section of Tucson, from the early Hohokam people to Mormon farmers, Mexican settlers, and American soldiers. Stops include the Hohokam Hardy site, the post's hospital and commissary, and El Callejon Street where descendants of the Mexican immigrants of the early 1900s reside. Tours begin in Fort Lowell Park. Information: 795-6589 or 325-5008.

HISTORIC TOUR

The old copper-mining town of Globe puts out the welcome mat during this annual tour. Visitors can explore turn-of-the-century structures such as Sycamore House, a mining executive's home; and the Noftsger Hill School, built in 1907 and now a bed and breakfast. Stops also include the Old Dominion Mine, and there's an antique and quilt show. Tour admission is $3$6. Information: toll-free 1 (800) 448-8983.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Lose yourself in the romance and merriment of a 16th-century European market fair, where ladies swoon while brave knights joust. Highlights include the costumed participants from lowly peasants to King Henry himself - exhibitions and demonstrations, games, stage performances, and food and drink to satisfy the heartiest appetites. Festival hours are 10:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $4.95-$9.95. Information: 463-2700.