Mileposts/Calendar

M ileposts WICKENBURG MUSEUM'S A GOOD PLACE TO BEGIN

From historic buildings bustling anew as shops and restaurants to the Jail Tree where lawbreakers were chained, there's plenty to see and do in Wickenburg. A visitor's first stop, though, should be the Desert Caballeros Western Museum (on Frontier Street), a treasure house of frontier memorabilia in which exhibits include: historic dioramas, rooms decorated in turn-of-the-century Victoriana, Indian arts and crafts, a mineral collection, and a Western art gallery.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 Α.Μ. to 4:00 P.M. and Sunday, 1:00 Р.М. to 4:00 P.M. Admission is $1 to $3.50, free under age six. Call (602) 684-2272 for additional information.■

BISBEE MINE TOUR

Tours of Bisbee's Queen Mine, one of the oldest copper mines in the state, show visitors how the metal was extracted from the earth around the turn of the century.

From 1880 to 1975, mines in the Mule Mountains produced $6.1 billion worth of copper. But when the mines waned, Bisbee was in big trouble. Fortunately, plucky residents discovered another kind of paydirt: the tourists, who come to enjoy the once raucous boomtown's casual life-style, explore its historic architecture, and visit the mines. Mine tours run daily at 9:00 A.M. and 10:30 A.M., noon, and 2:00 P.M. and 3:30 P.M. Admission is $2 to $8; there's no charge for children under three. Even during summer, temperatures in the mine average 47° F., so take a sweater or jacket. Slickers, hard hats, and battery-pack lights are provided. For more information, write or call Queen Mine Tours/City of Bisbee, 118 Arizona St., Bisbee, AZ 85603; (602) 432-2071.■

HUMOROUS TALES

Folklorist C.L. Sonnichsen believed that since Arizona has everything but an ocean view, it must also have its share of humor. As if to prove it, he put together Arizona Humor-esque, a collection of comical writings that pokes fun at the people and goings-on in the state for the past century. For a few hours of chuckles and guffaws or a deeper look at Arizona's social history - you can't beat the likes of Alfred Henry Lewis joshing the residents of frontier Tombstone, Dick Wick Hall recalling how a "moving picture" spooked folks in Salome, or Mo Udall, Don Dedera, and others taking aim at politicians like Henry Fountain Ashurst, an early-day senator known for his florid speechmaking. Sonnichsen died in 1991 at age 89, leaving a legacy of 29 books and numerous articles, some of which appeared in this magazine.

To obtain a copy of Arizona Humoresque ($9.95), telephone Arizona Highways toll-free at 1 (800) 543-5432. In the Phoenix area, call 258-1000. The book also is available at the Arizona Highways Gift and Information Center in the Arizona Center, (602) 257-0381.■

EVENTS COYOTE GALA

June 5-6; Bapchule/Sacaton This outdoor event at the Gila River Arts & Crafts Center is meant to show how Native Americans lived in the old days. Activities include story-telling, authentic Indian foods cooked outside, and arts and crafts. What there won't be is television or any other modern-day distraction. Admission is a $2 donation from adults and $1 from youngsters and seniors. Information: 963-3981 or toll-free 1 (800) 472-6298.

AMERICA-JAPAN WEEK

June 6-13; metro Phoenix More than 2,000 Japanese performers, artists, and athletes will participate in this "Olympic-size" event, which organizers expect will generate $6 million in revenue for Arizona's economy while promoting cultural understanding and new tourism and business opportunities.

Planned activities all free and held in locations around the Valley (including America West Arena, Phoenix Civic Plaza, Symphony Hall, the Herberger Theater, and Scottsdale Center for the Arts) - include traditional tea ceremonies, martial arts, calligraphy demonstrations, flower arranging, and performances of festival dances and folk songs. Information: 262-4430.

ALL-INDIAN POWWOW

June 18-20; Prescott Pines hosts an intertribal pow-wow that highlights Native American singing and danc-ing, arts and crafts, and a princess contest. Be sure to allow time to stroll around town to admire the wonder-fully restored Victorian and other period houses (See Arizona Highways, July '92). Information: 445-2000 or 445-8790.

OLD MINERS' DAY

June 26; Chloride The old silver mining camp of Chloride once had a population of 5,000, then the ore played out, and folks left in droves. Nowadays the town is home to a few hundred retirees and boasts a number of historical buildings in various stages of restoration. Each year residents celebrate the town's past with a parade, swap meet, live music, gunfight reenactments, and a chili cook-off. For a change of pace, check out the local sights, including the Chloride Historical Society, the library, and Sheps - a store that carries about anything you can name, then some. There'll be an admission for some events, others are free. Information: 565-2204.

FRONTIER DAYS

June 26-27; Pinetop/Lakeside In the lake-dotted White Mountains area, the neighboring resort communities of Pinetop and Lakeside host an annual celebration known for its Western flavor and mountain flair. This year's fun includes live music, arts and crafts, shoot-out reenactments, a chili cook-off, and a petting zoo. Admission is $2; kids under 12 get in free. Information: 367-4290.

Information is subject to change; telephone to confirm before planning to attend events. Unless otherwise indicated, telephone numbers are within area code 602. For a free more complete calendar of events, write to Arizona Office of Tourism, 1100 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007.