Mileposts/Calendar

The Puzzle of Pauline

If it did nothing but clear up why a crusty old mountain man spent the last years of his life answering to the name “Pauline,” a new booklet by historians Jim Byrkit and Bruce Hooper would be worth a looksee.

In The Story of Pauline Weaver: Arizona's Foremost Mountain Man, the authors solve that conundrum and more, separating fable from fact, which when it comes to the unusually named 19th-century trapper, scout, gold hunter, and pioneer is pretty colorful. After all, this was the man who guided the Mormon Battalion westward and helped A.H. Peeples “see the elephant” (find gold) at fabulous Rich Hill.

According to authors Byrkit and Hooper, there's been a lot of misinformation about Weaver (that he spent some 40 years in Arizona; that his mother was a Cherokee), due in part to casually written accounts of his life and, perhaps, the old man himself, whose failing memory in later years may have resulted in some tales that were taller than they were true. If the folklore about Weaver is “a stew that had simmered for sixty years,” this 62-page softcover book is a sorbet, refreshing the history buff's palate with a helping of reality.

The book costs $5.95. To order, telephone Arizona Highways toll-free at 1 (800) 5435432. In the Phoenix area, call 258-1000.

Take a Llama to Lunch

Exotic llamas instead of horses or The fan-type crest seen most often on saguaros, organ pipes, and barrels is a rare mutation that can occur on almost any cactus species.

Mules are used as pack animals on guided hikes through Pinetop-Lakeside's scenic Woodland Lake Park.

The two-hour hikes, which can be tailored to individual or group needs, follow paved paths or backcountry trails and include either a noontime or sunset picnic. Helpful guides share tidbits about the gentle llamas while identifying plants along the trail and telling hikers what kinds of wildlife or tracks they're likely to come across.

Prices vary and reservations are required.

For information, contact Pinetop-Lakeside Parks & Recreation Department, 1360 N. Niels Hansen Lane, Box 30, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85929; (602) 368-6700.

EVENTS Frontier Days/Rodeo

June 29-July 4; Prescott Parades, a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, a 10-K run, a golf tourney, arts and crafts, and special events for youngsters a kiddie parade and a junior rodeo provide even more reason to head for this mile-high city in the pines when summer temps hit the stratosphere in the flatlands. The big rodeo is held at Yavapai County Fairgrounds; admission is $8 to $16. The crafts fair takes place at Courthouse Plaza, a picture-postcard peek at small-town America. Information: 445-3103.

Native American Festival

July 1-August 7; Flagstaff The Coconino Center for the Arts hosts this annual Indian event featuring invitational and juried arts and crafts by artists from the Four Corners area, live performances of traditional dancing and singing, lectures, films, demonstrations, and workshops. The Outdoor Indian Market runs July 2-3; call for specific festival activity times and dates. Free admission. Information: 779-6921.

Happy Fourth of July!

Cities and towns around the state celebrate Independence Day with parades, fireworks, picnics, speeches, and a few surprises: Page offers boat tours on Lake Powell; in Flagstaff revelers can watch demonstrations of candle dipping, quilting, weaving, and horseshoeing; and the big blowout at the state capitol lives up to its name Fabulous Phoenix Fourth with performances by country music stars, a carnival, and a huge fireworks finale. For details, call Arizona Office of Tourism, 1 (800) 842-8257.

Lion's Parade

July 12; Phoenix The Lions Clubs International Parade, one of the biggest we've heard of with a staggering number of floats, bands, and marchers will kick off at 7 P.M., wending its way south on First Avenue from Moreland to Monroe. With 14,000 participants from countries throughout the world (the organization, which has 1.4 million members, is in town for a convention), the procession will last four to five hours a full evening of free family fun. Information: 9333130.

Indian Festival-Market

July 23-24; Pinetop-Lakeside Indian paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and clothing, plus plus traditional dancing, singing, and storytelling highlight the 7th Annual White Mountain Native American Art Festival & Indian Market. Be sure to allow time to explore the lake-dotted countryside around these tandem summer resort communities on the edge of the White Mountains. Festival admission is $2-$5. Information: 367-4290.