Mileposts/Calendar

Wildflower Hotline

To find out where desert wildflowers are blooming, call (602) 481-8134. The recorded Desert Botanical Garden info is available March 1 to April 30 and is updated each Friday.

Archaeology Month

Throughout the state during March, Arizona Archaeology Awareness Month features hands-on activities for children and adults, field trips and tours to archaeological sites, exhibits, demonstrations of prehistoric and Native American crafts, history reenactments, and informative talks. An Archaeology Fair will be held March 25 and 26 at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Most activities are free. For a complete schedule, call the State Historic Preservation Office, (602) 542-4009.

Flagstaff Trolley

For just $4 visitors can ride the Flagstaff Trolley all day, getting on and off at any of 24 scheduled stops at such attractions as Lowell Observatory, the ArizonaHistorical Society's Pioneer Museum, Coconino Center for the Arts, and the Museum of Northern Arizona, as well as downtown stores, hotels, and motels. The trolley runs daily from 8:30 A.M. to 5:20 P.M. Kids 15 and under with an adult ride free. For information, call (602) 774-5003. Tom Kuhn

The 'Sinful' Shrine

Tucson's El Tiradito, the "Wishing Shrine," is said to be the only hallowed place in North America dedicated to a sinner. The shrine sits on Main Street just above Simpson at the southern edge of the Old Pueblo's Historic Walking Tour at the spot where a tragic love triangle came to its bloody conclusion in 1880. There are several versions of the story, but one legend has it that Juan Oliveras love affair with his mother-in-law was discovered by his father-in-law, who killed the young man. Sinners couldnt be buried in the cemetery, so Olivera was laid to rest where he died. The sad spot soon inspired the custom of lighting a candle on the grave and making a wish. It's said that if the candle burned to its base, your wish would come true. - Stuart Rosebrook

EVENTS Dance Festival

March 3-5; Yuma Devotees of Terpsichore can kick up their heels or just sit and watch (Friday night) the swirl of activity at the 45th Annual Yuma Square and Round Dance Festival. The event takes place at the Yuma Civic & Convention Center. Highlights include a free Sunday morning "Donut Dance" with multiple callers and cuers. Participation admission for all three days ranges from $3.50 per event to $18 at the door for all three days. Watching costs $1. Information: 342-1960 or 782-3545.

Indian Fair's Market

March 4-5; Phoenix Authentically outfitted Native American musicians and dancers perform during this annual event at the prestigious Heard Museum, with more than 400 artists and performers celebrating their diverse cultures and traditions. Expect to see one-of-a-kind arts and crafts including baskets, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, and clothing. And when it's hungry time, try some fry bread with Hopi stew. Admission is $3 to $5. Information: 252-8840.

Territorial Days

March 4-5; Tombstone The former haunt of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday offers a weekend of Old West fun featuring gunfight reenactments, saloon shows with cancan dancers, a fashion show with ladies' duds from the 1880s, and something you won't want to miss: "hangings by appointment." Gunfight admission is $2 for adults. Information: 457-3421; (800) 457-3423.

Ostrich Festival

March 9-12; Chandler Did you know that Arizona has the most salubrious climate in the United States for raising Ostriches (as well as emus and rheas)? And it's not a bad place to race them either, according to folks who do both in this East Valley town.

Ostriches may be gawky, but they're also fleet of foot, which they show in this annual fun fest that also includes live music on three stages, a parade, exhibits, arts and crafts, a carnival, and food booths. Free admission. Information: 963-4571.

St. Patrick's Day Festival

March 17; Tucson Have fun at this salute to the wearin' of the green with Irish music and step dancing, a kids' corner with clowns and storytellers you can even trace your genealogy back to the leprechauns. But don't miss the parade: its highlight has got to be the Red-headed League entry, 300 men and women blessed with enough shades of crimson locks to make all of the Emerald Isle jealous. The parade starts at 11 A.M.; the festival at 1 P.M. Free admission. Information: 620-6353.

Old Town Tempe Festival

March 31-April 2; Tempe Every year about 250,000 folks attend this arts and crafts festival which attracts hundreds of artists from throughout the country. There'll also be live entertainment, crafts demonstrations, and food booths. Everything takes place in Tempe's Old Town, which is worth a looksee all by itself. Free admission. Information: 967-4877.