Hike of the Month

In the day to see the animals, stay for a sunset dinner on an outdoor terrace, enjoy the interpretive programs put on by the docents, and then amble around enjoying the sights and sounds and smells they would miss in the daytime." Among those nocturnal treats might be encounters with owls and ringtails, toads and bats, and even tarantulas, as well as the plants that bloom only when the sun disappears. "Find a spot to sit in the moonlight to enjoy the flowers' fragrance," says Erickson. "The evening prim-rose is wonderful, but the sacred datura with its heavy scent is the one people notice most."

The museum is at 2021 N. Kinney Road. Summer Satur-days' hours are 7:30 A.M. to 10 P.M., May to September. Admis-sion is $8.95, age 13 and over; $1.75, six to 12; free, under six. For moreinforma-tion, call (520) 883-2702.

EVENTS Fourth of July Celebration

July 4; Patagonia This charming town nestled in the rolling grasslands of southern Arizona near the Mexican border celebrates Independence Day with a bang: fireworks, a parade, horseshoe tourney, cow chip tossing contest, and a dance. And - for a touch of the kinds of goings-on that made the Old West famous - the Tombstone Vigilantes' "hanging" of the parade's grand marshals. Admission is free. Information: (520) 455-5371.

Egg-frying Challenge

July 4; Oatman There's always something egg-citing going on in this old gold mining town known for the burros that amble its streets in search of treats from tourists. This event takes advantage of summertime temps to see if folks really can fry eggs on the sidewalk. (Tip: if you plan to compete, don't leave your magnifying glass at home.) There will be prizes for the best of the pavement chefs and fun for everybody. Check out the local hotel boasting that Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent their honeymoon there. There's no charge for entering the contest or egging on the competitors. Information: (520) 763-5885.

Independence Day Fest

July 6-7; Flagstaff This high-country town's Pioneer Museum hosts a nostalgic celebration featuring historical reenactments, a mountain men encampment, demonstrations of woodsman skills, and cannon firings by the 2nd U.S. Artillery decked out in authentic 1860s uniforms. Also planned are demos of quilting, weaving, needlework, woodworking, and blacksmithing. Admission is free; donations accepted. Information: (520) 774-6272.

Gallery of Fine Prints: Lake Powell's Gunsight Butte

The photograph by David Elms Jr. of the moon rising above Gunsight Butte in Lake Powell's Wahweap Bay (see page 38) is this month's color print offered for sale through the Arizona Highways Gallery of Fine Prints. Handcrafted under the su-pervision of master crafts-man William A. Nordstrom, the color prints are produced for Arizona Highways by EverColor DyePrint's custom lab, using the latest in digital technology.

To order the print, call toll-free nationwide at (800) 543-5432. In the Phoenix area or from outside the country, call (602) 258-1000.

The sizes and prices of the Gunsight Butte print are: #A99GB16: Approximately 14" by 17" $175 #A99GB26: Approximately 16" by 20" $225 #A99GB36: Approximately 20" by 24" $275

Indian Art Show

July 12-13; Holbrook Native American dancing, craft demonstrations, pottery, rugs, jewelry, kachinas, and baskets highlight the Gathering of Eagles Art Show in Holbrook, an old railroad town that was once wild and woolly enough to have a saloon called the Bucket of Blood. Free admission. Information: (520) 524-6558.

Pioneer Days

July 18-20; St. Johns This hamlet on the Little Colorado River promises "one of the largest parades in the state." The procession plus two rodeos, dances, and an ice-cream social are all to celebrate the arrival of the pioneers who settled the area. There's plenty to see hereabouts and nearby, including Lyman Lake State Park where the buffalo still roam and boats ferry you to a great petroglyph hike; Raven Site Ruin (near Spring-erville); and the Petrified Forest (some 40 miles northwest). Pioneer Days activities are free. Information: (520) 337-2000.

Pioneer Days

July 18-20; Snowflake The old Mormon town of Snowflake celebrates its storied past with a long week-end of fun including a parade, barbecue, rodeo, dance, arts and crafts, and a street fair. There will be a charge for some events. Information: (520) 536-4331.

Indian Festival and Market

July 20-21; Pinetop-Lakeside The Ninth Annual White Mountain Native American Art Festival and Indian Mar-ket, held on the doorstep of the White Mountains, boasts par-ticipation by many of the South-west's best Native American artists plus authentic Indian dancing, craft demonstrations, children's activities, and tradi-tional food booths. There will be an admission charge. Infor-mation: (520) 367-4290.

Information, including dates, fees, and activities, is subject to change; telephone to confirm before planning to attend events. For a free Arizona travel kit and a calendar of events, telephone the Arizona Office of Tourism toll-free at (800) 842-8257.

Arizona Highways

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