EXPERIENCE ARIZONA

arizona MONUMENT VALLEY & CANYON DE CHELLY/ SUPERSIZE THAT!

October offers two unique large format opportunities with the Friends of Arizona Highways. Explore Canyon de Chelly from October 18 to 22 with Jay Dusard, Pulitzer Prize-nominee, master of Western landscapes and one of the most influential photographers in the West today.

Camp among the powerful silhouettes and dramatic rock formations that dominate spectacular Monument Valley, October 31 to November 4. Experience the “Navajo Way” with renowned Navajo photographer LeRoy DeJolie.

For more information about the Friends of Arizona Highways photo workshops, visit their Web site at friendsofazhighways.com. You may also contact them at (602) 712-2004 or toll-free (888) 790-7042.

OTHER WORKSHOPS

Oct. 2-6 High Country Adventure with J. Peter Mortimer Oct. 3-7 Monument Valley/Canyon de Chelly with Jeff Kida

Oct. 15-19 Best of the West with J. Peter Mortimer

Arizona Highways Photography Exhibits CELEBRATING NATIVE CULTURES

Photographs by Jerry Jacka Through October 5 Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (928) 774-5213

CELEBRATING OUR LAND, OUR PEOPLE

Photographs by Arizona Highways contributors November 4-January 3, 2002 Kolb Studio, Grand Canyon (520) 638-2489

100 YEARS OF TRAINING

September 17; Williams Before the completion of the Grand Canyon Railway by the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, travelers seeking a glimpse of the Canyon were subjected to an arduous overland trek. The 65-mile line, completed on September 17, 1901, began taking everyone from farmers to kings from Williams to the Grand Canyon Depot, situated 200 yards from the South Rim.

Put out of business by the automobile, the Grand Canyon Railway was closed to passenger traffic in 1968 and remained dormant until it was reopened as a tourist railroad in 1989. The Grand Canyon Railways' 100th Anniversary Celebration, held in conjunction with Williams' Railroad Days on September 15-16, takes visitors on a railroad ride into the Old West. Information: toll-free (800) 843-8724.

CELEBRATING THE TERRITORY

August 31-September 3; Chino Valley In 1856 the first effort to separate Arizona Territory from the western half of New Mexico Territory met failure in Washington. Not until the Civil War, and the concern for potential railroad routes to California, did Congress approve the creation of Arizona Territory in 1863.

After several failed attempts at statehood, the people of Arizona Territory were authorized in 1910 to draft a state constitution. President William Howard Taft refused to sign the authorizing legislation until backers deleted a clause that permitted the recall of judges. When the revised constitution met Taft's approval, Arizona earned statehood on February 14, 1912, becoming the last of the contiguous 48 to be admitted to the union.

Chino Valley's First Territorial Days celebrates the times past when the Territory was known as a forbidding frontier that had to be crossed to get to California. Highlights of this valleywide commemoration include a parade, corn dinner, pancake breakfast, rodeo, live music and a community dance. Information: (520) 636-2493.

BEHIND THE SCIENCE SCENES

September 30; Flagstaff Founded in 1928 by zoologist Dr. Harold S. Colton and artist Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, the Museum of Northern Arizona continues to preserve the history and cultures of the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona. This world-renowned institution offers a behind-the-scenes look at its natural history and anthropology collections during a Museum of Northern Arizona Open House, held in conjunction with Flagstaff's Festival of Science. Highlights include handson activities, lectures and a look at the museum's current research projects. Information: (520) 774-5213.

HONORING THE GOLDEN YEARS

September 15; Prescott Valley In 1863 Captain Joe Walker led a party of prospectors up the Hassayampa River in search of gold in the Bradshaw Mountains. The discovery of rich gold placers in the forested region led to the founding of Prescott Valley. Festivities held in honor of this rustic settlement's early boomtown years include gold panning, a horseshoe tournament, live entertainment, hayrides and fishing at Fain Park during Gold Fever Day. Information: (520) 772-8857.

Other Events

Fiesta Septiembre; September 1; Wickenburg; (928) 6845479. Folklorico dancers, mariachi bands and mercado.

Northern Gila County Fair; September 14-16; Pine; (928) 476-3587. An old-fashioned county fair.

Fiestas Patrias; September 15-16; Douglas; (520) 364-2478 or toll-free (888) 315-9999. A celebration of Mexico's independence from Spain at Veterans Memorial Park.

Old Time Fiddler's Jam Session; September 19; Pine; (928) 476-3547. Fiddlers at a jam session of old-time music.

Jazz on the Rocks Benefit Festival; September 21-23; Sedona; (928) 282-1985. Internationally acclaimed jazz festival featuring national and local acts.

Cornfest; September 28-29; Fort Mohave; (928) 704-CORN. Corn roast, live entertainment, arts and crafts and games.

Flagstaff Open Studios 2001; September 29-30; toll-free (800) 842-7293. More than 50 artists demonstrating fiber arts, painting, sculpture, glasswork and jewelry-making.