ALONG THE WAY

experience. arizona

Festivals, powwows and get-togethers / by CARRIE M. MINER

SHOOT FALL COLOR ON THE NORTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON

This Oct. 4-8 photography workshop, sponsored by the Friends of Arizona Highways, offers a small group of photographers a unique chance to explore the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The location is truly grand at any time of year, and the intense fall color of red maples and golden aspens provides an extra bonus on this autumn trip.

David H. Smith, an accomplished landscape photographer whose work is frequently published in Arizona Highways magazine, will teach composition and the best use of natural light. Lodging for four nights at cabins on the North Rim lets participants explore and photograph from colorful vistas such as Cape Royal, Point Imperial, Transept Canyon and the East Rim Viewpoint.

For more information on this or other upcoming photography workshops, contact the Friends of Arizona Highways at (602) 712-2004 or toll-free at (888) 790-7042. Images taken in past workshops, plus additional information on trips and other programs, are also available on the Web site: www.friendsofazhighways.com.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

July 20-25 Summer Wildflowers September 6-10 Spirits of the Navajo September 24-28 Slot Canyons October 14-18 Monument Valley/Canyon de Chelly

TURNING THE YEAR

July 6-7; Flagstaff Hopi Indians dance to usher in the seasons and to celebrate the turning of the year. Because they believe their ceremonies benefit the entire world, the Hopis let visitors attend many of their intricate dances. It is said that between January and July, kachinaspowerful spirit intermediaries between the people and the gods-descend from the San Francisco Peaks to attend the rites. Kachinas are symbolized by costumed dancers.Social renditions of traditional dances will highlight the 69th Annual Hopi Marketplace at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The marketplace also showcases Hopi arts and crafts, nature walks, ethnic food and children's games. Information: (928) 774-5213.

MINING MAΝΙΑ

July 4; Bisbee Bisbee grew from a tiny mining camp in 1877 to become one of the richest mining sites in the world. On July 4, 1902, McNichols and Ross set the world record for "double jack," where one man wields a double jackhammer while a second holds and turns the drill. The next July 4, miners Chamberlain and Make drove 46 and 11/32 inches into Gunnison granite in 15 minutes, a world record that still stands.Catch the historic mining competition at Bisbee's Annual Fourth of July Celebration, along with a parade, the "Ruthless Run," ball games, fireworks, coaster races and a "muck-ing" contest. Information: (520) 432-6000.

THE NAME GAME

July 16-20; St. Johns Stories differ on how this town, now the Apache County seat, was named San Juan. Some trace it to the community's first woman resident-Señora Maria San Juan de Padilla de Baca. Others say the first Mexican families called it after San Juan's Day, June 24, which is still celebrated there. Postal authorities changed the name to Saint Johns in 1880. The spelling evolved to simply St. Johns.During the 123rd Annual Pioneer Days, the mountain hamlet celebrates its heritage with festivities including a rodeo, basketball and golf tournaments, a fishing derby, Dutch-oven cooking lessons, storytelling, dances, a parade, a barbecue and an ice cream social.

Artistic Hopi basketry is based on prehistoric techniques developed for utilitarian baskets. The Hopi Marketplace showcases baskets and other artworks.

Information: (928) 337-2000.

DESERT SNOWFALL

July 20; Tempe When temperatures drop below freezing, water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and clings to dust to form snow. Occasionally the right conditions frost the Sonoran Desert with white. The National Weather Service notes Phoenix has seen traces of snow four years since observations began at Sky Harbor International Airport. Twice there was enough to measure: four-tenths of a centimeter in December 1990 and a record six-tenths of a centimeter in January 1993.The City of Tempe will dump 40 tons of manufactured snow for kids of all ages to romp in at the 8th Annual Downtown Cooldown. This snow" day includes a parade, games, live entertainment, arts and crafts, educational booths and food. Information: (480) 921-2300.

Other Events

Glendale Hometown 4th of July Celebration; July 4; Glendale; (623) 930-2299. Live entertainment, children's activities, food, patriotic program and fireworks. Sidewalk Egg-Frying Challenge; July 4; Oatman; (928) 768-6222. Fry an egg with solar heat. Small Town 4th of July; July 4; Williams; (928) 6351418. Arts and crafts, parade, ice cream social, barbecue and fireworks. Arboretum Open House; July 13; Flagstaff; (928) 7741442. A community band concert, hayrides, craft activities and tours of the grounds. Prescott Indian Art Market; July 13-14; Prescott; (928) 445-3122. Indian arts and crafts, cultural presentations, artisan demonstrations and storytelling. Cornfest; July 20; Camp Verde; (928) 567-0535. Oldfashioned games, corn-eating contest, hog calling, arts and crafts and corniest joke contest. White Mountain Native American Art Festival and Indian Market; July 20-21; Pinetop-Lakeside; (928) 367-4290. Indian arts and crafts, demonstrations, live entertainment, children's activities and ethnic food. Mud Mania; July 26; Scottsdale; (480) 312-2771. Swimming, waterslides, mud courses and puddle pools.

Note: Dates and activities could change. Before planning to attend events, phone for fees and to confirm days and times.