EXPERIENCE ARIZONA

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

BALLOONS, BALLOONS, BALLOONS! A PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE

Join us at the 28th annual Thunderbird Balloon Classic, November 1-3, 2002. Our special host for this event will be Ron Behrmann, internationally known balloonist and photographer. Also joining us will be several Arizona Highways photographers. Participants will receive an all-event ticket for admission throughout the weekend, professional classes, Fuji film and access to a private press liftoff. You will also learn how to capture the kaleidoscope of colors and “balloon glow” on film.

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. See images taken by workshop leaders and past participants and find additional information on trips and other programs on the Web site: www.friendsofazhighways.com.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

October 14-18 Monument Valley/Canyon de Chelly October 25-November 2 Slot Canyons

DRESS TO IMPRESS

October 18-20; Tombstone While rowdies and bandits shot it out in the streets, Tombstone townswomen moved sedately out of the way in their Victorian-era garb. Corsets and heavy skirts were still the fashion in the 1880s, but the bustle was replaced by constricting, narrow skirts. Glimpse 1880s ladies' duds at a fashion show during Helldorado Days. Other events include Indian dance groups, gunfight re-enactments and a parade. Information: (520) 457-3197.

COWBOY UP

October 19-November 17; Phoenix In 1965, four artists gathered in Sedona's Oak Creek Tavern to ponder the plight of the Western artist. In contemporary art circles, cowboy art wasn't considered “serious.” After much contemplation, Joe Beeler, John Hampton, George Phippen and Charlie Dye formed the Cowboy Artists of America to champion painters and sculptors who portray the Western way of life in their works. Today, artists from across the West promote traditional Western art through this renowned organization. More than 125 new works created by CAA members will be unveiled at the 37th Annual Cowboy Artists of America Sale and Exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum. Information: (602) 257-1880.

TREK THROUGH TIME

October 12-13; Tubac Two years before the 13 American colonies split from England and when Arizona was just a remote edge of New Spain, Capt. Juan de Anza II led two expeditions from the Tubac Presidio to the Pacific Coast. Searching out an overland route to California, Anza left the presidio, in what is now southern Arizona, on his first expedition Jan. 8, 1774, and bushwhacked through the desert to the Spanish missions of Alta California. Upon his return, Anza recruited a few hundred colonists to establish a Spanish settlement on what is now San Francisco Bay. The second expedition left Tubac on Oct. 23, 1775. Put on your walking shoes and follow revelers in period dress as they travel the first 4.5 miles of Anza's trek, from the TubacPresidio State Historic Park to the mission at Tumacacori, during Anza Days. The presidio also presents living history demonstrations, live entertainment and Catalonian soldier drills. Information: (520) 398-2252. (At press time, state budget cutbacks threatened to cancel this event. Please call ahead before going.)

PUMPKIN PICKIN'

October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27; Dewey Pumpkins-a crop indigenous to the Americas-are not a vegetable, but actually a vine fruit in the gourd family. Indians once used dried pumpkin strips as a fibrous weaving material and would eat lengths of the roasted flesh. Pumpkin pie originated after Indians introduced the pumpkin to the early colonists, who would slice off the top; remove the seeds; fill the inside with milk, spices and honey; and then bake it in hot ashes.Whether you need a jack-o-lantern or the makings for pie, you can pick out your own fruity loot at Young's Farm Pumpkin Festival. Other activities include water wars, tractor rides, face painting, a fun barn, pony rides, a cornfield maze, and arts and crafts booths. Information: (928) 632-7272.

Other Events

Sculpture Walk; October 4-6; Sedona; (928) 282-3809. Works from traditional Indian art to post-modern. A Gathering of Quilts Along Route 66; October 5-20; Kingman; (928) 757-8338. A quilt exhibit and sale. Folk Music Festival; October 5-6; Prescott; (928) 445-3122. Bluegrass, folk music and string bands. Fort Verde Days; October 11-13; Camp Verde; (928) 567-0535, ext. 136. Military re-enactments, parade, barbecue, arts and crafts, equestrian events and games. Fall Festival; October 12-13; Patagonia; (520) 394-0060. Juried arts and crafts booths, live musical entertainment, dance and a barbecue. Halloween Monster Bash and Balloon Illumination; October 26; Peoria; (623) 773-7198. Costume contest, arts and crafts, games and carnival. Fiesta de los Chiles; October 26-27; Tucson; (520) 326-9686. Chile roast, international chile cuisine, live entertainment and arts and crafts.