AZ Tourist News - Tourism and Event Guide for Arizona
Publisher, Az Tourist News calls for the Budget from Office of Tourism
Publisher, Az Tourist News calls for the Budget from Office of Tourism to keep
Arizona State Parks Opened...
Imagine the horror of all, literally, to all who hold dear that which is our birthright. Arizona State Parks closing. No more the natural surroundings familiar to all those who treasure the myriad of experiences that our Parks provide. We identify with our Natural Themepark, that which IS Arizona...to deny parks is to essentially deny our birthright.
Who will assure the right of our citizens to what naturally belongs to them? Arizona State Parks has a 7 million dollar short fall. Why do we keep open the Office of Tourism? Their 15 million dollar budget surely could be sacrificed in order to save experiences in the wilderness coming to nothing but a foregone thought. You wish to talk about jobs saved…yes, I guess perhaps that is the underlying truth…the jobs of many bureaucrats, most as we know now paid over 30% better wages, on average, than the private sector. You want to talk smart, to talk common sense... consider this…
Build it and they will come? How about “take it away and they will not come.” Simple math. Hundreds of thousands of visitors to the State Parks contribute in countless ways, including many ways that we can, in fact, count. We can count on restaurants to the tune of 20% of those situated around closed state parks, 20% right now…zip, those businesses are gone…so how many total employees? How about the taxes lost to the state both from the employees and from the profitable businesses ...that is in another column…but you get the idea.
Imagine travelers from California, who account for, with Arizonans, 66% of our total travel. I will tell you not only what I can SEE but what we all can COUNT on -- that a well planned trip to Arizona is now diverted to another more enlightened universe that treasures its natural experiences.
So what does a Tourism media expert think about all of this? Simple…Let go of Arizona Office of Tourism...streamline it down to the home office, they already triangulate all of their major marketing responsibilities to advertising agencies…you can get this all done for 2.9 Million dollars…do the math…I did. Now let's turn the lights on in the parks …and good night to all.
By, Tony Venuti, Publisher AZ Tourist News http://www.aztourist.com
Amazing Quartzsite, Arizona
Swap Meet to the World
If you are looking for a unique southwest experience, look no further than Quartzsite, Arizona. Every winter this tiny town of 3,500 residents transforms into the vendor capital of the world. Over a million visitors congregate here to browse the swap meets, gem shows, and art & crafts shows as well as the scores of other booths offering antiques, souvenirs, and “stuff” of all kinds.
Many visitors from the north, affectionately called “snowbirds”, spend the winter in Quartzsite's 70+ RV parks or “boondock” in the Sonoran Desert on BLM land, where camping is free or nearly so. Others arrive for shorter stays, rockhounds and treasure hunters from around the world who come to check out the special shows.
Beautiful weather, sunshine and great deals - what more can you ask?
Adding to the fun are numerous special events throughout the season including the Hi Jolly Daze parade on Jan. 9, the Sports, Vacation & RV Show Jan. 16-24, the QIA Pow Wow Gem & Mineral Show on Jan. 20-24, and the annual ATV Parade on Feb.13.
The icing on the cake is the warm welcome Quartzsite offers and the wonderful activities to fill your time when you need a break from shopping: golf, hiking, fishing, 4-wheeler excursions, jam sessions, dancing, bingo, a visit to Celia's Rainbow Garden and the Hi Jolly Monument…the list could go on and on.
The two dozen seasonal swap meets and nearly as many shows cover acres upon acres of land, include hundreds and hundreds of vendors, and present an amazing selection of items. This year, according to one local resident, the quality of goods on offer is exceptionally high and the prices are great. It's the year to come experience Quartzsite!
Big Band Hangar Dance and WWII Musical Show, March 20, 2010
The Commemorative Air Force Aircraft Museum (CAF) and presenting sponsor Hensley and Company invite you to take a Sentimental Journey back to 1943 with “A Night in the 40s” Big Band Dance. This glamorous event features a WW II 1940s Musical Show followed by a Big Band Orchestra playing sounds of the era to dancing men and women dressed in period styles - all in the shadow of the vintage B-17 WW II Flying Fortress bomber "Sentimental Journey"!
“A Night in the 40's” benefits a worthwhile cause - a fund raiser for the non-profit volunteer CAF Aircraft Museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Rd. at Mesa's Falcon Field, a organization dedicated to keeping aviation history alive for current and future generations.
“A Night in the 40s” will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010 with doors opening at 4:30 pm. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in the style of the 40s. Entertainment begins at 5:30 pm with The Kathy Donald Jazz Ensemble, a 1940s Musical Show with singers and trio of piano, bass, and drums, featuring Kathy Donald. At 7:30 pm, the Sun Lakes Big Band Orchestra plays favorite Big Band Music from the war years. There will also be a costume contest for the best dressed 1940s outfit and a swing dance contest.
Tickets for “A Night in the 40s” are $35 per person purchased in advance and $40 per person the day of the dance. Tickets can be purchased at the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aircraft Museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Rd. or online at www.bigbanddance.com.
For further information call 480-924-1940 or visit the Night in the 40s website at www.bigbanddance.com. All admission fees and donations are fully tax deductible as the Commemorative Air Force Aircraft Museum is approved under IRS code 501(C)3.
Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum: www.azcaf.org
22nd Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival
Two Months of Excitement and Adventure - Huzzah !
Arizona's biggest kingdom of outdoor entertainment, the Arizona Renaissance Festival has planned two months of non-stop entertainment, feasting and games beginning February 6 - performing, shopping and feasting on weekends, including President's Day Monday, through the end of March.
In the festival's vast 16th century European village, an expected 260,000 revelers will find dozens of shows on 12 stages of continuous entertainment each event day, including:
· Special guests from England for one weekend concert appearances, the Mediaeval Baebes. Six talented singers breathe renewed life into hauntingly beautiful early music that captures the imagination and devotion of modern audiences. Four sets daily on February 13-14-15 only.
· New this season, Bearly Balanced!
At the Arizona Renaissance Festival, a 30-acre village forms the set for comic adventures, in which you can be both audience and part of the fun. With a cast of nearly 1000 costumed characters, the festival is a Monty Python movie come to life.
Festival fans can leave their cares behind and enjoy the pleasures of a simpler time in a storybook town where you enjoy continuous music, dance and comedy shows, shop for wonderful arts and crafts, plus games, rides and a feast of exotic food and drink.
Have more fun than you thought possible in a single day!
In celebration of Arizona Archaeology Awareness Month, Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park invites the public to a special presentation on Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28. There will be Guided Tours on Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm and on Sunday at 2 pm. Demonstrations of pine needle basket weaving and pottery making by local artist, Julie Hazen, will be ongoing both days. A Crown Dance performance by GHS Apache Club will be at 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Robert Wilson will be performing his original compositions on cedar flute at 3 pm both days.
A hands-on activity for children and adults alike - rubbings of rock art reproductions donated by Archaeologist Charmion McKusick - will be available. You can also visit the Ethno-Botanical Garden and try your hand at grinding corn on a metate excavated at the site. Refreshments will be provided free of charge.
What makes Besh-Ba-Gowah so interesting? The name comes from the Apache language and translates as “place of metal,” but these ruins are not from the Apache culture. They are the remains of a settlement built by the Salado Indians around the 1200s. Shortly after 1400 the pueblos were abandoned and the civilization of the Salado people mysteriously disappeared. Learn more as you walk the pathways and tour the reconstructed rooms.
There is also an excellent museum at the park where you can watch a video explaining the life of this past civilization plus explore exhibits of pottery, clothing, jewelry, tools and other artifacts found there. The museum's display of Salado pottery is the world's largest!
To find Besh-Ba-Gowah from Phoenix follow U.S. Hwy 60 to Globe, turn left onto Broad Street (Historic District). Make a right turn onto Jess Hayes Road and the Park is on the right. From Tucson turn left off Hwy 60 onto Hill St., then right onto Broad St. and immediate left off Broad to Jess Hayes Rd.
Admission will be free on Saturday with the following regular admission charges in place on Sunday: general $4, 65 and over $3, under 12 free. Park hours are 9 am to 5 pm.
928-425-0320
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Up Coming Events
FEB 6-MAR 28 APACHE JUNCTION AZ Renaissance Festival US Hwy 60 - Sat's, Sun's & Presidents' Day Mon. 10a-6p: A medieval amusement park, 12-stage theater, 30-acre circus, arts & crafts fair, jousting tournament & feast - all rolled into one non-stop family adventure! Gate: Adults $20, 5-12 $10, under 5 free. 520-463-2700; www.renfestinfo.com FEB 20-28 TUCSON 85th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros¨ -- The Tucson Rodeo Tucson Rodeo Grounds - PRCA Rodeo, largest outdoor winter rodeo in US. Six performances: Feb. 20 & 21 and 25-28. Tickets $16 - $26, all seats are reserved, starts 12:30p. 800-964-5662, www.tucsonrodeo.com
FEB 21 TUCSON Fords on Fourth Classic All Fords Auto Show Fourth Ave - Fords of all types, Tucson's trolley, lots of great restaurants and shops. Presented by Southern AZ Mustang Club, oldest Mustang Club in world. 8a-3p, free adm. 520-624-5004, www.fourthavenue.org
FEB 21-28 SEDONA 16th Annual Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop One Full Week of "Reel" Magic - Documentaries, shorts, features, and animations from around the world; fabulous parties. Ticket info: 888-399-FILM
FEB. 24th & 25th TUCSON Wrangling the Stars SkyNights evening observing at the Summit of Mt Lemmon – Celebrate the heritage of the American West experiencing what cowboys saw while tending to their cattle or sitting around a campfire at night – and get the flavor of the western chuckwagon dinner! $48/adult, $25/youth (ages7-18), 520-626-8122, http://skycenter.arizona.edu
FEB 25 TUCSON Tucson Rodeo Parade Irvington Rd & S. Sixth Ave - The largest non-motorized parade in the world, 150 western-themed floats and buggies, Mexican folk dancers and musicians, prompt start 9a. Grandstand seating $6/$4, for tickets: 520-294-1280, www.TucsonRodeoParade.org
FEB 26-27 LAKE HAVASU CITY Hava BBQ London Bridge Style Windsor Beach State Park #4 grass area - Fri. Noon-9p, Sat. 10a-7p, adm: $2 for parking. 928-680-3815, www.havabbq.com
FEB 26-28 APACHE JUNCTION Lost Dutchman Days Community celebrates Lost Dutchman legend - Professional rodeo & rodeo dance, carnival, two stages w/ free entertainment, 100+ vendors of arts, crafts & food, wild horse & burro adoption, themed parade on 27th. 800-252-3141 or 1-888-75 RODEO
FEB 26-28 SCOTTSDALE Parada Del Sol PRCA Rodeo WestWorld of Scottsdale - Bull riding, saddle bronc, team roping, barrel racing, and all the usual rodeo events; live music after each perf. Call for times & ticket prices. 480-990-3179, www.paradadelsol.org
FEB 26-28 FOUNTAIN HILLS Fine Art & Fine Craft Show Plaza Fountainside, 12645 N Saguaro Blvd (located near the big fountain) - Show hours Fri-Sun 9-5. Free admission & parking. 602-789-7222
FEB 26-28 CAVE CREEK Out West Art Fest Stagecoach Village, 7100 E Cave Creek Rd - Juried show w/85 local & nationally-acclaimed artists offering contemporary and Western art, live music, food, artist demos,10a-5p, free adm. & parking. 480-575-6624, www.OutWestArtFest.org
FEB 27 ARIZONA CITY Arizona City Daze Fire Dept. complex, Sunland Gin Rd - Parade 9a, festival immediately after w/arts & crafts, free live entertainment, carnival, games, food vendors, free adm. 520-466-5141
FEB 27 QUARTZSITE 7th Annual "It's Chili in Quartzsite" Chili Cookoff & State Salsa Championship Tyson Wells Showgrounds - CASI sanctioned, entrants from all over US, also People's Choice w/ cash prizes (1st is $1000). Public free adm, $4 tasting fee (starts noon), big raffle, entertainment, 10a-4p. 928-927-9321
MAR 5-6 CASA GRANDE 52nd Annual Cactus Antique Aircraft Fly-In Municipal Airport - Antique, classic, warbird, replica and homebuilt aircraft will be on display, Fri & Sat, 8a-5p. Sponsored by the Arizona Antique Aircraft Association. Terry: 520-836-7447
MAR 5-7 COOLIDGE Cotton Days San Carlos Park, 320 W Central - Parade, "Ride to the Ruins" biker rally & bike show (Sat), arts & crafts, live entertainment, food, beer garden, carnival, cotton bale rolling contest, Fri 5-10p, Sat 10a-10p, Sun noon-3p. 520-723-3009
MAR 5-7 LAKE HAVASU CITY Bluegrass on the Beach Lake Havasu State Park - Some of the country's best talent incl the 7 time IBMA winner for Fiddle Player of the Year: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. Band workshops, art & craft / food vendors, raffles, jamming & more, 10a-6p. 209-785-4693, www.landspromotions.com
MAR 5-7 CAREFREE Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Downtown - World-class festival with 165 strictly juried fine artists, wine tasting ($10 incl's engraved wine glass), live entertainment, 10a-5p, adm $3. 480-837-5637
MAR 6 CASA GRANDE 32nd Annual AZ State Open Chili Championship Ed Hooper Park, 2525 N Pinal Ave - Cookoff, tasting cups on sale, plus arts & crafts vendors, food, live entertainment, 10a-6p, free adm. 520-560-2256
MAR 6 KANAB, UT North Rim Regulators Shoot Kane County Shooting Range, Hwy 89 three mi. N of Kanab - Cowboy competitive action shooting. Participants dress in costumes of the old west. The starting time varies with the seasons, call: 435-644-5053
MAR 6-7 GOODYEAR Tres Rios Nature & Earth Festival Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard, 5 1/2 miles south of I-10 off Estrella Pkwy - Free fishing clinic, canoe floats, wildlife watching, live music, recycling exhibits. Free adm & parking. 623-932-2260, www.tresriosnaturefestival.com
MAR 6-7 SEDONA Bell Rock Plaza Art & Craft Show Bell Rock Plaza - Wonderful, exciting new art from about 35 artists and craftsmen - paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery and more, 10a-5p. 928-284-9627
MAR 6-7 GOLD CANYON Fine Arts & Crafts Show Gold Canyon Village, 6974 E. Hwy 60 (1/4 mile west of Mountain Brook Dr) - Show hours 9-5. Free admission & parking. 602-789-7222
MAR 6-7 PAYSON Western Collectibles & Firearms Show Mazatzal Hotel & Casino -Antique, black powder and modern firearms, gun parts, Indian artifacts, knives, Old West memorabilia, cleaning supplies, much more! 9a-5p. Reserve table: Bill Johnson, 928-772-4247; azterritorial@hotmail.com More info: 800-777-7529
MAR 6-7 FLAGSTAFF Holistic Wellness Faire High Country Conference Center, 201 W Butler - 48 exhibitors offer alternative therapies, body & energy work, intuitive readings, wellness products & toys, plus speakers! 10a-6p, $3. 928-204-5912, www.AZHolisticEvents.com
MAR 11-21 SAN DIEGO, CA San Diego Latino Film Festival UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas, 7510 Hazard Center Dr - 175+ feature films from Latin America, US, Spain and Mexico. Close to 100 special guest celebrities/ filmmakers, Gala Celebrations, filmmaker workshops & more! 619-230-1938
MAR 12-13 SUN LAKES Fine Art & Fine Craft Show ACE Plaza (Dobson & Riggs) - Limited and special collection of fine art & craft, Fri-Sat 9-5. Free adm. & parking. 602-789-7222
MAR 12-14 LAKE HAVASU CITY Havasu Art Guild's 30th Annual Juried Spring Show Community Aquatic Center, 100 Park Ave - Show & sale of fine arts & crafts from all over the West, artists welcome, Fr 10-2, Sa 10-4, Su 10-3. Free adm. 928-854-6191
MAR 12-14 COTTONWOOD 35th Verde Valley Gem & Mineral Show Verde Valley Fairgrounds, 800 E Cherry St - Worldwide gems & minerals, lapidary & jewelry tools & supplies, children's activities, raffles & silent auctions, free mineral & gem ID Sat.10-3 only. Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun.10-4. 928-634-7452
MAR 12-14 SCOTTSDALE 2010 Scottsdale Arts Festival Civic Center Grounds - Nearly 200 jury-selected artists, gourmet food, live musical entertainment, children's activities, $7, 12 & under free, Fr-Sa 10a-6p, Su 10a-5p, free parking. 480-994-ARTS
MAR 12-14 SCOTTSDALE Goodguys 1st Spring Nationals WestWorld - 1972 and older rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and tricked out trucks; vendor exhibits, swap meet, cars for sale corral, model car show. Fri & Sat 8-5, Sun 8-3. 925-838-9876, www.good-guys.com
MAR 13 PINE SWEET SPRING FLING - Pine Strawberry Community Center In the heart of Pine, Arizona, at the Pine Strawberry Community Center (Ramada & Cultural Hall) on Hwy. 87 The Pine Strawberry Business Community presents the Sweet Spring Fling including a BAKING CONTEST/SALE (with prizes), a fun “pie-throwing” activity with some well known faces for targets, live music, local food vendors, some shiny, classic cars to admire and more surprises.
MAR 13 CHLORIDE Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration Parade (12p), gunfighter reenactments, corned beef and cabbage, vendors, live music. 928-565-4888
MAR 13 AJO 10th Annual Sonoran Shindig Bud Walker Park - Sonoran desert celebration, activities for the whole family, live music, displays, info booths, coyote howling contest, raffles, food, and fun just for kids, 10a-3p, free adm. 520-387-7742
MAR 13-14 PARKER Annual Parker Marathon Water Ski Races BlueWater Resort & Casino - High speed water ski marathon, racecourse extends from BlueWater to La Paz County Park and return, races start daily at 9a. 928-669-7035
MAR 13-14 TUCSON 28th Annual Wa:k Pow Wow San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Native American inter-tribal dancing, contests, Native American food/arts & crafts, Sa 10:30a-11p, Su 10a-7p. Adults $9, children $7, 6 & under free, parking $3. 520-573-4000
MAR 13-14 SEDONA Bell Rock Plaza Art & Craft Show Bell Rock Plaza - Wonderful, exciting new art from about 35 artists and craftsmen - paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery and more, 10a-5p. 928-284-9627
MAR 13-14 LITCHFIELD PARK 12th Annual Litchfield Park Art & Culinary Festival Historic downtown by legendary Wigwam Resort - One of the SouthwestÕs premier outdoor art festivals, 200+ fine artists & craftsmen, live music, wine tastings & culinary demos, 9a-5p, free adm & parking. 623-935-9040
MAR 13-14 PICACHO Civil War in the Southwest Picacho Peak State Park - Re-enactments of Civil War battle for Pichaco Pass & two other SW battles. Period costumes, encampments, Civil War memorabilia & food booths. $8/car up to 4 people, $2 each add'l, 10a-4p. 520-466-3183
MAR 14 FOUNTAIN HILLS Fine Art & Fine Craft Show Plaza Fountainside, 12645 N Saguaro Blvd (located near the big fountain) - Fountain water dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Show hours 9-5. Free admission & parking. 602-789-7222
MAR 18-21 SCOTTSDALE National Festival of the West 20th Anniversary Celebration WestWorld - Huge Western shopping expo, Western music jamboree, cowboy poetry gathering, Western TV & film celebrities, Chuck Wagon Cook Offs, lots more; from 10a. 602-996-4387, www.festivalofthewest.com
MAR 19-20 LAKE HAVASU CITY 3rd Annual Western Winter Nationals Havasu 95 Speedway Race SARA Park, Hwy 95 South - Gates open 4p, racing 6p. 928-716-6300, www.havasu95speedway.com
MAR 19-21 SACATON Mul-Chu-Tha Fair & Rodeo Gila River Indian Community, I-10 exit 175 (fr Phx) - All Indian Rodeo, Pow Wow, parade, carnival, arts/crafts, games & sports, battle of the bands, 13-54 yrs $6, 55+ & ages 6-12 $4, 5 & under free. 520-562-6087/9853
MAR 19-21 SUPERIOR Superior Apache Leap Mining Festival Parade, entertainment, mining competitions, carnival. Fr 5-10p, Sa 9a-11p, Su 10a-6p. Free. 520-689-0200
MAR 19-21 TUCSON 40th Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair 4th Ave - One of top 100 festivals in the US, 400+ booths of arts & crafts, food vendors, 2 big music stages, street performers, kids "Van Grow" hands-on art pavilion, 10a-dusk, free adm. 520-624-5004, www.fourthavenue.org
MAR 19-21 BUCKEYE Helzapoppin' PRCA Rodeo Helzapoppin' Rodeo Grounds - Rodeo performance Fri & Sat 7p, Sun 1p, dance Sat eve at 9p. Tickets: $10 adults (includes dance), $5 ages 4-12, dance alone $5. 623-386-2727
MAR 19-21 LAKE HAVASU CITY 28th Annual Home Show High School, 2675 S. Palo Verde - Find everything for your home, enhance your lifestyle! Focus is on "All Working Together." Colorado River Building Industry Assoc. Free adm! Fr 3:30-7p, Sa 9a-5p, Su 9a-3p. 928-453-7755
MAR 19-21 LAKE HAVASU CITY World Off-Road Championship Series ATV Crazy Horse Campgrounds - 7:30a-5:30p. 435-635-1597, www.worcsracing.com
MAR 19-21 FOUNTAIN HILLS 6th Annual Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire Ave of the Fountains - Juried show of 125+ world class artists, wine-tasting ($10 incl's engraved wine goblet), live entertainment, local food, 10a-5p, $3. Free Parking. 480-837-5637
MAR 19-21 CAVE CREEK Fine Art & Craft Festival Frontier Town (Silver Spur Saloon & Eatery), 6245 E Cave Creek Rd - Paintings, metal art & tables, copper wall hangings, photography, unusual clothing, jewelry & more. Fri & Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4, free adm & parking. 602-789-7222
MAR 20 MESA A Night in the 40's Falcon Field Airport - AZ Wing CAF: Live Big Band, WWII Musical Show, jitterbug & costume contests. Dance in the shadow of a vintage B-17 WWII bomber, fundraiser for museum, $35/adv, $40/door. Meal extra. 480-924-1940, www.bigbanddance.com
MAR 20 PATAGONIA Annual Mariachi Festival Patagonia Lake State Park - A number of Mariachi bands perform, variety of food vendors, 12-5p. 520-287-6965
MAR 25-28 KEARNY Pioneer Days 50th Annual Celebration Pioneer Park on Veterans Ave - Parade Sat 10a, carnival & food vendors Thurs on, Copper Thimbles Quilt Show Fri & Sat, live entertainment all weekend. Thurs & Fri 5-10p, Sat 12p-12a, Sun 12-4p, free adm. 520-363-7607
MAR 26-27 CHANDLER Chandler Jazz Festival Downtown, A J Chandler Park - An exciting jazz fest featuring various bands, several venues. Free adm. Fr 4:45-9:30p, Sa 1-9:30p. 480-782-2665
MAR 26-28 TUCSON Spring Artisans Market Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N Main Ave in Historic Downtown - 100+ of the finest artisans in the Southwest offering a wide variety of exquisite, handmade works, 10a-5p, free adm. 520-624-2333
MAR 26-28 CAREFREE 9th Sonoran Festival of Fine Art Town Center - Juried show w/100 local & nationally-acclaimed artists, food booths, farmer's market, entertainment, exhibits about wildlife & desert preservation, 10a-5p, free adm. 480-575-6624
MAR 26-28 LAKE HAVASU CITY World Off-Road Championship Series Motorcycle Crazy Horse Campgrounds - 7:30a-5:30p. 435-635-1597, www.worcsracing.com
MAR 27-28 TUBAC ArtWalk I-19, exit 34 - Walking tour of Tubac's renowned studios and galleries, including artists' demonstrations of works in progress, 10a-5p, free adm. 520-398-2704
MAR 27-28 GLOBE Celebrate AZ Archaeology Month Besh-Ba-Gowah - 2 tours Sat, 1 tour Sun, pottery and basket weaving demonstrations, Apache Crown Dancers, 9a-5p. Sa-Free, Su-$4 ages 12-64, $3 for 65+, under 12 free. 928-425-0320
MAR 27-28 PHOENIX Arizona Game and Fish DepartmentÕs Outdoor Expo Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Carefree Hwy, 1 mile west of I-17 - Live wildlife, shooting of all kinds, fishing, archery, OHV & boating recreation, hands-on activities & workshops, exhibitors, food booths, 9a-5p, free parking & adm. www.azgfd.gov/expo
MAR 27-28 GOLD CANYON Fine Arts & Crafts Show Gold Canyon Village, 6974 E. Hwy 60 (1/4 mile west of Mountain Brook Dr) - Show hours 9-5. Free admission & parking. 602-789-7222
APR 3-4 SEDONA Bell Rock Plaza Art & Craft Show Bell Rock Plaza - Wonderful, exciting new art from about 35 artists and craftsmen - paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery and more, 10a-5p. 928-284-9627
At the Arizona Renaissance Festival, a 30-acre village forms the set for comic adventures, in which you can be both audience and part of the fun. With a cast of nearly 1000 costumed characters, the festival is a Monty Python movie come to life.
There is also an excellent museum at the park where you can watch a video explaining the life of this past civilization plus explore exhibits of pottery, clothing, jewelry, tools and other artifacts found there. The museum's display of Salado pottery is the world's largest! 
