Happy 100th Birthday Arizona! February 14, 2012 marks the Centennial of Arizona becoming the 48th state to join the union. President William Howard Taft signed the proclamation that declared Arizona as the final contiguous state to join the United States of America. Many events are planned throughout the state to commemorate this honorable achievement and the spirit of the people of Arizona.
The natural beauty of Arizona, from the breathtaking Grand Canyon to the intrigue of the Sonoran Desert attracts many travelers to the Southwest. The intricate weave of cultures such as the Native American and Hispanic have blended with Western culture to forge an indomitable community spirit. Although united in statehood, cultures and heritage maintain their uniqueness and are shared in upcoming celebrations.
Join in the Centennial celebrations in downtown Phoenix at Best Fest on Sunday, February 12, 2012. The Arizona State Capital Complex from 10th Avenue to 17th Avenue including Washington Street are filled with festivities. The free street celebration includes performances on the main stage, educational exhibits, a story teller theater, an Indian Village, a Hispanic Village and a Western Town.
The Best Fest includes:
Sunday performances on the main stage will include George Benson, Esteban, Marshall Trimble, Dolan Elis and Rex Allen Jr.
Indian Village is designed to educate and encourage visitors to experience the Native American culture. Tourists will be amidst a culture of tribal music, dance, food, language, arts and crafts. Watch as Arizona’s Hopi, Navajo, Apache, Zuni, O’odham, Maricopa and River Tribes share their heritage through basket weaving and other demonstrations.
Hispanic Village brings a zesty flavor to the celebration. Visitors will stroll through a presidio entrance to an authentic style Hispanic village. Embrace the culture is the vibrant costumes of the dancers and musicians as they perform along the streets. Enjoy the salsa, tejano and zumba styles of dance and savor the traditional foods while learning about the Hispanic culture.
Western Town is where you will find the main stage and a display of life in the Wild West. Visitors will witness gunfights, trick-roping and typical life in an old Western town. Consider panning for gold or simply enjoying a cold beer in a saloon.
Arizona’s 100th Statehood Celebration is on February 14, 2012. Several events are planned in downtown Phoenix on this historical day. Tuesday the celebration will begin at the Phoenix City Hall (Cesar Chavez Plaza/ 2nd Ave and Washington St.) with an American Indian Sunrise Ceremony scheduled to begin at 7:00am. Governor Janice K. Brewer will open the birthday celebration at 9:00am on the Senate and House lawn at the Arizona State Capitol at 1700 W. Washington Street. Other events include Marshall Trimble – History Story, Yellow Bird Apache Dancers, United Postal Service first Day Issue Ceremony presenting the Commemorative Arizona 100th Statehood Stamp and more. For a full Statehood Day Event Schedule
The Grand Canyon State of Arizona is impressive in many different ways. Visitors are drawn to the southwest for the warm weather and discover Arizona offers much more. Arizona is rich in natural beauty, such as the Red Rocks of Sedona and the Ponderosa Pine Forest. But tourists also find cultural diversity as they discover the treasures hidden in the historical legends of the indigenous people. Share in the celebration as Arizona reaches the 100 year milestone.
To learn about the Arizona Timeline
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