United States Destinations

Much to do in Arizona

Canadian travellers have been visiting Arizona in record numbers during the past year. This spring and summer visitors can take in a host events and activities occurring throughout the state.visitors of all ages. Many of these activities are free or ask for a minimal admission fee. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars.

The following is a sampling of the activities coming up in Arizona:

• Wyatt Earp Days in Tombstone. Tombstone, site of the O.K. Corral, is the Southwest's most famous frontier town. The 24th Annual Wyatt Earp Days celebration takes place in "The Town Too Tough To Die" May 25 and 26. Festivities will include gunfights, public hangings, a chili cook-off, a fashion show, live bands and a parade. Events go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and admission is free. For more information, call 520-457-3197.

• The Great Western Tube Float in Parker. Situated on Arizona's "West Coast," the Colorado
  River, and just 40 miles south of Lake Havasu City, Parker is hosting the 25th Annual Great Western Tube Float." On Saturday, June 6, water adventurers can take part in this five-mile inner-tube race south along the "Parker Strip" section of the Colorado River from the Patria Flats to the Bluewater Resort and Casino. Registration is $10 per person, and participants must supply their own tubes.
  This event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and culminates in a celebration complete with food, refreshments and prizes in a number of categories. Spectators can witness this very popular event for free. For more information or to register, call 928-669-2174 or see www.coloradoriverinfo.com/parker.

• Artists' Day Out" in Sedona. On Saturday, May 25 artists and craftspeople will be demonstrating their techniques at the charming Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, in the heart of the Red Rock beauty of Sedona. Visitors can see how artists create in their media – weaving, sculpting, beading, mixed media, calligraphy, watercolors, acrylics and oil painting. All items are available for purchase. This event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free of charge. For more information, please contact the Sedona Arts Center at 928-282-3809 or see www.sedonaartscenter.com

• Skydiving League Team Competition in Eloy. A 45-minute drive south of Phoenix along Interstate 10, halfway to Tucson, Eloy, with its near perfect year-round weather conditions is one of the largest skydiving centres in the world and is home to the current world champion Arizona Airspeed Vertical team
  The town will be hosting the Southwest Skydiving League Meet on Saturday, June 22, 2002. Spectators find a spot at the Eloy Municipal Airport, look upward, and watch the four-person skydiving teams competing for the Southwest Skydiving Championship. Organizers suggest that visitors bring lawn chairs and binoculars. Drop Zone televisions are set up and will play the team video as they are judged..
  The event begins at 9 a.m. and continues right through to sunset. Licensed food stations are set up especially for this competition. Admission is free. For more information, contact Skydive Arizona at 520-466-4777.

• Live Concerts in the Park in Scottsdale: Visitors to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, located in the heart of Scottsdale, can enjoy free Concerts in the Park on Sundays between May 12 and July 14. Local 50's & 60's, Country & Western and Pop bands
  entertain guests each evening between 7:30 and 9 p.m.. Little ones can take a ride aboard the miniature 5/12-scale steam engine train that winds its way through the park even during the concerts. Also, an antique carousel will delight the kids. Both the train and carousel cost only $1 for children over 2 years of age. For more information, contact McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park at 480-312-2312 or see www.therailroadpark.com

• Gem and Mineral Show in Pinetop/Lakeside. The population of this picturesque Eastern Arizona town of grows from 3,500 to 20,000 as summer approaches. Its 7,000-foot elevation, moderate temperatures, and remarkable scenery have made this White Mountain town a "must visit."

On May 25 and 26, Memorial Day weekend, the 7th Annual White Mountain Gem and Mineral Show will draw many visitors as nearly 30 vendors from across the U.S. will be displaying their jewelry, fossils, minerals, petrified wood and more. Activities will include rock polishing demonstrations, rock cutting, wire-wrapping and even interactive gold panning demonstrations.

The admission to the show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, is only $1. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, call 928-367-2142.

To obtain more information or brochures on Arizona travel call toll-free 1-888-520-3448. Or see the website at: www.arizonaguide.com. Information about statewide discounts can be found at www.arizonavacationvalues.com.