OCTOBER 6 – 12, 2010
Arizona Centennial Commission sanctions more events for statehood celebration!
Community events wanting Centennial Designation must apply by Oct. 31
PHOENIX – More statewide events have been designated by the Arizona Centennial Commission as “Official Centennial Events.” The commission continues to invites tribes, counties, cities, towns, and organizations to participate in its event sanctioning program to help commemorate Arizona’s 100th year of statehood. Arizona will celebrate its centennial on Feb. 14, 2012. However, official centennial events will take place across the state during the year leading up to Arizona’s centennial date and throughout the remainder of 2012.
“The Centennial is truly a statewide celebration so it is the a goal of the Commission and Foundation to have all 22 tribes, 15 counties and 90 incorporated cities and towns represented with at least one officially designated Arizona Centennial Event and/or Legacy Project that is unique and meaningful to its community,” said Charles Jones, Co-Chairman of the Arizona Centennial Commission and 2012 Foundation.
To receive designation as an Official Centennial Event, the newly created or existing event must feature a special aspect of Arizona history or culture in a way that would enhance a sense of pride and connection to Arizona and local communities. The event must include an education component, be assessable to a large number of visitors, and demonstrate collaboration. As an Official Centennial Event, an organization’s event has the right to use the official logo and will be featured on the Arizona Centennial website and calendar of events. To apply for official Arizona Centennial event sanctioning, visit www.arizona100.org/projects-events. The deadline to apply for the designation is Oct. 31.
For more information about the event sanctioning program, centennial planning and participation opportunities, visit www.Arizona100.org, or contact Mandi Wimmer at 602-364-3723 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Current list of sanctioned events:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire (Phoenix, AZ) – The Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee began in 1983 to preserve and enhance the heritage and traditions of the Irish Culture as well as share that culture with citizens of Arizona. The Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest parades in Arizona second only to the Fiesta Bowl Parade.
60th Annual Rex Allen Days (Wilcox, AZ) – This event celebrates the life of Rex Allen and features many of his favorite events including a professional rodeo, parade, concerts and the Cowboy Music and Poetry Festival. Along with this, attendees will find comedy shows, tractor pulls, gunfights and showings of Rex Allen movies. Additionally, there will be a car show, turtle races, carnival and the two softball tournaments.
Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame Honorees Dinner (Laveen/ Phoenix, AZ) – Each year Arizona's Farm and Ranch Experience Heritage Center at Lakin Farm recognizes seven honorees, five living and two posthumous, to be inducted into the Arizona Farming & Ranching Hall of Fame. Inductees are selected for their contributions to agriculture in Arizona in the fields of farming, ranching, agri-business, education and science.
Arizona Centennial Historymakers™ Gala (Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ) – A celebratory evening of dinner and dancing that will kick off the Centennial celebration and honor 58 influential Arizonans for their contributions to the cultural fabric of Arizona.
Arizona Pioneers’ Home 100th Birthday (Prescott, AZ) – The Pioneers’ Home, which opened its doors February 1, 1911, will celebrate its centennial year in 2011 with a series of education open houses that will increase awareness of the continuing care retirement home for Arizona pioneers.
Prescott Frontier Days® 125th World’s Oldest Rodeo® (Prescott, AZ) – This annual event, consisting of an eight-performance rodeo, parade, and three-night dance, has taken place since 188. In 2012, the event will focus on historical happenings in and around Prescott and Yavapai County, including ranching and mining.
Celebrating Arizona’s Influencers (Phoenix, AZ) – The Stockyards will host a series of events to recognize and thank deserving Arizonans for their impact on the history and future of the state. The Stockyards will also dedicate a booth and plaque in each Arizona Influencer’s name.
The Centennial Taste of Arizona (Phoenix, AZ) – In partnership with the Centennial Commission, The Stockyards will execute the Centennial Taste of Arizona event in 2011 on February 9, which is the 100th anniversary of the approval of the Arizona Constitution in 1911. This event, which will feature a public contest asking Arizonans to submit suggestion for a centennial Menu, will unofficially kick of the Centennial celebration.