Centennial

 

Arizona is approaching its 100th birthday as a state.

As the country’s 48th state, the state’s history is as varied as its status is today. The state has seen its share of turmoil from its earliest beginnings, but it also has enjoyed great progress since its official birthday, Feb. 14, 1912.

Throughout this past year, citizens around the state have participated in dozens of events. The City of Scottsdale celebrated its 60th birthday in 2011 as one of the official Centennial events.

The Town of Fountain Hills has planned 100 events under the auspices of a Centennial activity. Fountain Hills’ official celebration will take place Sunday, Feb. 12, while the state’s event takes place  Saturday, Feb. 11. An Arizona “Fandango” is scheduled Feb. 14.

The Fountain Hills Centennial Committee is looking for items to place in a time capsule, which will be buried Feb. 12.

Numerous events will be held that weekend. Scottsdale’s 59th annual Parada del Sol Parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. A Trail’s End Celebration follows the parade, all leading up to the Parada del Sol Rodeo, which is set for Friday, March 2, through Sunday, March 4.

The Hashknife Pony Express makes its annual trek from Holbrook to Scottsdale, via Payson and Fountain Hills. The ride commences Feb. 7 and ends Feb. 10. The riders come through Fountain Hills Thursday, Feb. 9.

Activities through the year have included “Best Fest,” with special events occurring in Prescott, Tucson and finishing in Phoenix. The Best Fest events have commemorated the territorial capitols of Arizona, and Phoenix Best Fest will take place at the state capitol Saturday, Feb. 11.

The AZ Copper Chopper, which has toured the state for the past year, will be awarded at the Phoenix Best Fest. A ceremonial ride from Mesa to the capitol, will be led by Arizona native Dierks Bentley and Paul Yaffe, who built the Copper Chopper. Motorcyclists from around the country are expected to participate.

The fest will include live music and entertainment, cultural villages, educational pavilions, family fun zone, motorcycle vendor village, beer and wine gardens, fireworks and more.

The official celebration in Fountain Hills is set for Sunday, Feb. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. Additionally, there is a plan to dedicate the community’s second presidential sculpture when the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association presents the Abraham Lincoln sculpture at a separate ceremony that day.

The official celebration takes place at Centennial Circle, an area between the Community Center and the Library/Museum buildings. The state’s “Five Cs” are represented in the circle with monuments describing “cattle, cotton, citrus, copper and climate.” Additional improvements will continue in the coming months, with benches, low walls, ground cover and other projects being installed with Town Council approval.

For a full listing of all things Arizona, visit www.AZ100YEARS.org. Make plans to participate in the state’s 100th birthday.