Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997… both at pio at azstateparks.gov
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Celebrate State Parks' 50 Years at Verde River Day
on September 29 at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

(Phoenix, Arizona - September 10, 2007) - Dead Horse Ranch State Park will celebrate its 19th annual Verde River Days on Saturday, September 29th. The park will be open to the public at no cost.

The activities during Verde River Days promote preservation and care of the environment by showcasing informative exhibits on the Verde's riparian habitat. Some of the day's events include environmental exhibits, hands-on-activities, fishing, canoeing, and live entertainment.

The Verde River Days celebration begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 29th, bringing together 40-plus nature-based exhibits, sandcastle building, a menagerie of live animals, non-stop activities from canoe rides (with or without assistance), to nature hikes, as well as continuous entertainment and local food vendors.

Guests of all ages are welcome to fish in the lagoon that is loaded with hundreds of pounds of catfish. Fishing licenses are not required during the scheduled Arizona Game & Fish Department's clinic hours. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided for all ages. Visitors may also experience nature's history through guided nature walks, and short hikes. The Arizona Roundup is back for the weekend exhibiting dozens of teardrop and vintage trailers from yesteryear.

Live demonstrations will include American Civil War encampments, drills, and battles, circa 1863. Visitors are invited to tour the period camps, talk with the reenactors, and watch the battles scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

"Verde River Day" will also celebrate Arizona State Parks' 50th anniversary. This will be a celebration with dignitaries and a cake cutting under the big tent at 10 a.m. 50th Anniversary displays will be featured including activities for children.

On Sunday, September 30, the Verde River Citizens Alliance will sponsor canoe rides down the Verde River. Groups will depart from the Dead Horse Ranch River Day Use Area at 8 a.m. and again at 10 a.m. The rides last about an hour and a half. Canoers will be shuttled back to the park. Pre-registration is required. To schedule a trip or for more information contact Marsha Foust at 928-634-8738. Park entrance fees will apply on Sunday.

For more information about Verde River Day call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at (928) 634-5283. Day use fees into the Park are waived all day Saturday but will be charged on Sunday. The regular entrance fee is $6 per vehicle with up to 4 adults, and $2 for bicycle or walk in. The camping fee (at Dead Horse Ranch) is $12 or $19 with hookups.

For more information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit www.azstateparks.com.

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