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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Riordan Mansion State Historic Park Celebrates a Riordan
Christmas Tradition and State Parks' 50th Anniversary

(Phoenix, Arizona - November 14, 2007) - On Saturday, December 15th, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park celebrates a Riordan Christmas Tradition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Christmas in traditional fashion by touring the Riordan's historic homes decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Historic quilts loaned by the Coconino Quilter's Guild will also enliven the Mansion's interior. There will be Christmas Crafts in the Visitor Center for the children to make and take home. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there as well.

Enjoy musical performances by the Suzuki violin students, Adult Handbell Choir from Trinity Heights United Methodist Church and the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Choir. The day's events will also feature a lecture on Christmas Traditions. The performances and visitation to the Michael Riordan wing on this day are free to the public. Regular fees apply for tours of the Timothy Riordan family home.

This event will also commemorate Arizona State Parks' 50th anniversary. This will be a celebration with dignitaries and a cake cutting at 10:45 a.m. The 50th Anniversary displays will be featured including educational booths and activities for children.

For more information call Riordan Mansion State Historic Park at (928) 779-4395. Riordan Mansion is closed Christmas Day and is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Riordan Road.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is festively decorated and open daily throughout the holiday season. Winter hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours will begin each hour and include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas. The first tour is at 11 a.m. and the last tour is at 4 p.m. Tour reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, call (928) 779-4395. Regular entrance fees are $6 for adults, $2.50 for children aged 7 to 13, children aged 6 and younger are free.

The Riordan Family
Timothy and Michael Riordan were prominent pioneer Flagstaff businessmen who developed a successful logging business, the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. The two brothers were known for their essential contributions to the development of the social and economic structure of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. Tim and Mike married the Metz sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth. Tim and Caroline had two daughters; Mike and Elizabeth had six children. The two close-knit families built a large mansion comprised of two separate homes connected by a common area known as the billiard room.

Riordan Mansion
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, the Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure - a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, more than 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servant's quarters.

This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from October 2006 through December 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, plein art shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations and astronomy galas. Hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the many secret places and stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.

The Arizona State Parks Board was established in 1957 to acquire and manage park and cultural areas. Over the years, legislation has added other programs to Arizona State Parks and as a result, the volunteer Board is responsible for a much broader spectrum of duties. These duties are related to historic preservation, archaeology, outdoor recreation, resource conservation/education and grant administration.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.
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A Riordan Christmas Tradition and the 50th Anniversary of Arizona State Parks
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Saturday, December 15, 2007
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

9-11am
Christmas Crafts - in the Visitor Center
Santa and Mrs. Claus - in the Michael Riordan family home

10-10:30am
Suzuki Violin Performance - in the Michael Riordan family home

10:45am
50th Anniversary Presentation - in the Visitor Center Ken Travous, Executive Director, Arizona State Parks cake cutting and refreshments to follow

1pm
Christmas Traditions - Park Ranger Nikki Lober will provide insight into Christmas Traditions; what we celebrate and why. The presentation will be in the Michael Riordan family home.

2pm
Adult Handbell Choir from Trinity Heights United Methodist Church will provide Christmas Music in the Visitor Center.

3pm Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Choir will finish off the day with their lovely voices in the Visitor Center. On-Going
The Riordan homes will be decorated for Christmas in traditional fashion including antique quilts loaned by the Coconino Quilters Guild.

Tours of the Timothy Riordan family home will be offered on the hour starting at 11am. Reservations are highly recommended for the tour. Standard fee applies. The Michael Riordan family home (the West Wing) will be open at no cost throughout the day.

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