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, pio at azstateparks.gov or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997
PICTURES AND FULL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE
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Come Celebrate 50 Years with Arizona State Parks
Saturday, February 17 at Yuma Crossing State Historic Park

(Phoenix Arizona - January 19, 2007) - Yuma Crossing State Historic Park and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park 50th Anniversary festivities will begin early on February 17 and coincide with the town's Yuma Crossing Day activities in the old town area.

Yuma Crossing Day highlights the historical era of Yuma's past from the arrival of the first Spaniards in the 1500s to the mid-1900s through living history re-enactments. Attractions include historic re-enactments, tours of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, Cocopah exhibits, a fry bread sale, an arts and crafts sale, and the showing of historic movies in Yuma Territorial Prison's audiovisual Room. (see schedule below)

The State Parks 50th Anniversary commemoration will be held at 11 a.m. at Yuma Crossing. This will be a celebration with local dignitaries and a cake cutting under the big tent on the lawn. The 50th Anniversary displays will be featured and there will be many activities for children.

The excitement continues all day over at Yuma Territorial Prison where visitors can revel in the antics of the "Pistols and Petticoats," the meanest, orneriest old west gunfighters; and a historic presenta
tion with Buffalo Soldier, C.R. Troy Walker, 9th Calvary Sgt, and much more.

Park rangers and volunteers will provide guided tours and video showings at Yuma Crossing and Yuma Territorial Prison. Yuma Crossing rangers will provide guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Entrance fee for Yuma Crossing and Yuma Territorial Prison will be waived for this event. For more information about Yuma Crossing Day call Yuma Crossing at 928-329-0471 or Yuma Territorial Prison at 928-783-4771.

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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50th Anniversary at Yuma Crossing and Yuma Territorial Prison

9:00 am to 5:00 pm - Self guided tours at Yuma Crossing

9:00 am - Legends of the West at Yuma Territorial Prison

9:30 am - Degüello Gunslingers at Yuma Territorial Prison

10:00 am - Troy Walker Buffalo Soldier at Y
uma Territorial Prison

10:00 am - Ranger-guided tour at Yuma Crossing

11:00 am - VIP 50th Ceremonies at Yuma Crossing

11:00 am - Video showing of "Old Plank Road" at Yuma Territorial Prison

12:00 pm - Pistols & Petticoats at Yuma Territorial Prison

1:00 pm - Troy Walker Buffalo Soldier at Yuma Territorial Prison

2 pm - Ranger-guided tour at Yuma Crossing

2 pm - Pistols & Petticoats at Yuma Territorial Prison

3 pm - Video showing of "Old Plank Road" at Yuma Territorial Prison

4 pm - Legends of the West at Yuma Territorial Prison

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