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
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MARIACHI FESTIVAL AT PATAGONIA LAKE STATE
PARK SPICES UP STATE PARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

(Phoenix, AZ - March 5, 2007) - Spice up your spring with a visit to Patagonia Lake State Park's Boulder Beach on Saturday, March 17, for the Annual Mariachi Festival.

Visitors are encouraged to spend the whole day at the Park enjoying a wide variety of Southern Arizona Mariachi bands on stage. There will be concessions, but visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic basket. In addition, Patagonia offers picnicking, birding and nature walks. Mariachi Batiz will kick things off at 11:30 a.m.

The State Parks 50th Anniversary commemoration events will be held at 12:30 p.m. This will be a celebration with dignitaries and a cake cutting under the big tent. 50th Anniversary displays will also be featured including activities for children.

Patagonia Lake State Park will provide overflow parking available with shuttle service. Visitors should arrive early for best parking. The fee to enter Patagonia Lake State Park is $7 for up to four persons, and walk-ins pay just $2. For more information contact Patagonia Lake State Park rangers at (520) 287-6965.

The primitive camping sites are available for $15, and sites with electric hookups are available for $22. Make plans to head south for the sounds of traditional and modern Mexican Mariachi Band music. The park is located 7 miles past the town of Patagonia; take I-10 East to Hwy 83 South to Hwy 82.

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 more information about the Mariachi Festival contact Patagonia Lake State Park rangers at (520) 287-6965. 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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Mariachi Festival at Patagonia Lake State Park
Saturday, March 17

11:30 am - Mariachi Batiz

12:30 pm - 50th Ceremonies

1:00 pm - Pueblo High School Mariachi

2:00 pm - Nogales High School Mariachi

3:00 pm - Ballet Folklorico Dancer

4:00 pm - Band To Be Announced

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