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

Yuma Crossing Day festivities at Yuma Quartermaster Depot & Yuma Territorial Prison on Saturday, February 16

(Phoenix Arizona - February 1, 2008) - Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park will have festivities that coincide with the town's Yuma Crossing Day activities in the old town area on Saturday, February 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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, Cocopah exhibits, a fry bread sale, an arts and crafts sale, and the showing of "Old Plank Road" (courtesy of the Yuma County Library District) in Yuma Territorial Prison's audiovisual Room.

One of the highlights of this year's event is a musical production by the Yuma Orchestra Associations Young String Ambassadors and Twinklers. Students from fourth grade through high school will perform in a production of "How Far, Felipe?" It is the story of a small boy who travels with his family on the first journey to San Francisco in 1775 lead by Juan Batista de Anza. Performances are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bring the family and learn about Anza, the Spaniard who developed the historical Anza Trail that crosses the Colorado River in Yuma. Rangers will also provide guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Yuma Quartermaster Depot.

The excitement continues all day over at Yuma Territorial Prison where visitors can revel in the antics of Old West re-enactors "Yuma Vigilantes," "Colorado River Riders" and the "Deguello Gunslingers" and local historian and re-enactor John Larkin will present his 'Legends of the West" presentation.

For more information about Yuma Crossing Day call Yuma Quartermaster Depot at 928-329-0471 or Yuma Territorial Prison at 928-783-4771. Entrance fee for Yuma Quartermaster Depot and Yuma Territorial Prison will be waived for this event.

Yuma Crossing State Historic Park is located at 201 N. 4th Avenue in Yuma, Arizona. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is located at 1 Prison Hill Road in Yuma, Arizona.

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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