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Celebrate 100 years of Arizona statehood with centennial events around the state.
To celebrate the centennial in fun and meaningful ways, you can choose from a plethora of both signature events planned by the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation and other official events throughout the Copper State. For more information, visit www.az100years.org.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012, is the actual centennial anniversary of Arizona’s statehood. To commemorate the festive occasion, cities, towns, communities, libraries, and schools have been encouraged to host birthday parties. Everyone in the state is urged to ring bells at exactly 2:14 p.m.
Arizona Centennial Best Fest
(Prescott: September 16 – 18, 2011)
Tucson: January 20 – 22, 2012
Phoenix: February 10 – 12, 2012
Held in the three territorial capitals, Arizona’s Best Fest series is a three-day festival celebrating the state’s history, achievements, and future through interactive educational pavilions, cultural villages, and a main stage of national entertainers with ties to Arizona.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concerts
February 10 – 11, 2012
The 360-member Mormon Tabernacle Choir along with its 110-member orchestra will perform a patriotic Arizona Centennial tribute concert at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. Purchase tickets for the concert online at the US Airways Center website, www.usairwayscenter.com.
Arizona Centennial Ride
February 11, 2012
More than 2,000 motorcycles are anticipated for the Arizona Centennial Ride, which will culminate at the Best Fest in Phoenix. The ride will be led by bike enthusiasts to include Arizona public officials, leaders, and personalities.
Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper and Traveling Exhibit
Through February 12, 2012
The Arizona Copper Chopper is the official mascot of the centennial. Made of Arizona-mined copper by Arizona native Paul Yaffe, the custom-built motorcycle is touring the state through February 12, 2012, when it will be awarded in a drawing. Country star and Arizona native Dierks Bentley has been named honorary chairman of the Arizona Centennial Ride; along with the Copper Chopper, he’ll lead a motorcycle parade to the state Capitol in Phoenix on February 11 in one of the highlights of Best Fest. (Bentley’s song “Home” has been named the official song of the Arizona Centennial Commission.)
Centennial Way Rededication
February 14, 2012
Phoenix
The day is planned to begin on the lawn of the historic Carnegie Library with a rededication ceremony of Washington Street (Centennial Way).
First Day Issue USPS Arizona Centennial Stamp Ceremony
February 14, 2012
Phoenix
USPS will hold the first day issue of the commemorative Arizona Centennial stamp at the state Capitol. Citizens can purchase Arizona Statehood stamps and special envelopes and receive their first day issue cancellation..
Centennial Celebration
February 14, 2012
Phoenix
A festive environment will surround the state Capitol. The celebration will feature 100 displays, vendors, and live entertainment.
Fandango! Arizona Celebrating 100 Years of Statehood
February 14, 2012
Phoenix
A premier gala for the centennial, this ticketed event will celebrate all of Arizona — its people, places, and progress — at the Phoenix Convention Center.
For a list of official centennial events, organized by communities and entities across the state and sanctioned by the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation, click here.
Read the C&I “Arizona Centennial” feature from the January 2012 issue.
