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BY NOAH AUSTIN
Throughout 2019, Grand Canyon National Park and other locations
are hosting special events to mark the park’s centennial. Here are just some of them. To see an updated calendar, visit the park’s website, Www.nps.gov /grca. Event dates and details are subject to change.
16 FEBRUARY 2019
100 YEARS OF GRAND Through 2079, online
The park has partnered with the libraries
at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University to publicly share, for the first time, thousands of high-quality photos and documents from the Can- yon’s early history. Information: https://lib.asu.edu/grandi00O
GRAND CANYON HISTORY SYMPOSIUM February 20-23, South Rim
This Grand Canyon Historical Society event brings together historians, histori- cal figures, park employees and others with a passion for the Canyon’s history. Events will be held at Shrine of the Ages Auditorium and other South Rim loca- tions. Information: www.grandcanyon history.org
1OOTH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION February 26, South Rim
At the visitors center, enjoy some birth- day cake and sign the park’s birthday card. In the evening, speakers will
talk about the important relationship between the Grand Canyon and the park’s 11 traditionally associated tribes. Information: www.nps.gov/grca
STEAM SATURDAY February 26, Williams/South Rim
A handful of times a year, the Grand Canyon Railway offers service to the South Rim via a steam-powered loco- motive. This excursion, which leaves Williams at 9:30 a.m., is timed to coin- cide with the park’s centennial celebra- tion. Information: www.thetrain.com
MAPPING GRAND CANYON CONFERENCE February 28 and March 1, Tempe
This Arizona State University event explores the art, science and practice of Grand Canyon cartography via map- based storytelling, demonstrations, hands-on activities and more. It’s free
and open to the public, but registration is
required. /nformation: https:/lib.asu.edu /Mapping-grand-canyon-conference
GRAND CANYON STATE March 2 and 3, Tucson
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra marks
the park’s centennial with a selection of music that includes Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite (see page 52), the piece of music most closely associated with the
natural wonder. Information: www.tucson
symphony.org
NATURALIZATION CEREMONY April 16, South Rim
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
will partner with the park to welcome new United States citizens from a num- ber of different countries. The time and location of the ceremony had not yet been determined at press time. /nforma- tion: WWw.nps.gov/grca
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION April 20, South Rim
This year’s celebration features informa-
tion about park conservation efforts, including recycling, composting, dark skies and more. Visitors can participate in litter cleanups throughout the park. April 20 is also a National Park Service fee-free day in honor of National Park Week, so no entrance fee will be charged. Information: www.nps.gov/grca
Shadows shroud
the layered buttes
of the Grand Canyon beneath astarry sky. Shane McDermott
GRAND CANYON STAR PARTY June 22-29, South and North Rims
The Canyon is home to some of the country’s darkest night skies, and park visitors can experience them via free nightly telescope viewing and astronomy programs. Jupiter and Saturn will be highlights this year, weather permitting. Information: www.nps.gov/grca
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS August 8 and 9 (North Rim), November 9 and 10 (South Rim)
Numerous tribes maintain strong cultural ties to the Grand Canyon, and these two events honor those connections. Special programs focus on ethnobotany, Native American music and dance, and the Can- yon’s tribal history. Information: Wwww.nps.gov/grca AH
wWwww.arizonahighways.com alg