ARIZONA'S CENTENNIAL FESTIVITIES: WORK IN PROGRESS

posted by Michael Chihak

By DIANA SOKOLOVA, Arizona Week intern

The Grand Canyon state is counting down the days till its 100th birthday. The official commemoration began in January 2011 with planning for celebrations all over the state.

Arizona was admitted to the union as the 48th state on Feb. 14, 1912.

The Arizona Centennial Commission, established by Gov. Jan Brewer, is planning and coordinating a wide range of festivals, events and projects.

Initially, $5.5 million was allocated from the state general fund for grants to organize communities’ celebration events, but it wasa cut because of the state's tough economic times.

The centennial commission is relying on private donations, sponsors and volunteers and hopes to get Arizona's 120 cities and towns, 15 counties and 22 Native American tribes involved.

Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott will participate in the "Arizona Best Fest," feature restaurants, wineries, microbreweries, local foods and traditional arts and crafts highlighting Arizona traditions and cultures.

Arizona Week will pursue interviews with Native American tribal leaders, a historian and the head of the centennial commission for Friday's program.