Explore Arizona’s history with two cool events
This weekend, two fun events will help educate people about notable aspects of Arizona history.
Superior is holding its 29th annual Apache Leap Mining Festival and Picacho Peak State Park is home to the Civil War in the Southwest re-enactment.
Apache Leap Mining Festival
Sue Anderson, event coordinator for the festival, said it's a great way for people to learn about the history of copper mining and what copper means to our daily lives.
“Mining folks will be here to answer questions and displays will enhance your knowledge of copper and the area, which is known as the Copper Corridor,” Anderson said, adding that the grueling Mining Competition with its $2,000 purse and the Dummy Roping contests for kids and adults are always hits with the crowd.
“People will also have fun watching mariachis and folklorico dancers, a Chihuahua race, Wildman Phil and his reptiles — who knows, you may be asked to join him on the stage — a talent show and loads of terrific music,” she said.
Chihuahua owners who want their pups to take part in the race are welcome to bring them to the Mining Festival and enter them in the event. People need to register their dogs by 11:45 a.m. Saturday.
When it's time to relax and kick back, Anderson said, historians and authors including Wyatt Earp and Marshall “The Hip Historian” Shore will entertain the crowd.
“Or jump on the carnival rides while enjoying some cotton candy and remember the good old days,” Anderson said.
“Superior is the gateway to the Copper Corridor. Copper is critical in our daily living, including vehicles, phones and computers,” she said. “We are looking forward to celebrating this wonderful and valuable resource that impacts our lives every day.”
Civil War in the Southwest
Civil War buffs are sure to enjoy the Civil War in the Southwest at Picacho Peak State Park.
Park Manager Robert Young said the annual event, which has taken place for more than 30 years, includes a reenactment of an Arizona Civil War skirmish, the Battle of Picacho Pass.
There also are reenactments of the New Mexico battles of Glorieta Pass and Val Verde. All three battles will be reenacted on both days.
Young said some attendees are surprised to learn that a Civil War fight took place at Picacho Pass in April 1862. The battle lasted less than a day and three fighters were killed.
More than 200 reenactors from numerous states will head to the park and camp there with their Civil War-style camping gear.
Food and beverages will be available from vendors. Visitors should bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen and hats.
Young said the event always draws a large crowd, some of whom come year after year.
“Many are return attendees, and most are Arizona residents and winter visitors. Some come from as far as the East Coast,” he said. Three Civil War battles that took place in Arizona and New Mexico during the Civil War will be reenacted at Picacho Peak.
Apache Leap Mining Festival
When: Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, March 17, with a carnival, beer garden and music. Competitions and other attractions are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 18-19. Where: 165 W. Main St., Superior. All roads to Superior, including U.S. 60, are open. Some recent online maps have been incorrect. Admission: Free. Details: 520-689-0200, www.superiorazchamber.net.
Civil War in the Southwest
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 18-19. Check website for complete schedule. Where: Picacho Peak State Park, about 60 miles south of Phoenix off Interstate 10 at Exit 219. Admission: $10 per vehicle for up to four people; $3 for each additional person. Free for age 13 and younger.