Grand Canyon offers free admission for anniversary
Celebrate Grand Canyon National Park’s 100th anniversary with free admission on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
President Woodrow Wilson designated the geological wonder a national park on Feb. 26, 1919, capping a 35-year effort to protect the area. The magnificence of the Canyon and surrounding land have had an invaluable impact on Arizona’s economy and brought the state worldwide prestige since then.
The Feb. 26 celebration kicks off a year of celebrations at the park and throughout Arizona. Find a full list of centennial events at go.nps.gov/2019_events.
Virtual visitors can follow Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy on Facebook and Instagram to see the festivities and find special contests and activities.
Centennial Day events
❚ 10 a.m.: Cultural demonstrations and family activities at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim. Flagstaff ’s Sechrist and Knoles elementary school choirs will perform at 10 a.m. and noon.
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1 p.m.: Remarks from Grand Canyon Conservancy leadership and Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs. After the remarks, Grand Canyon School’s fourth-grade class will lead the singing of “Happy Birthday.”
❚ 7 p.m.: Sunny Dooley presents a program on Navajo winter stories at the visitors center theater.
More tips for visitors
❚ The centennial celebration includes free oneday admission to the park. Fees still apply for camping, tours, concessions and the like.
❚ Those who plan to stay beyond Feb. 26 will need to pay the regular entrance fee for the additional time. That’s $35, good for seven days.
❚ The elevation of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim is about 7,000 feet. Be prepared for cold weather, wind and potentially snowy conditions.
Details: 928-638-7888, www.nps.gov/grca.
Reach the reporter at weldon.johnson@ arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8817. Or follow him on Twitter at @weldonjohnson. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.