Governor Jan Brewer Launched Countdown to Arizona Centennial

Event Launches Year-long Statewide Activities to Commemorate State’s Centennial

Phoenix (February 14, 2011) – Today, as Governor Jan Brewer recognized Arizona’s 99th Statehood anniversary, she also formally launched the Countdown to Centennial campaign “Celebrate the Arizona Experience,” a year-long commemoration with activities and events that will culminate on Arizona’s official centennial date, February 14, 2012.

Governor Brewer, along with state dignitaries, business leaders and community representatives kicked off the Countdown to the Centennial at the State Capitol. Local students were also present to show support of the CENTennial Penny Drive, a children’s legacy project to raise funds to shine the Arizona Capitol Dome to its original luster. Additionally, more than 60 exhibitors were on the Senate Lawn to provide the public with a look into the variety of statewide activities planned for Arizona’s centennial celebration.

“I invite all Arizonans to participate in the state’s Centennial Countdown that begins today with our 99th Statehood Day,” said Governor Brewer. “I encourage you to take a moment to learn about Arizona history, enjoy our beautiful parks, and explore the vast beauty of our rural and Native American communities. Like our ancestors, we, too, have a responsibility to secure the legacy of an independent, healthy and spirited Arizona for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for another hundred years. ”

Freeport-McMoRan is the first corporation to step up with a $1 million contribution towards the initiative along with partnerships from Bashas’ and The Arizona Republic. Stevie and Karl Eller, long-standing Arizona philanthropists, are leading the “Celebrate the Arizona Experience,” Capitol Campaign to raise $30 million, of which $7 million has already been pledged.

“This is an exciting time in Arizona’s history and we have great centennial projects and events occurring throughout the year,” said Arizona Centennial Commission and 2012 Foundation Director Karen Churchard. “More than 130 organizations, cities, communities, non-profits and state agencies have already begun to commemorate the Centennial. This grass root effort includes plans for exhibits, books, historic preservation, events and educational efforts that encourage Arizonans young and old to learn about our state’s dynamic history. ”

Centennial preparations currently underway for the year-long “Celebrate the Arizona Experience” include:

Signature Projects

Arizona Centennial Museum. In conjunction with the State of Arizona and the Arizona Historical Society, the interactive museum will showcase the past, present and future of Arizona.

Washington Street as Centennial Way. In conjunction with the City of Phoenix, this project enhances Washington Street highlighting many of the historical elements and buildings along the path.

CENTennial Penny Drive. Arizona’s K-12 school children and their teachers save pennies to clean the Capitol’s copper dome to its original shine.

Centennial Tree Project. This project engages cities, counties, schools, churches organizations and citizens to plant trees that will last into the next century. C

entennial Challenge. A volunteer service campaign project in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Children, Youth and Families and its Volunteer Commission.

Team Centennial. Offering patches and pins to high school and college students awarded for participating in activities commemorating the Centennial.

Signature Events

Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper. Designed by renowned, Phoenix-based Paul Yaffe, the Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper is currently touring the state.

Union Pacific Steam Locomotive Tour. The historic locomotive No. 844 will roll through Southern Arizona and Phoenix in November.

Centennial Best Fest. A “Best of Arizona” series of festivals to honor the state’s diverse culture, art and more, to be held in Prescott, Tucson and Phoenix.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The choir will perform February 10 and 11, 2012, commemorating Arizona’s Centennial.

Happy Birthday Arizona! A day long series of events and commemorations on Arizona’s 100th Statehood Day – Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Governor Brewer co-chairs the Arizona Centennial Commission with the Honorable Charles E. Jones, retired Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice. Led by Director Karen Churchard, the organization is spearheading an ambitious fundraising initiative to engage, educate and inspire residents and non-residents alike, about Arizona’s 100 years of statehood.