The Arizona centennial celebration planning gets underway

July 7, 2010
M J Dinniman
Tucson Tourism Examiner

The state of Arizona’s 100th birthday isn’t officially until February 14, 2012, but the state is already gearing up for what’s sure to be the birthday party of the century.

The city of Prescott just announced they’ve been chosen to kick off the celebrations on September 16th-18th, 2011. The city of Prescott served as the first capital of the Arizona territory. Plans include a “Block Party” in Prescott’s historic central district featuring live music from national acts from the state of Arizona. More information on the Prescott celebration can be found on the city’s official website.

Tucson – the second capital – will host the celebrations in October of 2011. Phoenix will kick off the celebrations on February 14th, 2012, the official birthday.

Arizona100.org is the official website of the Arizona Centennial Celebration. The Arizona Centennial Commission was established in 2008 by then-governor Janet Napolitano to form an organization that will coordinate all the 100th birthday activities. The chairs of the committee are a who’s who of Arizona history, including Bruce Babbit, Raul Casto, Jane Dee Hull, Jon Kyl, Rose Mofford, Janet Napolitano, and Fife Symington.