One Valentine's Day, early in our marriage, my husband handed me an envelope with my name written on it. I opened it in anticipation of hearts and glitter and a sweet sentiment about our love. What I got was a hand-drawn picture of the Arizona State Flag and the words, "Happy Birthday Arizona." My husband was clearly quite pleased with his creativity, "I bet we're the only couple celebrating Arizona's birthday today," he said. Indeed.
Well, what he lacked in romance he certainly made up for (and still does) in state pride. Celebrating Arizona's statehood on February 14th has since become a bit of a tradition in our family. Although the girls and I DO get lovely Valentine's cards from my husband now, the day doesn't pass without at least an acknowledgement of the birthday of the 48th state.
February 14th, 2011 marks Arizona's 99th birthday, in fact, and the official countdown to the Centennial begins with a free event on the Arizona Capitol Lawn in Phoenix at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. For those who will be in the Phoenix area on the 14th, you can find more information at http://www.arizona100.org.
Alternatively, you can celebrate right here in Tucson by visiting the kids' pages on the Arizona Secretary of State or Arizona Governor websites. The children can learn about Arizona facts, including state symbols (quick, who knows the state bird?) and historical tidbits. You can also print out AZ themed coloring pages and word games. Kind of a nice antidote to the saccharine crafts of the other Feb. 14th event!
This month is also a great time to take the opportunity to visit one of the local museums dedicated to Arizona History. The Arizona State Museum, located on the University of Arizona Campus, is open 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. Adult admission is $5 and children 17 and under are free. Prior to visiting, check out the kids' section of the museum's website which offers games, puzzles and enrichment activities to go along with museum exhibits
Older children might also enjoy the museums run by the Arizona Historical Society. The Arizona History Museum is located at 949 E. 2nd Street and is open Monday-Saturday from 10-4. Adult admission is $5, ages 12-18 are $4 and children under 12 are admitted for free. The Arizona Historical Society also oversees the Downtown History Museum and the Fort Lowell Museum, and sponsors the Arizona Old Brass Band concerts in Fort Lowell Park (there is a free concert this Saturday, Feb. 12, at 2:00 pm at the park). Check the website for details.
So, as February 14th rapidly approaches, East Tucson Macaroni Kid is thinking about birthdays. Take a look at Part 1 of our Birthday Party article for some fun, unique ideas about where to have birthday parties in Tucson.
In honor of Arizona and the local businesses upon which our fair state's economy depends, be sure to read the article about the different movements to promote spending at local, independently owned businesses. YOU can positiviely impact the local economy with just slight changes in your spending habits. And if you happen to own one of those wonderful, local businesses, click here for information on how to be listed in our business directory for a special rate, perhaps even FREE!
Now of course, all the pink and red I'm seeing this week reminds me that Valentine's Day IS upon us, Arizona's birthday or not. So, I'm contributing some saccharine crafts of my own for the occasion. Look past the event listings for Cupid's Garland, Heart Mosaics, and a cool faux iPod Valentine. Also, try Heart Shaped Polenta for a unique and healthy(wow!) Valentine treat.
Thanks for reading! Have a lovely Valentine's Day. And don't forget to wish our great state a happy 99th birthday on February 14th!
~K
