Communites encouraged to particpate in state’s 100th commemmorationPHOENIX – From center stage of the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix, Governor Jan Brewer today welcomed invited statewide dignitaries and guests to the Governor’s Centennial Summit, where they learned first-hand about the dynamic plans to commemorate Arizona’s 100th anniversary of statehood. Centennial promotions and public events will begin in September 2011 and will be held through 2012.
Governor Brewer, along with representatives of the Arizona Centennial Commission and the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission, provided information on signature state-sanctioned activities and events as well as historic legacy projects.
Additionally, many community representatives were on hand to present what local projects are planned in their communities that will complement the state’s Centennial program.
The Governor then challenged communities throughout the Arizona to form their own State Centennial committees to begin planning local event and programs.
“Today’s summit was a way to engage our Arizona leaders and to ensure their communities participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Governor Brewer. “We’re really calling on the communities of Arizona to take part in this celebration because only through the dedication and hard work of everyone one involved can we rightfully honor Arizona’s past, present and future as well as
our diversity of people, places and progress.”
The invited guests consisted of many community members from across the state such as Arizona’s Congressional Delegation, Tribal Councils, State Legislators, Officials and State Agency Directors, County Board of Supervisors, Mayors and Councils.
“This was a great opportunity for everyone to understand how vital community participation is to this celebration,” said Karen Churchard, Executive Director of the Arizona Centennial Commission. “This is a major event in our state’s history and the more communities we have involved, the more opportunities we have to proudly display our rich culture and heritage to ourselves, our children and the world.”
Among the plans announced were the Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper Tour and Centennial Ride project, the Arizona Centennial Museum and the Arizona Capitol Mall Beautification project. The Copper Chopper has been designed by Paul Yaffe, one of the most respected and well-known custom motorcycle designers in the world. The Copper Chopper will travel the state for 18 months promoting the 100th anniversary of Arizona’s statehood. It will serve as an ambassador of the celebrations, a motorcycle safety and educational exhibit and Arizona history exhibit.
Plans for the Arizona Centennial Museum involve transforming the current Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum into a state-of-the-art interactive Centennial museum that will incorporate the past, present and future of Arizona. Emphasis will be on Arizona’s “Five Cs,” (Copper, Cattle, Citrus, Climate and Cotton) of industrial heritage. The museum will also focus on current and future industries that have already – or will – shaped Arizona’s economy.
Another Centennial project that is currently underway is the beautifying of the Arizona Capitol Mall –Washington Street from 7th Avenue to 17th Avenue – with projects such as the dedication of “Centennial Way,” the Phoenix Community Alliance’s “Arizona State Flag Walk,” and new landscape, sidewalks, etc.
The Governor’s Centennial Summit opened up with the Ft. Huachuca’s 36th Army Band Brass Quintet, recognized for being the only active duty military band in Arizona. The 36th Army Band carries on the tradition started by musicians who accompanied the troops of General George Washington more than 200 years ago. In addition, the Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the Colors at the ceremony.
For more information about the planning for Arizona’s Centennial and opportunities to participate, visit www.Arizona100.org, or contact Karen Churchard at 602-364-4158 or via e-mail at kchuchard@azot.gov.
About the Arizona Centennial Commission
The Arizona Centennial Commission and its non-profit Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation is comprised of distinguished Arizonans from public and private life, and is committed to involving all Arizonans to help fulfill the Centennial vision -- “to appreciate our state’s rich past, celebrate the present, and together, create a vibrant and sustainable future.”
2 comments:
What she didn't tell you is that a key K-12 educational facility is being destroyed to make room for the centennial museum. This is a net loss to Arizona education.
See KTAR.com blog "Arizona to have Centennial Museum"
Details about the mineral museums demise are available on Mineral Museum Madness at www.minmumad.blogspot.com
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