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The Grand Canyon State definitely blossoms in the Spring, and there are exciting annual Arizona events happening all over the state that you wont want to miss! Indeed, with so many events happening every Spring, the hard part will be choosing which ones you most want to see! Weve prepared a Top Ten list to make the choice a bit easier.

Spring comes early to Arizona. Starting off our Top Ten list are two Renaissance Faires and Festivals. The first one is in Apache junction, runs from February 10th, 2007 through April 1, 2007. If youve never been youre in for a treat! The reenactments are a lot of fun, with people dressing up in period costumes, practicing their Thees and Thous, Kind Sirs and Mladys. The rates to this festival are quite affordable and family rated, and chidren five and under get in free! Call 520-463-2700 for further details.l Youll find falconry and sword fighting demonstrations, Renaissance music performances, and all manner of knightly and peasant activities at most every Renaissance Festival, whether you attend the one at Apache Junction or make it to the May in the Meadows Renaissance Faire in Prescott Valley, on the Cinco de Mayo weekend, May 5th and 6th, 2007. Phone 928-772-8857 for further details.

One of the more venerable affairs in the desert, the 61st Annual Desert Caballeros Ride, a mens equine event in the Caballeros Mountains near Wickenburg and Phoenix. Over 200 mounted horsemen leave Frontier Street on an early spring desert and mountain trek. The ride occurs from April 16th through April 20th. Dial 928-684-3618 or 928-684-5479

On the Native American side, picking up as the Caballeros ride leaves off is the 21st Annual ASU Spring Competition Pow Wow in Tempe. Held at the ASU Band Practice Field, the Pow Wow runs from April 20th through 22nd. Admission is $3-5. Call 480-965-5224 for more information.

Hispanic heritage is a large part of the southwest as well, and is not left out in April. The 25th Annual International Mariachi Conference goes on between April 23 and 28th at the TCC and Reid Park in Tucson. Phone 520-838-3908 for more information about this musical treat.

There are a number of horse shows going on this and every Spring in Arizona. Region VII holds its All-Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale at WestWorld. A free event which runs from April 24 through 29th, please call 702-435, 6694 for more information. Concurrently, the 67th Annual Santa Cruz Circuit Horse Show is hosted on the 28th and 29th of April in Sonoita (near Tucson) at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. May 10th through 13th, you may want to enjoy the 72nd Annual Quarter Horse Show, also in Sonoitas Santa Cruiz County Fairgrounds. Dial 520-455-5553 for details.

The Cinco De Mayo (5th of May) Mexican Independence Day celebrations will be going on all across the country. So many celebrations will be held that we wont enumerate them here, though they are something to be planned for.

If Mexican music isnt your thing, perhaps youll prefer to take in the 22nd Annual Tucson Folk Festival on May 5th and 6th at El Presidio Park in Tucson. 520-319-58599 will get you more information about this fantastic musical tradition. While were waxing musical, check out Phoenix Concert Under the Stars on May 12th at the Steele Indian School park. Dial 602-495-0739 to find out more. And lets not forget that on May 26th and 27th, Scottsdale hosts the 30th Annual Paradise Valley Jazz Party at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Not a free event, phone 480-948-7993 for prices and Badge/ticket info.

Food is a big part of southwest culture, and these two events bring that home: On May 19th and 20th, the 19th Annual Grand Canyon Sweet Onion and Peach Festival is held in Gilbert (near Phoenix) at Mother Natures Farm. An affordable $5 per person or $15 for the whole family will get you in on this event. Dial 480-892-5874 for details and directions. If youd like a bit more meat to your fare, check out the 23rd Annual Gran Fiesta Del Barrio Fajita Cook-Off in Flagstaff at the NAU Natatorium Field on June 1st and 2nd. The same prices apply, and more info can be found at 928-526-8270.

The next subject is the Great Outdoors. Lake Havasu City hosts the 23rd Annual Eliminator Boat Regatta on May 4th and 5th at the Rotary Park Beach (928-680-0265). On June 2nd theres a National Trails Day in Holbrook at the Petrified National Park (928-524-6228). If youd like to become involved in the ecology, you can lend at hand on June 3rd through 8th at the Fencing Natural Lakes Volunteer Event, North Rim Ranch, near Flagstaff. Everything is provided, but be sure to call for details at 928-774-7488.

Our last recommendation for Spring 2007 is the 34th Annual Folk Arts Fair in Prescott on June 2nd and 3rd, at Sharlot Hall Museum. Call them at 928-445-3122.

There are certainly many other fantastic things to see and do in Arizona. These are just a starter. ENJOY!

2007 RightNow Communications

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