Upcoming Fall Events at Petrified Forest NP
SEPTEMBER
Artist in Residence Program. Visit with artists using the park for inspiration as they paint, draw, photograph, or otherwise express their artistic ability. Artist Robert deJonge, Digital Imaging Artist, Photographer is scheduled for September 8 and 21.
Navajo County Fair. Lots of fun for the entire family, including the Little Miss Navajo County Pageant, a rodeo, 4H auction, carnival rides, food, and exhibits. Held in Holbrook September 12-16.
National Public Lands Day. September 22. The nation’s largest single-day, hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. You can visit any federal land area and get in without paying an entrance fee - including Petrified Forest National Park!
OCTOBER
Learning Center Lecture Series. October 3, 10:00am, Petrified Forest National Park Community Building.
Earth Science Week (this site is outside NPS.gov). October 14-20. The National Parks are an excellent place to celebrate and explore earth science.
Art and Essay Contest. Starting in October, students will have the opportunity to compete in both an art and essay contest. Prizes will be given and student work displayed throughout December. Check this website for more information or call the Division of Interpretation and Education at (928) 524-6228 ext.264.
Ghosts of the Past. October 26 and 27. Visit the ghosts of Petrified Forest for this evening ranger tour. For details, times, and locations check under Ranger Programs, or at visitor centers in the park.
NOVEMBER
National American Indian and Native Alaskan Heritage Month. Exhibit in the park with some cultural demonstrations. Check at the park for more details.
Learning Center Lecture Series. November 7, 10:00am, Petrified Forest National Park Community Building.
US Route 66 Anniversary. November 11. As part of the nation’s first federal highway system, US Route 66 was commissioned on this date in 1926. 2007 marks its 81st anniversary.
Veterans Day. November 12.
DECEMBER
Parade of Lights. December 1. The park joins our gateway community in Holbrook for this annual evening parade, 6:00 p.m. on Hopi Drive and Navajo Boulevard.
Learning Center Lecture Series. December 5, 10:00am, Petrified Forest National Park Community Building.
Petrified Forest’s Anniversary. December 8 and December 9. Celebrating the establishment of the park as a national monument 101 years ago on December 8, 1906 and its upgrade to national park status 45 years ago on December 9, 1962.
Source: NPS
To read more about the desert, go to DesertUSA.com.