There are two priorities for this weekend:
1. Hope that the Slide Fire becomes contained.
2. Hope that it rains.
If the smoke does not clear, be cautious about outdoor activities: Here’s the Arizona Department of Air Quality website for health issues to consider.
For more information on road conditions and visibility visit Arizona Department of Transportation on Twitter: @arizonaDOT or on their 511 information page: http://www.az511.com/adot/files/traffic/. Highway 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona is CLOSED due to the Slide Fire. (It was due to close at midnight on Monday for road repairs, but the entire area is now inaccessible for Memorial Day weekend due to the Slide Fire.)
Now on to some fun things to do in Flagstaff this weekend:
The first of four 2014 cultural festivals at the Museum of Northern Arizona! 24th Annual Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture on Saturday and Sunday. Share in the language, culture, authentic food and traditions of the Zuni people, and shop for traditional and contemporary art from more than 40 Zuni artists. Music performances by the Zuni Pueblo Band, and dancing by the Nawesta Family Dancers and the Zuni Olla Maidens. Museum admission fees apply. See complete festival details and a schedule of activities at the festival web page. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day.
Memorial Day weekend marks the season’s first Flagstaff Art & Craft Festival at Wheeler Park on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Browse painting, photography, decorative mirrors, metal art, pottery, homemade soaps and lotions, clothing, jewelry and more. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day.
If you’re a dog lover, head out to the Flagstaff Equestrian Center (2600 W. Kiltie Lane) this weekend for Terror in the Pines – Jack Russell Terrier trials for Arizona. The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America sanctioned trials include racing, go-to-ground, super Earth, barn hunt, and conformation. Saturday and Sunday., 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. each day. Public is welcome. Food vendors on site. Raffle and silent auction will benefit Jack Russell Rescue.
It’s the opening weekend for the Theatrikos Theatre Company production of Almost, Maine. Friday and Saturday evenings (7:30 p.m.), and Sunday matinee (2:00 p.m.). Dates through June 8th. Tickets. Theatrikos box office: (928) 774-1662.
Wishing you could grow a green thumb? Check out the City of Flagstaff’s Square Foot Gardening Clinic on Saturday morning. In this beginner level, one-day clinic you will learn the basic techniques of Square Foot Gardening including types of soil, box set-ups, plant zones. Aquaplex (1702 N. Fourth Street), 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Pre-register: (928) 213-2300. $5 per person.
On Saturday evening the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance kicks off the popular Movies on the Square series. Each Saturday evening through the summer, Heritage Square becomes Flagstaff’s cozy downtown living room where family movies are shown on the big outdoor screen. Bring a blanket, bring a picnic. Entertainment starts at 5:00 and the movie begins at dusk. Free. Vendors on site. Get there early to claim a spot! This week – “Finding Nemo.”
Also on Saturday evening, see Greg Brown in Concert at the Coconino Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 and $42.
Sunday marks the beginning of the summer/autumn season for the Flagstaff Farmers Market, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Farmers Market features the freshest in local and regional produce, breads, jams, honey, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, breakfast at the market, and more. Support your local growers! City Hall parking lot (211 W. Aspen Ave.)
Lowell Observatory’s New Views of the Universe Exhibit is now open through January 4th. Developed by the Space Telescope Science Institute and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, this exhibition immerses visitors in the magnificence and mystery of the Hubble mission. A scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope is the focal point of the installation. “Satellite” units incorporate hands-on activities about how the telescope works, and a “Space/Time” section features Hubble’s contributions to the exploration of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe. Included with regular observatory admission.
Let’s have a great Memorial Day Weekend in Flagstaff, AZ!