NPS
Stargazing and photography in the wilderness area
(last updated August 9, 2009)
Calendar of Events
2009
International Year of Astronomy 2009
NOVEMBER
National American Indian Heritage Month
Veterans Day
Rita Day
Cultural Demonstrator Program
Science and Education Center Lecture Series
DECEMBER
December 5 Parade of Lights
December 8 and December 9 Petrified Forest’s Anniversary and Holiday Open House
December 25 Park is closed
2010
January
Pony Express Ride: Send a letter by Pony Express from Petrified Forest National Park, check for dates, http://www.hashknifeponyexpress.com/ (site outside NPS.gov)
February
Feb 22-26th—National Invasive Weed Week: online exhibit
March
Arizona Archaeology Awareness Month
National Women’s History Month: online exhibit
April
April 18-24th—National Park Week
May
May 2-9th—National Wildflower Week: depends on the flowers!
May 8th—International Migratory Bird Day
June
Western Heritage Days: dates to be announced
Beginning this month Cultural Demonstrators will visit during most Saturdays through the summer, including silversmiths, dancers, weavers and other demonstrators, many with items for sale. There will also be a weekend American Indian Arts Fair, date to be announced.
June 12th–Story in the Stars: evening program
June 14-28th—Summer Solstice Celebration: join rangers to view a petroglyphs that marks the summer solstice at Puerco Pueblo for a between 8:30 am and 9:30 am.
August
Aug. 25th—Founders Day: Anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service.
September
Navajo County Fair: dates to be announced.
Sept. 25th—National Public Lands Day (this site is outside NPS.gov): The nation’s largest single-day, hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands that Americans enjoy. You can visit any federal land area and get in without paying an entrance fee—including Petrified Forest.
October
Earth Science Week (this site is outside NPS.gov): dates to be announced. The National Parks are an excellent place to celebrate and explore earth science.
Oct. 30th—Ghosts of the Past: 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 Heritage Month
December
Dec. 4th—Parade of Lights: park staff joins the Petrified Forest Community Club in the Parade of Lights in Holbrook at dusk.
Dec. 8th—Petrified Forest’s Anniversary and Open House: Celebrating the establishment of the park as a national monument 103 years ago on December 8, 1906 and its upgrade to national park status 46 years ago on December 9, 1962. The Holiday Open House offering hot drinks, cookies, and holiday cheer at the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark from 10 am to 4 pm.
