"Finding the Lost Dutchman"

Lost Dutchman State Park celebrates the 50th anniversary of Arizona State Parks at "Finding the Lost Dutchman" on Sat., Nov. 11th, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Park's festivities will begin with a flag raising ceremony at 8 a.m. There will be guided hikes, children's crafts, nature & historical talks throughout the day. At 1 p.m. there will be a special 50th Anniversary presentation. At that time, State Parks Director Ken Travous & Assistant Director Jay Ream will talk about the "History of Los Dutchman State Park & the Future of its Management," & the 50th anniversary cake will be served. Later in the day, Balladeer Ted Newman will perform & there will be an astronomy program. A complete schedule of events is attached below.

Named after the fabled Dutch gold miner, Lost Dutchman State Park is located at the base of the Superstition Mountains & 5 miles north of Apache Junction on AZ 88 (the old Apache Trail.) The park offers a variety of hiking trails, nature trails, 35 regular campsites, picnic facilities, & special programs throughout the year. Mild winter climates & the close proximity to Phoenix make this an ideal destination for day hiking (open daily sunrise until 10 pm) or camping for those 1-night trips

Regular park fees are $5 per vehicle for up to 4 adults, each additional adult is charged $2 each. A $2 per person entrance fee applies to pedestrians & bicyclists. For more information call (480) 982-4485.

This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from Oct. 2006 through Dec. 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, 3 Civil War battles, plein art shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations, & astronomy galas. Hiking, fishing, boating & mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the many secret places & stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.

The Arizona State Parks Board was established in 1957 to acquire & manage park & cultural areas. Over the years, legislation has added other programs to Arizona State Parks & as a result, the volunteer Board is responsible for a much broader spectrum of duties. These duties are related to historic preservation, archaeology, outdoor recreation, resource conservation/education & grant administration.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

LOST DUTCHMAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
NOV. 11th, 2006

8 A.M. FLAG RAISISING CEREMONY AT THE RANGER STATION
9 A.M. GUIDED HIKE ON TREASURE LOOP WITH DIANA BISHOP, PARK RANGER
10 A.M. STATE PARKS CELEBRATION TENT EXHIBITS, CHILDRENS CRAFTS, VIPS
10-3 P.M. INVITED EXHIBITORS AND GUESTS INCLUDING SUPERSTITION HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOOTH, LOST DUTCHMAN LIVING HISTORY TALK, TONTO NATIONAL FOREST, ELIZABETH STEWART AND JACK CARLSON, "HIKERS GUIDE TO THE SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS" BOOK SIGNING
11-1 P.M. DESERT VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOOD BOOTH AND RECYCLING INFORMATION
1 P.M. STATE PARK DIRECTOR KEN TRAVOUS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR JAY REAM: "The History of Lost Dutchman State Park and the Future of its Management," VIP PRESENTATIONS, ANNIVERSARY CAKE
3 P.M. FUTURE TREASURES AT LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK WITH BOB SHERMAN, PARK MANAGER
5 P.M. TED NEWMAN, COWBOY BALLADEER
7 P.M. ASTRONOMY PROGRAM AT BILL DELLINGES AMPHITHEATRE