Photo Credit Verde River Days September 26-27

Dead Horse Ranch State Park will celebrate its annual Verde River Days on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27.

The activities during Verde River Days promote preservation and care of the environment by showcasing informative exhibits on the Verde's riparian habitat. Some of the day's events include environmental exhibits, hands-on-activities, fishing, canoeing and live entertainment.

The exhibit area opens at 9 a.m., and the opening ceremony officially begins Verde River Days at 10a.m. on Saturday. The celebration brings together 40-plus nature-based exhibits, sandcastle building, a menagerie of live animals, non-stop activities from canoe rides (with or without assistance) to nature hikes, as well as continuous entertainment and local food vendors.

Guests of all ages are welcome to fish in the lagoon. Fishing licenses are not required during the scheduled Arizona Game & Fish Department's clinic hours. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided for all ages. Visitors may also experience nature's history through guided nature walks and short hikes; they can also view dozens of teardrop and vintage trailers of yesteryear that will be on exhibit throughout the weekend.

Live demonstrations will include American Civil War encampments, drills, and battles, circa 1863. Visitors are invited to tour the period camps, talk with the re-enactors, and watch the battles scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Verde River Citizens Alliance will sponsor canoe rides down the Verde River. Groups will depart from the Dead Horse Ranch River Day Use Area at 8 a.m. and again at 10 a.m. The rides last about an hour and a half.

Canoers will be shuttled back to the park. Pre-registration is required. To schedule a trip or for more information, contact Marsha Foust at (928) 634-8738.

The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle with up to four adults, and $2 for bicycle or walk-in. The camping fee (at Dead Horse Ranch) is $12 or $19 with hookups. For more information about Verde River Days call the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce at (928) 634-7593 or visit AZStateParks.com.

Dinghy Digest ®