FLAGSTAFF — During the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regular meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 the Board unanimously agreed to allocate community initiative funds in the amount of $5,000 to the non-profit Glen Canyon Conservancy for expenses associated with the Navajo Bridge Star Party this Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1.
“This event started very small, just an idea, and has grown into a huge party on the Navajo Bridge,” stated District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, “Now that things are opening up and people are gathering together again, we’re excited to bring it back after a brief absence.”
There are educational events in the evenings both Friday and Saturday featuring lectures from Dr. Henry Fowler of Navajo Technical University at 6 p.m. and George Rhee of UNLV at 8 p.m. The talks will focus on identifying Navajo star constellations and the historical Navajo teachings about the stars. On Saturday at 11 a.m. visitors can take a guided hike through the historic Lonely Dell Ranch, a settlement that dates to the Great Mormon Migration deep into Arizona.
“I encourage the public to attend and join us on the Navajo Bridge for the only Star Party held above the Colorado River!” added Supervisor Fowler.
The Star Party is not limited to just the Navajo Bridge over the Colorado River, this is a wonderful event to attend to get to know the City of Page and the Lake Powell region. Page serves as a gateway to many historic and natural places in Northern Arizona including Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and several National and State Parks. The Navajo Bridge area also features local lodges, curio shops and Native American artisans.
This annual event is made possible by the partnership between Coconino County, Glen Canyon Conservancy, the Navajo Nation, Grand Canyon and Glen Canyon National Parks, and Arizona Department of Transportation. For more information, please contact Glen Canyon Conservancy in Page, Ariz. at (928) 640-3900 or visit https://www.canyonconservancy.org
Tuesday’s decision by the Board allocates a total of $5,000 for sponsorship of the Navajo Bridge Star Party as well as funding the Arizona Strip Regional Meetings and the First Responders of the Colorado Plateau Network event in 2023.
Glen Canyon conservancy is a strong advocate for dark skies and astro-tourism. Funding of the Navajo Bridge Star Party increases awareness of the economic benefits of dark skies and brings more lodging nights and visitor dollars to Coconino County. The planning meetings are also essential to the future of successful development and collaboration across rural northern Arizona. Municipalities, businesses, and emergency service providers all benefit from the interactions made possible through the support of these ongoing programs.