
20th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente will be held at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22.

Volunteers needed for the
19th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival!
Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 20 through 29, 2023!
Sedona Arts Center needs volunteers for multiple positions during the festival: Canvas Stampers, Exhibit Installation assistants, Catering Support, Parking Lot Attendants, Certified Bartenders, Setup and Break Down Crew, Main Street Artist Support Crew, Gallery Attendants, Airport Artist Support, Community Paint Out Volunteers

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Effective April 1, 2024, Grand Canyon National Park will increase the cost of overnight backcountry permits. Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2022.
The cost recovery charge for overnight backcountry permits will increase for all permits that begin on or after April 1, 2024. The charge of $10 per backcountry permit remains the same; the nightly per person fee will be increased from $12 per person to $15 per person or stock animal camping below the rim in designated backcountry camping areas. This increase does not affect camping fees at Mather, Desert View, or the North Rim campgrounds.

Romantic comedy Stage Kiss
Now playing
Photos from last Friday’s opening night
Now through October 22, 2023
A kiss is not just a kiss in this whirlwind knockabout farce. When two actors with a history are thrown together as leads in a 1930s romantic comedy, they quickly lose touch with reality.
“Satirical, sassy and over-the-top, Stage Kiss has been one wild ride to read, and I’m sure it will be to watch,” commented actor Lindsey DeStefano (playing “She”). Actor Adam Wintz (playing “He”) noted that the playwright “has created a world that is both realistic and absurd. There are jokes within jokes and layers within layers. People will want to see the show more than once to pick up on all the subtleties.”

UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

FLAGSTAFF — Library patrons had the opportunity to learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, the meaning behind items on a family altar and other cultural customs honoring the dearly departed during a session presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5.
In preparation for its 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices has been presenting a series of information lectures for Coconino County employees and patrons at the Camp Verde Public Library.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raices President Lydia Anaya and treasurer Becca DeLapp presented the “Ofrenda 101” session, creating a temporary ofrenda in the library’s Community Room.
They presented information about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods.

We’re getting a new look!
Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform. The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

Powerful Plein Air with Krystal Brown
Tues – Thurs, Oct 17 – 19
If you want to paint effortlessly – Free from stress and better able to let the magic flow, this is the place to start. You will come to understand how to create more comfortably, confidently and joyfully while learning all the tips and techniques that have taken me years of cultivation. No more guessing! No more uncertainty! No more fear! Just SUCCESS. You are invited to paint in oil or water soluble oil if possible!
Krystal W. Brown is a fine art oil painter who captures the places, people and moments that matter most. She is an award winning artist who specializes in fine art oil paintings and commissioned portraits.

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present a “Ofrenda 101” workshop on from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 5 at the Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
Join us for two back-to-back presentations by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices:
OFRENDAS 101
Join us as we learn about the history of creating your own family ofrenda / altar and about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods. The presentation will include the creation of an ofrenda!
HALLOWEEN vs DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Día de los Muertos is celebrated in México and many Latin America countries on November 2nd. Given that Halloween (October 31st), All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd) tumble into each other, the confusion between the celebrations is understandable. Come hear a brief history of these cultural traditions.

Superintendent’s Corner: UPDATE-Potential Lapse in Appropriations
The federal government, including the National Park Service, is currently funded through midnight September 30. We remain hopeful that Congress and the President can agree on a budget or continuing resolution that would keep the government open.
Based on my time in Washington, I know that a lot of people in the Administration and in Congress are working to fund the government. However, if we are not funded by Sunday and there is a resulting lapse of appropriations, we will begin to significantly reduce operations of the federal government. We have experience in implementing an orderly shutdown, most recently in 2018-19.
If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, you will be able to stay in your assigned housing in the event of a lapse. Family and friends will be able to visit you, and you will be able to come and go from the park as you normally would. For those of you concerned about your personal finances if you do not get paid during a shutdown, Congress passed a law in 2019 requiring backpay for federal employees after a shutdown. You will get paid.

When two actors with a history are thrown together as romantic leads in a forgotten 1930s melodrama, they quickly lose touch with reality as the lines between offstage and onstage begin to blur. Stage Kiss (2011) walks a wobbly line between farce and romantic comedy with its play within a play.
“One of the most delightful things about this play is that it’s written for theater lovers,” observed Michael Rulon, sound designer/operator for Stage Kiss. “It examines love through the lens of theater, allowing the audience to peer behind the curtain not only of the plays-within-a-play, but also behind the curtain of the protagonists’ most private passions.”

Bring the family together and view this year’s on demand Science Bedtime Stories. In 2023, the Festival is proud to present the following four authors and their science books for kids!
Nancy Marshall reads her action-packed book A Rattler’s Tale: When Wild Animals Encounter Humans. Captivatingly illustrated by a fisheries biologist, discover what happens when a skunk meets Mom in the shed and when the mountain lion lands on the family car.
Monica Brown reads her coming of age story, Sharuko: el arqueólogo Peruano/Peruvian Archaeologist. Growing up in the late 1800’s, Julio Tello spent time exploring in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means “brave” in Quechua.
Rodo Safranac reads his illustrated story, The Red Tail Tale on the Arizona Trail.. In his book, Rowen, a young, red-headed explorer, and Rojo, a clever, red-tailed hawk meet, bond, and experience a wonderful adventure on the fascinating Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Don Lago reads All About the Grand Canyon. With rich storytelling about this natural wonder, our youngest science enthusiasts will also enjoy beautiful illustrations as they wind down to sleep.
Tune in and enjoy these special stories. Bedtime Stories is sponsored by Bright Side Bookshop. Bedtime Stories are filmed in Flagstaff by filmmaker Morgan Boatman of Winter Productions.

FLAGSTAFF — In preparation for upcoming Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in the region, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces took a road trip south to teach an “Ofrenda 101” workshop at the Camp Verde Community Library on Sept. 15.
Community parents and children learned the basics of creating an ofrenda / altar, the placement of colored candles, family photos, favorite foods and other items on an ofrenda.
The library, which created its own ofrenda, is presenting a series of workshops and programs ahead of the annual Dia de Los Muertos Celebration from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Phillip England Community Arts Center, 210 Camp Lincoln Road, Camp Verde

Federal agencies need appropriations to operate. You may have seen news accounts as we approach the new fiscal year of the possibility of a lapse in appropriations, which would lead to a government shutdown. Based on my years as the senior appropriations lawyer for the Department of the Interior, I can tell you that a lot of people in the Administration and Congress are working hard to avoid a shutdown.
The Park Leadership Team and I are watching this situation closely along with our regional and Washington office colleagues. We will be ready if there is a shutdown.
I understand that many employees depend on their biweekly paycheck to meet their families’ expenses and there may be some anxiety about the possibility of a shutdown. In case it helps, in 2019, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act ensuring full pay for federal employees during government shutdowns. Everyone will be paid, and retroactive pay will also reflect what is typically withheld from checks such as rent, insurance and retirement contributions.
For the time being, park operations are continuing as normal, and we encourage you to check on our park website at www.nps.gov/grca for the most up to date information on park operations. As we get additional information from the Department, we will keep employees and residents updated through this newsletter and the weekly employee, community, and stakeholder call. Thank you to all employees who have been fielding visitor questions and concerns over the last several days; it is important work that you do.

Turning Canvas into Comfort: How One Arizona Couple Made Art Their Residence
A ramshackle historic building in downtown Winslow has been transformed by an artist and his wife into a vibrant and eclectic live-work gallery space — a hidden gem along Route 66.
The 22,000-square-foot building now known as Snowdrift Art Space offers the room he always dreamed of having as a young budding sculpturist.

Fulfilling arts experiences enliven your body, mind, and spirit and spark imagination. The therapeutic benefits of regularly partaking in meaningful arts activities are endless and this is especially important as we age. A 2006 landmark study by the National Endowment for the Arts confirmed the relationship between creative expression and healthy aging. Over the course of three years, the Creativity and Aging Study tracked more than 300 individuals (aged 65+) across the country to evaluate the effects relevant to general health, mental health, overall functioning, and sense of well-being in older individuals. What were the results? Better health, fewer doctor visits, and less medication usage; more positive responses on mental health measures; and more involvement in overall activities. From painting, poetry, and pottery to music, theatre, and dance, it was clear. The arts are great for your health!

Governor Katie Hobbs visits Grand Canyon
Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona tribal leaders met in the park this past Tuesday, September 12, to foster meaningful dialog about Arizona’s economic development and how to best work with tribal governments and communities. Superintendent Ed Keable and Grand Canyon Conservancy CEO Theresa McMullen participated in the meeting, discussing the work the park and GCC are doing relative to indigenous programs.
The highlight for most participants was getting a tour of the work being done at Desert View to re-imagine the site as an Inter-tribal cultural heritage site.
Thanks to all who helped make this a successful visit, especially the Desert View staff and FMD folks (trails) who are working on the next phase of paving the new trail system.
You can learn more about Gov. Hobbs’ visit and its purpose on her website.

Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

FLAGSTAFF — The community came out to celebrate, educate and inform at the 74th annual Coconino County Fair held at the fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park.
Members from the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and other diversity council members — the African Diaspora Advisory Council and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council — greeted the public near the main gate at the Coconino County information Booth.
Visitors then had an opportunity to enjoy a variety of concerts during the day featuring Sol Over Luna and Grupo Conceptos.
The day was capped off with an overflow crowd attending the Selena Forever Tribute, which was introduced by District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez.
See slideshow here

Book Corner
After a long weekend at the Fair, relax with a good book!
Were you inspired by the animals at the Fair and also want a cozy book for the transition to autumn? All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot is the classic, heartfelt story of a Yorkshire veterinarian.
Children may like the timeless tale of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, whose story of being yourself rings just as true today as in the 1920s.
Teens and tweens may enjoy Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, the story of a farm pig’s unlikely friendship with a talented spider.
These and other great autumn reads can be found at your local library!

FLAGSTAFF — Sol Over Luna, Grupo Conceptos and Selena Forever Tribute to be presented on Sunday, Sept. 3 on the Main Stage of the Coconino County Fair. (Facebook | YouTube | Instagram)
Grupo Conceptos will perform at 6:15 p.m.
The Selena Forever Tribute will be held at 8 p.m. (Facebook | Instagram | Website)
Buy tickets to the fair HERE

Volunteer Cleanup Day slated for Tusayan this Saturday
While the recent flooding in Tusayan was short-lived, residents are still cleaning up the aftermath. But Tusayan is not just a town – it’s a community. And members of a community take care of each other. So on Saturday, September 2, the town is planning a Volunteer Day.
If you’re willing and able to help neighbors and residents rebuild and repair their property, come to the Tusayan Sports Complex at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 2. If you need help with a project, contact the Town of Tusayan.
You can also apply for emergency assistance through Coconino County online. Please apply before Friday September 1.
There is still food and clothing available until Tuesday, September 4 at Tusayan Townhall.

Come see what’s new in our Shop!
NOW FEATURING:
Carrie Clayden, Christine Debrosky, and Karen Puckett
Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

President Cruz Rivera welcomed students to campus in his annual first-day-of-class video message yesterday, and although Monday was the first day of school at NAU throughout Arizona and online, the Flagstaff campus has been humming with activity for a week as students moved into residence halls, got to know their classmates at Welcome Week activities, went to their first sporting events and donned blue and gold T-shirts for the Class of 2027’s Letters photo. It’s an especially exciting time at NAU, as the implementation of Access2Excellence has contributed to the most diverse, most accomplished and most Arizonan class NAU has ever welcomed. Take a look at the numbers for this class of Lumberjacks and find yourself and your friends in photos.

UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

Join us at the Sky Bar at Agassiz Lodge on September 9 for Brews & Views, Snowbowl’s 2nd Annual Community Fundraiser to benefit United Way of Northern Arizona.
This full day of fun in the mountains will include delicious craft brews from more than 15 local and nationally known breweries; live music; lots of giveaway prizes; and much more.
Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will be donated to UWNA to help fund programs that promote early childhood development, positive youth development, and safety and security for residents of Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
“Arizona Snowbowl is beyond proud to partner with United Way of Northern Arizona on Brews & Views in order to improve lives and community conditions for people in Northern Arizona,” said Angie Grubb, Marketing Coordinator at Arizona Snowbowl.

On Tuesday, August 22, emergency personnel from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Tusayan Fire Department, and Grand Canyon National Park responded to the town of Tusayan for a report of flooding due to heavy rainfall in the area.
Water levels up to three feet deep prompted officials to close a section of Highway 64 for safety. Over 100 residents and visitors in Tusayan were relocated, and about 70 students from the Grand Canyon Unified School District sheltered in place until it was safe for them to return home. No injuries were reported and crews will continue working to clean up the aftermath.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) sculptures for a temporary outdoor exhibition May-October 2024.
The exhibition will feature five artworks, existing or newly created, that reflect and make visible aspects of Indigenous and other diverse cultural representation, including Black and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives through a myriad of ways and will prompt appreciation, conversation, and interaction.

FLAGSTAFF — Despite heavy afternoon monsoon rains, visitors continued to come by, dance, enjoy food, chat with vendors and listen to the music of Mariachi de Nuevo Mexico and Soul Persuasion during the 8th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” on Aug. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Dancers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff didn’t miss a step during the rainy day performance which drew upwards of 300 visitors.

Kane Fire wrapping up
The Kane Fire, located about 13 miles southeast of Jacob Lake on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, is currently about 2,854 acres and 84 percent contained.
The fire was detected on August 3 after a lightning storm, and fire managers immediately implemented a full suppression strategy. Ensuing precipitation over the next several days curtailed fire activity considerably, and a Type 3 team took over on Tuesday, August 15.
Current and expected fire activity is minimal, and crews are now focused on cleanup and suppression repair.
In the interest of public safety, a portion of the Kaibab Plateau area east of Highway 67 leading to the North Rim will remain closed. Highway 67 is open.
You can visit the Kaibab National Forest website or Facebook page, or InciWeb for more information.

Mariachi de Nuevo Mexico, Soul Persuasion and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff to headline FREE event. Veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo
FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 8th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. This year’s Premier Sponsors are the Cococnino County Board of Supervisors and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences program invites artists, community members, community groups, schools and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. Up to $4,500 is available per project.
Projects that enliven and revitalize the urban environment can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals and more. Priority will be given to community-initiated projects that provide a lasting impact—fostering cultural connections, strengthening neighborhood awareness and identity, and deepening how residents and visitors interact with the built environment. All projects must be publicly and visually accessible.

FLAGSTAFF — Former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans, tattoo artist Dan Duke and Arizona Daily Sun photographer Jake Bacon were honored at Culture Connection AZ’s “The Faces of Flagstaff” opening art exhibition on July 28 in Flagstaff.
The trio were recognized by the creation of three large wood-cut images created by local artist Eric Kruse. Others honored with smaller images included: Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, Michael Marquess, JoeBob Armstrong, Marian Armstrong, Lee Born, Kayley Quick, Cindy Payne, Gillian Ferris, Brad Dimock, Jessica Van Zijll, Shonto Begay, Cecily Maniaci, Brian Dierker, Joni Pevarnik and Matt Ziegler!
The Faces of Flagstaff will be viewable through the end of August during regular business hours at the Historic Ice House, 201 E. Birch Ave in downtown Flagstaff.

A welcome break from the summer heat
After our recent rainfall, Grand Canyon is no longer in an excessive heat warning, but Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions are still in effect for the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.

This month you have the opportunity to gain unique insights into the museum Easton Collection Center, from a talk about living roof this weekend to an open house on August 26. During that open house, we’re rolling out the rug for you, quite literally – the Staples rug. This large, double-sided rug was last displayed in 2017. Because of its size and age (more than 130 years old) the rug is difficult to display, but also a remarkable example of Navajo weaving.
I hope you join us for this opportunity to see not only the Staples rug, but also our beautiful collections facility and some of the other spectacular objects we care for.
There’s so much more going on this month I can’t mention it all, but be sure to scroll through this entire email to see the upcoming talks, Ventures trips, art classes, and more.

Last Month Before the Coconino County Fair!
The Coconino County Fair is only one month away!
Are you exhibiting at the Fair? Don’t miss the deadlines for exhibit entries this month! Visit www.CoconinoCountyFair.com for deadlines, listed in our Fair Book!
Your last chance to get discounted tickets is now!
Online Early Bird admission tickets are SOLD OUT!
Buy Early Bird tickets (cash only) at Bookmans Flagstaff Entertainment Exchange while supplies last!
Discounted carnival wrist bands are still available at Bookmans Flagstaff and www.CoconinoCountyFair.com, while supplies last!
Don’t sleep on these discounts!
Want to save time parking? Buy your parking pass online, to hasten the wait time!

Coconino Fire burns close to park
On Thursday, July 27, a wildfire was reported approximately 5 miles southwest of Grand Canyon Village.
The Coconino Fire is a lightning caused fire first detected around 10 a.m. on the Kaibab National Forest. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 118 acres.
Fire crews from the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park responded quickly and aggressively, with containment estimated at 40%.
An Incident Management Team was mobilized in the park in case an evacuation order was given.
At this time, fire managers are confident that the fire is under control.
For more information, you can check our Facebook page or call 928-638-7688 for the latest updates.
While this fire never materialized into a credible threat, it serves as a great reminder to review the Ready-Set-Go evacuation plans and procedures for you and your family. We would also encourage Grand Canyon and Tusayan residents to sign up for Coconino County emergency notifications. Please help yourself and the community in becoming prepared and ready for a wildland fire.

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Fire restrictions and heat danger continue through the weekend
Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions remain in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
Through Monday, July 24, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevations at and below 4,000 feet in the Grand Canyon.
All Xanterra passenger mule rides to Phantom Ranch continue to be cancelled through at least July 24.

An evening of art, culture, and community!
Join us (on July 28) for a special art exhibition and reception celebrating our vibrant Flagstaff community!
Local artist Eric Kruse will showcase his incredible talent with one of a kind wood portraits of some of the prominent figures who shape our city.
With live music from 69 Hippies, beverages from Mother Road Brewery, and snacks from Pita Jungle! Free entry with $10 suggested donation. All proceeds benefit CCAZ.