A Century’s Worth of Celebration

February is filled with holidays, celebrations, and events. The following are a few that could keep you occupied all day—or all weekend!

February 10–11: The Centennial means something very special to Verde Canyon Railroad, because it, too, is celebrating one hundred remarkable years! On the weekend preceding Valentine’s Day, Verde Canyon Railroad will hold its own free festivities in the town of Clarkdale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary tour of the vintage engines and mid-last century passenger cars courtesy the staff, tour the John Bell Museum, and get a little lesson on Native American history, agriculture, and wildlife conservation in the special events tent. If you’d like to ride the train for its 20-mile journey through beautiful Arizona wilderness, you can purchase a ticket for a special departure time of 2 p.m. Take the opportunity to view local properties and, of course, partake of breakfast, lunch, and specialty drinks as you watch artisans and entertainers. (800) 293-7245 or verdecanyonrr.com

February 10–12: Talking Stick Resort’s Salt River Fields plays host to Thunderbird Artists’ annual fine art and wine festival. This year, however, the event will include chocolate! The main stadium will serve as a platform for chocolate vendors, talented artists, and impressive wines. Take in the mountain views, food, and wine, and take home some beautiful artwork. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 for adults. Purchase a souvenir wine glass with tasting tickets for $10. Free parking. 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. talkingstickresort.com, saltriverfields.com, or thunderbirdartists.com

February 17–19: Wickenburg’s sixty-fourth annual Gold Rush Days features the usual Western festivities that celebrate the town’s rich heritage. Witness a shoot-out on Frontier Street before heading off to the carnival, rodeo, arts and crafts, melodrama, and parade. Try your luck at panning for gold, watch a mucking and drilling contest, stop in the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, spend an evening at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts (on the Wickenburg High School campus), go for a trail ride, show off your classic automobile, or just use the excuse to unleash your inner cowboy. And what better year to head out Wickenburg Way for a historical celebration than the year of Arizona’s centennial? (928) 684-5479 or wickenburgchamber.com