Verde Valley Archaeology Fair, 3/28-29
Did you know that the Verde Valley is one of the richest archaeological areas in Arizona?
The area has over "2,500 recorded archaeological sites and more than 400 rock-art locations," said Ken Zoll, executive director of the Verde Valley Archaeological Fair. "In 2016, the area will become designated as a World-Class Geotourism Destination by the National Geographic Society, in part due to the richness and accessibility of its archaeological history."
Visitors can explore that history this weekend at the Verde Valley Archaeology Fair and International Archaeology Film Festival. The event is part of the Camp Verde Heritage, Pecan and Wine Festival.
Some 3,000 visitors are expected to take part in archaeology-themed programs and activities for all ages. Apache crown dancers will perform both days.
The "fair provides an opportunity to learn about the tools and methods of archaeology in a non-technical manner as presented by local residents who have developed a passion for learning about the people who made the Verde Valley their home for over 12,000 years," Zoll said. "The fair offers opportunities to learn about various prehistoric skills through films, lectures, exhibits and demonstrations."
The films include "Agave Is Life," which covers the importance of the agave plant from prehistoric times to the present, and "Dance of the Maize God," about Mayan painted vessels and the stories they tell. Filmmakers for both films will be available for questions.
The festival will include a tree-ring dating presentation by members of the University of Arizona's Laboratory of Tree-Ring Dating Research. The study covers dendrochronology, a scientific method of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings or growth rings.
Elzbieta Czyzowska-Wisniewski and Jacob Martin will give a talk about the research.
"For archaeologists, tree-ring analysis can provide precise dates regarding site occupation, construction and repair phases, as well as an accurate depiction of the associated environmental conditions," said Martin, a research technician at the laboratory.
The Pecan and Wine Festival will present wines from 12 Verde Valley wineries. The $12 charge includes six tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. It's from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Community Center Park, 75 E. Hollamon St.
Verde Valley Archaeology Fair and Film Festival
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 27-28.
Where: Camp Verde Community Center, 395 S. Main St.
Admission: Free.
Details:www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/Fair.