Sierra Vista, AZ.  8/17/09.  “What to do” in Sierra Vista during September? 

Enjoy great music and hearty food!  Summer recess is over at the highly popular Arizona Folklore Preserve and the talented performers return.  The annual Fiddle contest has been so embraced that each year there are more fiddlers and extended play.  And for food, this is the month of authentic German fare at both of the Oktoberfests.  And keep in mind that the annual hummingbird migration is drawing to a close and the extremely educational and delightful banding of the tiny birds will be ending soon.

Ongoing, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Nature Walk at Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Learn about animals, birds, plants and the history of The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve during the two-hour docent-led nature walk.  Enjoy the beautiful, forested canyon during all seasons.

When:  9:00 a.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays (through October)
Where:  Ramsey Canyon Preserve, 27 Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford
Admission:  $5 per person; $3 per person for Nature Conservancy members and Cochise County residents
Info:  520-378-2785 or 1-800-288-3861

Ongoing through Oct 9, “Sierra Vista – A New Twist on Then”
Celebrate Sierra Vista’s history at the City’s Henry Hauser Museum.  The Sierra Vista Historical Society has researched several historically important sites and buildings throughout the city and has identified them with plaques.  The museum’s exhibit will honor the Society and display various documents and photographs showcasing our City’s history.

When:  Mon – Fri 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sat 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where:  Henry Hauser Museum, Ethel Berger Center, 2950 E. Tacoma Street, Sierra
Vista
Admission:  free
Info:  520-417-6980
Sep 3, 10, 17, 24, Farmers Market
Nothing tastes better than a fruit or vegetable picked, when ripe, directly from the tree or vine.  Enjoy all the locally grown produce as well as the other unique items and products.

When:  12:00 p.m. (noon) - 4:00 p.m.
Where:  Wilcox Drive and Carmichael Avenue, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free
Info:  520-378-2973 or 1-800-288-3861
Sep 5, 12, 19, 26, Friends of the San Pedro present “San Pedro River Walk”
Join docents on a two-mile interpretive walk over easy terrain along the river every Saturday morning.  The San Pedro River features some of the richest wildlife habitat in the United States.

When:  8:00 a.m.
Where:  San Pedro House, 9800 Highway 90, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free, donations gratefully accepted
Info:  520-459-2555 or www.sanpedroriver.org
Sep 5, 6, The Arizona Folklore Preserve presents “Michael Grande”
Guitar virtuoso Michael Grande performs at the intimate setting of the Folklore Preserve in beautiful, forested Ramsey Canyon.

When:  2:00 p.m.
Where:  Arizona Folklore Preserve, 44 E. Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford
Admission:  $15 for adults; $6 students 17 and under, reservations required
Info:  520-378-6165 or www.arizonafolklore.com
Sep 5, 11, 16, 25, Hummingbird Banding at the San Pedro House
With up to 10 species of hummingbirds using the San Pedro River as a migratory flyway, researchers collect data from the hummingbirds.  The public is invited to watch as the banders net, weigh, measure, feed and release the birds.  The public is also invited to “adopt a bird” during these sessions.

When:  4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where:  San Pedro House, 9800 Highway 90, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free, donations gratefully accepted
Info:  520-432-1388 or 1-800-288-3861, www.sabo.org

Sep 6, 20, Hummingbird Banding on Fort Huachuca
The public is invited to get an up-close look at the catch, band, weigh, measure and release by scientists of the tiny birds for research purposes. 

When:  ½ hour after sunrise to approximately 10:00 a.m.
Where:  The Public Affairs Office, Fort Huachuca
Admission:  free; see Note for entrance requirements onto the post
Info:  520-417-6960 or 1-800-288-3861
Note:  The post is an active military installation.  US Citizens are permitted access and every visitor over the age of 13 must have valid photo identification, plus current driver’s license and proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle.
Sep 6, 13, 20, 27, Bird Walk at the Environmental Operations Park
Join a 2-hour public bird watching tour, led by docents of several bird watching organizations, of the Environmental Operations Park.  Tours are restricted to 22 persons on a first-come, first-served basis. 

When:  7:00 a.m.
Where:  Environmental Operations Park, Hwy 90 between MM 324 and 325, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free; donations gratefully accepted
Info:  520-432-1388 or www.sabo.org

Sep 7, Huachuca Audubon Society presents “Field Trip to Sawmill Canyon”
This docent-led excursion to Sawmill Canyon, Fort Huachuca, is certainly aimed for the nature, bird and wildlife lover.

When:  7:00 a.m.
Where:  Meet at the Gateway Plaza (James Landwehr Plaza) to carpool onto Fort Huachuca. 
Admission:  free
Info:  520-234-4359 (Erika Wilson) or www.huachuca-audubon.org/index.php            
Note:  The post is an active military installation.  US Citizens are permitted access and every visitor over the age of 13 must have valid photo identification, plus current driver’s license and proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle.

Sep 7, 14, 21, 28, Huachuca Audubon Society presents “Bird watching on the San Pedro River”
All birdwatchers are welcome to join this 2-3 hour field trip onto private property to view incredible riparian habitat, including burrowing owl roosts.  Bring water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing.

When:  7:00 a.m.
Where:  Pull-off just west of the bridge on the north side of Hwy 92 (there is a rusty Quonset hut just before the turn-off, and a gate numbered 10663), Palominas
Admission:  free
Info:  520-366-5560

Sep 9, 26, Friends of the San Pedro present “Bird Walk”
Birders, novice or experienced, are invited to attend the bird walks led by docents of the Friends of the San Pedro River to introduce birders to the diverse avian community found along the river.

When:  7:00 a.m.
Where:  San Pedro House, 9800 Highway 90, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free, donations gratefully accepted
Info:  520-459-2555 or www.sanpedroriver.org 

Sep 11, 12, Oktoberfest
Sierra Vista’s largest fall festival is fun for the entire family.  With cooler autumn days and evenings, join family and friends for some beer and authentic German fare.  There will be lots of activities for the kids as well as live entertainment --- think oompah bands! – and arts and crafts vendors.

When:  Friday:  5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Saturday:  11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where:  Veterans’ Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free
Info:  520-458-7922

Sep 12, 13, The Arizona Folklore Preserve presents “Santa Cruz River Band”
One of the most popular groups, the Santa Cruz River Band, performs at the intimate setting of the Folklore Preserve in beautiful, forested Ramsey Canyon.

When:  2:00 p.m.
Where:  Arizona Folklore Preserve, 44 E. Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford
Admission:  $15 for adults; $6 students 17 and under, reservations required
Info:  520-378-6165 or www.arizonafolklore.com

Sep 13, The Friends of the San Pedro present “Santa Cruz de Terrenate” History Walk
Explore the ruins of the fortress, Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate.  Wear appropriate clothing, bring water and sunscreen.

When:  8:00 a.m.
Where:  contact Friends of the San Pedro for the meeting location
Admission:  free, donations gratefully accepted
Info:  520-459-2555 or www.sanpedroriver.org

Sep 13, Friends of the Huachuca Mountains present Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series at the Carr House
“We are For the Birds – The Riches of the Huachucas” is presented by Sheri Williamson, preeminent author and owner of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory.

When:  1:30 p.m.
Where:  Carr House, Hereford (Hwy 92 South to Carr Canyon Road, 2.1 miles to the Carr House)
Admission:  free
Info:  520-417-6960

Sep 16, Huachuca Audubon Society presents “Bird Walk to the Grasslands and San Pedro River”
Learn about the natural aspects of our community by accompanying a docent to the San Pedro River and surrounding grasslands.

When:  7:00 a.m.
Where:  San Pedro House, 9800 Highway 90, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free
Info:   520-515-9458 (Alan Blixt) or www.huachuca-audubon.org/index.php              

Sep 16 – 20, 25th Annual Sierra Vista Open
Celebrating its 25th year of competition, the Sierra Vista Open is one of Southern Arizona’s premier golf tournaments.  This 54-hole tournament draws amateurs along with the professionals. 

Admission:  visit the website for details
Where:  Pueblo del Sol Country Club, St. Andrew’s Drive, Sierra Vista
Info:  www.sierravistaopen.com/index.html

Sep 16, Friends of the San Pedro present “Evening Walk”
Join the docent-led walk along the river and learn about the vegetation, wildlife and importance of the river.

When:  5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where:  San Pedro House, 9800 Highway 90, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free, donations gratefully accepted
Info:  520-459-2555 or www.sanpedroriver.org 

Sep 19, Friends of the San Pedro present “Hereford Bridge Hike”
Take a 10-mile, rather strenuous, hike from Hereford to the San Pedro House.  This will involve bushwhacking and multiple river crossings.  This is a little visited section of the river, so come and learn.  Wear appropriate clothing, bring water and sunscreen.

When:  7:00 a.m.
Where:  San Pedro House, 9800 Highway 90, Sierra Vista (will carpool to Hereford and hike back to the San Pedro House)
Admission:  $5
Info:  520-459-2555 or www.sanpedroriver.org 
Sep 19, The Friends of the San Pedro present “Hereford Bridge” Equestrian Ride
Ride your own mount and enjoy the beautiful southwestern landscape and the camaraderie of others.  Reservations required.

When:  10:00 a.m.
Where:   Hereford Bridge North, Hereford
Admission:  free, donations gratefully accepted
Info: 520-456-1362 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sep 19, 5th Annual Sierra Vista Fiddle Contest
Enjoy the sounds of good old-fashioned, toe-tapping fiddle music.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and watch fiddlers from all over the region compete for monetary prizes.  To bring some more “green” into the competition, this is the only solar-powered fiddle contest in the U.S. and will feature a “Pot O’Gold Playoff” Celtic music competition.

When:  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where:  Veterans’ Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free
Info:  520-678-0397 (Jim) or www.ccyo.info

Sep 19, Guided Tour of Buffalo Soldier Historic Sites
Learn about the accomplishments and history of Fort Huachuca’s Buffalo Soldiers from member of the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers, as they take tour participants around Fort Huachuca.

Info:  520-417-6960 or 1-800-288-3861 for complete details
Note:  Fort Huachuca is an active military installation.  U.S. citizens may take the tour and must provide valid photo identification for all over the age of 13. 

Sep 19, 20, The Arizona Folklore Preserve presents “The Tumbling Tumbleweeds”
2008’s Western Music Association’s Crescendo Award for “most promising talent” winners, The Tumbling Tumbleweed, perform at the intimate setting of the Folklore Preserve in beautiful, forested Ramsey Canyon.

When:  2:00 p.m.
Where:  Arizona Folklore Preserve, 44 E. Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford
Admission:  $15 for adults; $6 students 17 and under, reservations required
Info:  520-378-6165 or www.arizonafolklore.com

Sep 25, 26, Oktoberfest
The Elks Lodge organizes a great Oktoberfest!  With cooler autumn days and evenings, join family and friends for some wine or beer and authentic German fare. 

When:  Friday:  4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Saturday:  4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where:  Elks Lodge, #1 Elks Lane, Sierra Vista
Admission:  free
Info:  520-458-2065
Sep 26, 27, The Arizona Folklore Preserve presents “Dolan Ellis”
Dolan Ellis, founder of the Arizona Folklore Preserve, performs “My Arizona Heroes” at the intimate setting of the Folklore Preserve in beautiful, forested Ramsey Canyon.

When:  2:00 p.m.
Where:  Arizona Folklore Preserve, 44 E. Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford
Admission:  $15 for adults; $6 students 17 and under, reservations required
Info:  520-378-6165 or www.arizonafolklore.com

Sep 27, Friends of the Huachuca Mountains present Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series at the Carr House
“And Then There is Grass” is presented by Jim Koweek, proprietor of Arizona Revegetation & Monitoring Co. and author, and gives us everything we’ve wanted to know about the region’s native grasses.   

When:  1:30 p.m.
Where:  Carr House, Hereford (Hwy 92 South to Carr Canyon Road, 2.1 miles to the Carr House)
Admission: free
Info:  520-417-6960

Contact: Erika Breckel, Media Relations Representative
      Communications & Marketing Division, City of Sierra Vista
      1011 N Coronado Dr., Sierra Vista, AZ, 85635
  (520) 417-6960 phone; (520) 417-4890 fax
   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
  www.VisitSierraVista.com
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