Countdown to Arizona's Centennial 
February 14, 2012
On February 14, 1912, after nearly 49 years as a U.S. territory and thousands of years as a sacred home to indigenous peoples, Arizona became the 48th state and the last of the contiguous states to enter the Union of the United States of America. Nearly 10 decades later, the Arizona Centennial Commission has begun planning a celebration of Arizona's 100th anniversary of statehood, to occur on February 14, 2012.
The Arizona Centennial Commission was created to execute a comprehensive plan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Arizona’s statehood and to coordinate national, regional, state and local observances of the Centennial. The Commission will organize a high concentration of Centennial Signature Projects, Signature Events and promotions to take place between September 2011 and February 2012. Additionally, the Commission will sanction community-generated Official Centennial Events taking place between February 2011 and December 2012.
The Commission will also collaborate with the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission to promote Legacy Projects among local Arizona cities, town and communities.
February 14, 2011 marked Arizona’s 99th Statehood Day and the official one-year Countdown to Arizona’s Centennial. Countdown to Centennial was held on the Arizona State Capitol Senate Lawn with elected officials, state employees, citizens and the media participating in this "kick-off" event. Showcased was the Official Centennial Mascot – the Arizona Copper Chopper! Plus Governor Janice Brewer formally announced the Children’s Legacy Project – the Arizona CENTennial Penny Drive.
To keep current, learn more and follow the planning progress on all fronts, visit www.arizona100.org.
And make plans now to share in this year-long celebration by visiting Tucson and Lodge on the Desert.
