Category Archives: Williams

Bearizona Backwoods BBQ- Redneck Family Fun for All

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Bearizona Backwoods BBQ music into the night. - Photo Courtesy of Bearizona

Bearizona Backwoods BBQ music into the night. – Photo Courtesy of Bearizona

WILLIAMS – Bearizona is hosting a Backwoods BBQ on July 26, from 12:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m. This event will be held in the Fort Bearizona walk-thru area of the park and is open to the public.

Live country music throughout the day, headlined by Marble Heart at 5:00 p.m., will set the mood for the event. Kids can jump ‘til their hearts content and get some Bearizona ink, in our Kid Zone. Barbecue food will be available for purchase as well as local beverage favorites Grand Canyon Brewery, Grand Canyon Winery, Historic Brewing Company & all your domestic favorites as well.

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Bearizona BBQ 2013. – Photo courtesy of Bearizona.

Bearizona is excited to welcome the Phoenix Herpetological Society who will be at the event with an alligator and an 18’ snake that attendees, who are adventurous enough, can get up-close, touch and get their picture taken with them. There will also be Bearizona’s walk thru animals on exhibit for all to see, including those adorable bear cubs.

Advance discount tickets for the Bearizona Backwoods BBQ can be purchased by going to www.bearizona.com. $8 ages (4-12) and $18 (13 & Up). Tickets at the event will cost $10 ages (4-12) and $20 (13 & Up). Tickets will get you into both the drive-thru and walk-thru areas of the park, however the drive-thru closes at 7p.m. Bearizona pass holders get into the event for free.

Folks who are interested in staying the night are encouraged to book their room at our preferred hotel vendor The Grand Canyon Railway.

Bearizona’s mission is to promote conservation through memorable and educational encounters with North American wildlife in a natural environment.

We will be available for live interviews at Phoenix Herpetological Society Wednesday morning with critters (gator, snake & baby porcupine). Please call to schedule.

One Dead Following a One Vehicle Rollover Collision near Williams

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WILLIAMS – Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives are investigating a one vehicle roll over collision that occurred on Monday, July 21, 2014 at about 5:25 pm on Drake road in close proximity to the Bar Heart Ranch headquarters. There were two vehicle occupants; the driver and a front seat passenger.

At this point in the investigation deputies believe the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed as it crested the hill just to the east of the Bar Heart Ranch. It is believed the driver began to lose control as the vehicle reached the bottom of the hill and slid across both lanes of traffic. The vehicle hit a large rock on the shoulder of the road and eventually rolled over once completely and then flipped end over end one time completely. Deputies believe 32-year old Rocky Deibler of Williams was ejected at the beginning of the roll and came to rest approximately 20 feet from where he left the vehicle resulting in severe head trauma.

Mr. Deibler was flown to the Flagstaff Medical Center by Native Air medical transport where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. The second vehicle occupant was taken to the Yavapai Regional Medical Center by Lifeline Medical transport where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Deputies are investigating the possibility that impairment from the consumption of alcohol or other substances may have played a role in this collision. Investigators are attempting to determine which of the two occupants was driving at the time of the collision. No enforcement action has been take at this time.

The deceased victim was taken to the office of the Coconino County Medical Examiner for further examination and investigation.

Arizona Department of Public Safety Officers assisted with this investigation. Additional agencies that responded and assisted with patient care, the collision investigation, or scene management include the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Chino Fire Department, and the Ash Fork Fire Department.

Five Feet High and Rising

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buckskin-risingWILLIAMS – The current monsoon season seems to have done some good for Williams. You will probably not see a difference looking at Santa Fe dam or some of the other reservoirs.

The Buckskinner Park reservoir is a bit different. It is easier to see the water rise against the dam built there.

In May when both the dam at Buckskinner and Santa Fe are expected to be overflowing, the water in both was lowering.

A recent picture a few days ago shows that the water is clearly rising.

As for future precipitation, there is a 20% chance of rain before 11pm tonight dropping to 10% chance tomorrow. It will be partly cloudy Sunday returning to clear on Monday. There is a slight chance of rain the rest of the week.

Bearizona Backyard BBQ July 26th

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backwoods-bbqBearizona will hold its Backwoods Barbeque July 26th from 12 pm to 9 pm at the Fort Bearizona Walk-Thru Area. The drive-thru portion of the park will only be open through 7 pm, so make sure you come early if you wanted to include this in your visit.

Annual Pass Holders get in free, but must pay for food, beverages and bounce houses. Pass holders must also RSVP for event by emailing bearizonawp@gmail.com with the number attending.

Online Pre-Sale Tickets

$8+tax (Ages 4-12)
$18+tax (Ages 13 and Up)

Tickets at the Gate

$10+tax (Ages 4-12)
$20+tax (Ages 13 and Up)

Events include:

  • Live Country Music throughout the day, headlined by Marble Heart at 5 pm
  • View Bearizona’s Walk-Thru Animals-Including Adorable Bear Cubs
  • Jump ’til Your Hearts Content on our Bounce Houses $3.00 for all day bracelet
  • Get Hands-On with Gators and Snakes who make a special appearance during this event only 3 pm 8 pm. Other Critters will be out throughout the day for an up-close encounter.
  • Yummy BBQ, Grand Canyon Brewery, Historic Brewing Company and Grand Canyon Winery Selections Available for Purchase

You can book your hotel room with their preferred partner—The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

Bring your blanket or lawn chair and get gussied up in your backwoods best. Think Duck Dynasty meets Red Neck.

Rain probable through Tuesday

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20140524 136WILLIAMS – The monsoons appear to be building up strength, again, according to the long range weather forecast. The outlook for both Flagstaff and Williams are virtually the same.

Tomorrow the chance for precipitation and lightning is 50% rising to 60% on Monday. The chance drops back to 50% Monday night and Tuesday. Winds will be nominal about 3- to 8-mph throughout the same period.

The weather service warns of moderate to heavy rainfall.

Independence Day Celebration in Williams

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independence day01WILLIAMS – The Independence day celebration in Williams was filled with activity. The weekly Kiwanis swap meet opened on Friday. The Williams Aquatic Center held a free swim and there was a community event and prayer on Saturday.

Williams was prevented from conducting a fireworks display again, but there was lightning and rain.

The parade this year was held in the evening and was larger than normal. If you missed it, here it is:

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Fire restrictions lifted in Coconino and Kaibab

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640px-Kaibab-140709-02FLAGSTAFF – Due to significant and widespread rain and rapidly decreasing fire danger, the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in northern Arizona will lift all fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8.

640px-Kaibab-140709-01Managers typically lift fire restrictions when at least a half inch of precipitation has been received over more than two-thirds of the forests. To date, many areas of both forests have received double that amount of precipitation, with an inch or more of rain being reported in many locations. Fire danger has decreased dramatically from “extreme” last week to “moderate” today.

Besides lifting all fire restrictions, the Kaibab National Forest will also reopen the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed on the Williams Ranger District tomorrow morning, which had been closed to public entry due to wildfire risk. The Coconino National Forest is evaluating conditions in Fossil Creek and will make a determination later this week about the appropriate time to reopen the area.

“With the onset of the monsoon season, the low number of human-caused fire starts, and the availability of many firefighting resources, we are comfortable that it is the appropriate time to lift fire restrictions,” said Holly Kleindienst, deputy fire staff officer for the Kaibab National Forest. “Fire restrictions were extremely effective this year in reducing the number of fires caused by people. We are thankful to our visitors for their help in preventing fires by complying with the restrictions that were in effect.”

800px-bee-01The two forests initially implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on April 18. This was relatively early but was necessary due to a dry winter and impacts of long-term drought on the forests. Additional fire restrictions and area closures were implemented as the forests faced increasing levels of fire danger through the spring and summer.

While all fire restrictions will be lifted as of tomorrow, forest visitors are always expected to use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. For information on preventing human-caused fires.

Independence celebration in Williams

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“And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them. In short, the flames kindled on the 4th. of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism. On the contrary they will consume those engines, and all who work them.” — Thomas Jefferson, September 12, 1821 letter to friend John Adams.

star-spangled-bannerWILLIAMS – The small town celebration of Independence in the city of Williams is filled with everything except fireworks. The only fireworks display will come from the possible thunderstorms through the weekend. Very little precipitation is expected.

The celebration by celebrating the birth date of one of the cities most prominent citizens born on the day Congress declared independence from Great Britain on July 2d. After Congress voted for independence, John Adams wrote a letter to his beloved Abigail which included this oft quoted selection:

“But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.- I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfire and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. – I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. – Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Despite the limitations, Williams will move forward with a full weekend of activities. In addition to the planned activities, you can also plan a trip to the Grand Canyon with Marvelous Marv’s Private Grand Canyon Tour. Drive through Bearizona wild life park and check out the animals up close in the walk through area. Or take a ride on the Zipline on Railroad Avenue.

When you get hungry, you can try out one of the restaurants in Williams noted by the award winning Arizona Highways magazine. Twister’s on the east end of town, Red Raven in the Grand Canyon Hotel on Second Avenue, and the most recently honored Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe. We suggest you try the signature Canyon Burrito. All of these establishments are located right along historic Route 66.

KIWANIS CLUB “ROUTE 66 STREET MARKET” (JULY 4-6) Every weekend starts on Friday with the Kiwanis Club Route 66 Street Market to support Kiwanis scholarships. The market is located on Railroad Avenue across the street from Williams Memorial Park on the west end of town. For more info contact Bud 928-635-4393.
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WORLD MISSION FUND RAISER (JULY 4) 11am. BBQ, chicken on a stick, hot dogs, sno-cones, drinks, bounce house, balloon toss, cupcake walk, watermelon eating contest. Free activities for kids. Family Harvest Church 220 S. Seventh Street. More information 928 635 5208

COMMUNITY EVENT (July 4th) 1pm-6pm Williams and Forest Service Visitor Parking Lot on the corner of Railroad Ave and Grand Canyon Blvd. Community Prayer at 1:00pm. 2pm-6pm Food, games, crafters. For more information 928 635-0273 x 210.

TRACTOR DISPLAY – (JULY 4-6) from 9am-6pm- Hit & Miss engine and Tractors. Located on 2nd street and Route 66

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION – (July 4th) Noon-4pm Williams Aquatic Center (RAILROAD AVE) Hot Dogs, Door Prizes, Fun, Games, families Welcome, Free Community Swim 12pm-4pm. Free Lunch from noon-2pm. Sponsored by Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center.

COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (July 4th) 4pm Ice Cream Social4pm. 127 W. Sherman Ave.
Call 928 6352511 for more information.

STAR GAZING (JULY 4) 7:30 pm-9:30 pm Glassburn Park, natural area. Bring your own telescope or observe the night sky through the large telescopes provided by the Coconino Astronomical Society. Bring a blanket, chair and a friend.

HOME TOWN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE (JULY 4) 6:30 pm. This year’s theme is “Pride in Our Past…Faith in Our Future.” Parade down old Route 66. Bring your Red White and Blue!

WORLD SERIES OF TEAM ROPING QUALIFIER (JULY 4-7) Fuller productions, where team ropers compete in the best team roping event in Arizona. Located at the rodeo grounds (800 Rodeo Road). Call 928.692.8465 for more information.

STEAM TO THE CANYON (JULY 5) Celebrate the 4th of July weekend by riding the historic locomotive #4960 to the Grand Canyon. www.thetrain.com

Brenda Barton to hold town hall meetings in Williams and Flagstaff

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BARTONArizona State Representative Brenda Barton and crew will be holding town hall meetings in Williams and Flagstaff today and tomorrow. They will be in Williams at the City Hall on First Street from 11:30 to 1:30 pm today and in Flagstaff at 4:30 tomorrow at the Fourth Street Professional Building, 2501 N. 4th Street.

From there, they will continue to Sedona and the Arizona Cottonwood Chamber, ending at her home in Payson, Arizona

Life springing up in Williams

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Duck population increases

Duck population increases

WILLIAMS – Despite the dire water situation in Williams, the duck population is increasing in Williams. Here seven ducklings follow mommy through the low water of Santa Fe reservoir.

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The only notable weather in the forecast is two more days of high winds. Monday winds are expected to rise in the afternoon 29 to 34 mph with gusts of 50 mph continuing throughout the night. On Tuesday the southwest wind will start at 17 to 22 mph rising to 21 to 31 mph with gusts up to 47 continuing through Tuesday night. The high winds are expected to cease Wednesday and running through the rest of the forecast. No rain is included in the immediate forecast.

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It appears that for the immediate future, Williams will have to maintain its plant life with grey water.