Spur Cross Archaeology Fair
The Spur Cross Archaeology Fair Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 9:00am to 3:00pm is taking shape. The location is Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area: Sponsored by Maricopa County Parks, Cave Creek Museum, Desert Foothills Chapter of Arizona Archaeological Society, and Desert Foothills Land Trust.
Confirmed participants so far are Cave Creek Museum, Desert Foothills Chapter of Arizona Archaeological Society, Desert Awareness Committee, Desert Foothills Land Trust, Glen Dotson pottery, geology, Gold Stamp Mill Team from Cave Creek Museum, Friends of Tonto National Forest, and Verde Valley Archaeology Center.
The various activities available are hikes, pottery and gold panning demonstrations, children's arts and crafts, and geology booth. There is a special talk from Mark Hackbarth, local archaeologist, speaking on the prehistory of the area at 1:00pm. Hikes include First Mesa and Jewel of the Creek at this time. Hikers should be prepared for desert walking with appropriate footwear, hats, snacks, and an adequate supply of bottled water!
Although the fair is free, there is a $3/adult park entrance fee. Children under 16 and those with Maricopa County Park passes are free. From Cave Creek Road, turn North on to Spur Cross Road and Spur Cross Conservation Area is 4.5 miles north. Please check the Arizona Archaeological Society (AAS) website https://azarchsoc.wildapricot.org under "Events” for the finalized schedule of activities and complete listing of activities and participants once confirmations are received or https://azarchsoc.wildapricot.org/desertfoothills under events heading.
NOTE: More details and information as arrangements and confirmations evolve. Please check back...
HIKES:
At 9:00 am join us for a hike to First Mesa along with archaeologist Mark Hackbarth to prehistoric Hohokam dwellings. This is a moderate 2.5 mile hike with some uphill walking on gravel/rocks. Allow a minimum of two hours.
At 10:30 am join the Desert Foothills Land Trust staff and docents as we tour the Jewel of the Creek Preserve, once known as the mining town of Liscum. We will hike through the beautiful riparian habitat that surrounds Cave Creek, and will visit remnants of the past at the Maricopa Mine. This is an easy 1 ½ mile hike but requires a down/up a gravel path and crossing the stream.
SPEAKER OF THE DAY
At 1:00pm join archaeologist Mark Hackbarth for his talk on the prehistory of the local foothill areas.
