Western National Parks will host The National Park Experience Pavilion at the Tucson Festival of Books on Saturday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, on the University of Arizona’s Main Campus.
A two-day, family-friendly, communitywide celebration of literature, the event is one of the country’s largest book festivals.
LEARN MORE: Palo District at former Fiesta Mall site in Mesa gets 2 new hotels
FOOD NEWS: 25 places for great patio dining in Arizona
With free admission, the Tucson Festival of Books features hundreds of local, regional, and national authors, independent presses and literacy-focused organizations.
The National Park Experience Pavilion will include booths and programming for visitors to learn about the history, culture, science, the outdoors and national parks.
Tucson is within driving distance of many national parks, including Saguaro National Park, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Chiricahua National Monument and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Western National Parks-sponsored events at The Pavilion will include an extensive lineup of panel discussions and presentations featuring 18 authors, including Craig Childs, Bridget Crocker, Priyanka Kumar, Kelly Ramsey and River Selby.
Guest moderators include Kevin Fedarko, a two-time National Outdoor Book Award winner and author of “The Emerald Mile” and “A Walk in the Park.” Visit wnp.org/tfob for a complete lineup of events and panelists.
The Pavilion will also include two shopping opportunities at The Hubbell Trading Post Tent and The National Parks Store Tent, and a publishing table where organization’s award-winning publishing team will share book and trail guide highlights.
At the Hubbell Trading Post Tent — hosted by the staff of the oldest continuously operating trading post in the American Southwest — browse authentic Navajo rugs and jewelry for purchase. Diné (Navajo) Trader Wallace James Jr. will share personal stories of Hubbell Trading Post and discuss the cultural significance and art of Navajo rugs and weaving. Artist demonstrations by Diné weaver Tonita Yazzie will occur throughout the day.
Purchases from both tents will support the more than 70 national park sites across 12 states.
Other events and activities at The Pavilion include booths hosted by Western National Parks’ partner parks, volunteers and other organizations. The Junior Ranger Jamboree will allow kids to track their journey through the tent while exploring science, history, culture and storytelling — with plenty of free giveaways to help youth and families get outdoors.
Information: wnp.org
