October, 2009 - April, 2010 Florence Farmers Market on Historic Main Street This is a mini farmers' market and craft show held every Saturday morning in downtown Florence.  Check out local artisans and vendors every Saturday morning from 8:00am - 1:00pm on historic Main Street. FREE booth space. Time: 11:00 am Location: 10th and Main Street Cost: Free Information: Debbie Kiern at beadladydk@yahoo.com (480)215-7216 www.mainlyflorence.webs.com

Sunday, January 10, 2010 The Escape of The Apache Kid The presentation by Doug Hamilton describes the events leading up to the trial, the escape, the events that occurred afterward, and what became of The Apache Kid. Time: 2:00 pm Location: Pinal County Historical Society Museum, 715 S. Main Street Cost: Free Information: Pinal County Historical Society Museum, 520-868-4382.

Saturday, January 23, 2010 Florence Woman’s Club Fashion Show The annual event will feature a Victorian Era Fashion Show with lunch. Proceeds benefit the Florence Woman’s Club. Time: 11:00 am Location: Florence Woman’s Club, 231 N. Willow Street Cost: $10.00 Information: Florence Woman’s Club, (520)868-8197

Monday, February 8 – Monday, February 15, 2010 Estrella War XXV A gathering of medieval and Renaissance history enthusiasts from around the world. Featuring: Martial Arts-Medieval combat, Art & Equestrian activities. Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily Location: Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 Price Station Road Cost: $35.00 - $65.00 depending on dates of attendance Information: Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. www.estrellawar.org

Saturday, February 13, 2010 25th Annual Tour of Historic Florence Explore the history of one of Arizona’s oldest towns. The self-guided tour highlights the history and architecture of Florence dating back to Territorial days. There will be a variety of activities in addition to the tour including an antique and collectible sale at the Florence Woman’s Club, the Rotary Club used book sale, and a photography exhibit at the Pinal County Historical Museum. The Florence Aeromodeler Club will host a Fun Fly and Swap Meet. Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: The tour begins at the Florence Visitor Center, 291 N. Bailey Street. Free transportation provided to all sites. Cost: $12.00 Adults ($10.00 advance), Children 18 and under are free. Group rates are available. Information: Florence Main Street Program (520)868-4496, (866)977-4496; info@florencemainstreet.com      $2.00 OFF COUPON                              Florence Aeromodeler Fun Fly  and  Website

Sunday, February 21, 2010 27th Florence Prison Run Time: Party begins at 11 am Location: Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds - 4 miles south of Florence Cost: $20 per person (21 or older only) Information: 602-570-0993; www.florenceprisonrun.com

Friday, March 12, 2010 Reel Kids Fishing Derby & Family Campout The Town of Florence Parks and Recreation Department invites you and your family to the annual Reel Kids Fishing Derby and Family Campout on Friday, March 12th.  Join us as we turn Heritage Park into "Lake Florence" and provide lots of activities for everyone.  The day activities include: fishing, games, music, and food. Kids 18 and under may participate in the fishing derby, prizes are awarded to kids who present tagged fish to the judges.  At the conclusion of the fishing derby at 8:00pm, the adults can join the fun.  Time: Tent set-up between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The Derby runs 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Location: Heritage Park, 600 N. Main Street Cost: Free Information: Florence Parks and Recreation, (520)868-7589,

Saturday & Sunday, March 27 - 28, 2010 The Bike MS: Round up Ride 2009 The Ride will include a figure-eight route that travels through Florence, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Sacaton, and Queen Creek. As always, Bike MS is fully supported with rest stops, medical personnel, and support and gear vehicles to help along the way. The start, finish and overnight celebration will all take place at Heritage Park in Florence. This new location provides more overnight options to cyclists, who can choose to stay in a hotel, camp out, rent an RV, or sleep at home between the two days of cycling.  Time: Check-in will begin at 6:00 am, ride starts at 7:00 am on both days. Arrive early! Location: Start, Overnight and Finish Area: Heritage Park, 600 N. Main Street Information: National MS Society-Arizona Chapter; 1-800-344-4867; www.aza.nationalmssociety.org

Thursday – Saturday, April 14 - 17, 2010 Country Thunder USA – 2010 Line up to be announced. Location: Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 E. Price Road Information & Tickets: (520)868-9711, 130 N. Main Street, www.countrythunder.com

Sunday, July 4, 2010 Florence Freedom Fest Family Day events, Horseshoe Tournament, Florence “Fiery Salsa” challenge,  Red, White and Blue Family Parade, Pool activities, Entertainment, Vendors and Fireworks Show!  Time: All day Location: Heritage Park, 600 N. Main Street Cost: Free Information: Florence Parks and Recreation, (520)868-7589

Saturday, October 16, 2010 5th Annual Florence Multicultural Festival The festival celebrates the diverse cultures found throughout Arizona and in Florence through music, dance and cultural exhibitions. Activities include performing arts groups, food and merchandise vendors. Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Location: Jaques Square (corner of Main & 8th Streets) Cost: Free Information: Florence Main Street Program, (520)868-4496, info@florencemainstreet.com

Sunday, October 31, 2010 Halloween Carnival Dress up in your favorite costume and join the fun! Game booths, crafts, food vendors, costume and pumpkin carving contests are just a few of the activities that will be occurring on this spooky night. Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Florence Little League Field, 8th Street. Cost: Free Information: Florence Parks and Recreation, (520)868-7589

Saturday & Sunday, November 27-28, 2010 78th Annual Florence Junior Parada The Florence Junior Parada is the oldest sanctioned youth rodeo in the United States.  The weekend’s activities include the annual Saturday morning parade along Main Street followed by the Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.   The rodeo attracts youngsters ages five to 18 from across the Southwest. Over the years, some of these youngsters have gone on to compete nationally. Time: Parade: 10:00 am; Rodeo 1:00 pm Location: Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds located 3 miles south of Florence on Hwy 79 Cost: $5.00 per carload Information: Pinal County Historical Museum, 715 S. Main Street (520)868-4382 or florencejuniorparada@yahoo.com, www.rodeofan.webs.com

Friday, December 3, 2010 Christmas on Main Street & Holiday Light Parade The festivities begin with the Holiday Light Parade of illuminated floats. Following the parade, take your picture with Santa while you enjoy the decorations, luminaries, crafts and activities on Main Street. Food, fun and games add to the festive music and entertainment on Main Street.  The evening ends with the Pinal County Courthouse Lighting that will include Christmas caroling on the courthouse lawn. Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Holiday Light Parade begins at 6:00 pm Location: North Main Street, Historic Downtown Florence Cost: Free Information: Florence Parks and Recreation, (520)868-7589