Sedona, AZ: On Saturday, December 15, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park celebrates a Riordan Christmas Tradition from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas in traditional fashion by touring the Riordan's historic homes decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Historic quilts loaned by the Coconino Quilter's Guild will also enliven the Mansion's interior. There will be Christmas Crafts in the Visitor Center for the children to make and take home. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there as well.
Enjoy musical performances by the Suzuki violin students, Adult Handbell Choir from Trinity Heights United Methodist Church and the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Choir. The day's events will also feature a lecture on Christmas Traditions. The performances and visitation to the Michael Riordan wing on this day are free to the public. Regular fees apply for tours of the Timothy Riordan family home.
This event will also commemorate Arizona State Parks' 50th anniversary. This will be a celebration with dignitaries and a cake cutting at 10:45 a.m. The 50th Anniversary displays will be featured including educational booths and activities for children.
For more information call Riordan Mansion State Historic Park at (928) 779-4395. Riordan Mansion is closed Christmas Day and is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Riordan Road.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is festively decorated and open daily throughout the holiday season. Winter hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours will begin each hour and include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas. The first tour is at 11:00 a.m. and the last tour is at 4:00 p.m. Tour reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, call (928) 779-4395. Regular entrance fees are $6 for adults, $2.50 for children aged 7 to 13, children aged 6 and younger are free.
The Riordan Family
Timothy and Michael Riordan were prominent pioneer Flagstaff businessmen who developed a successful logging business, the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. The two brothers were known for their essential contributions to the development of the social and economic structure of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. Tim and Mike married the Metz sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth. Tim and Caroline had two daughters; Mike and Elizabeth had six children. The two close-knit families built a large mansion comprised of two separate homes connected by a common area known as the billiard room.
Riordan Mansion
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, the Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure - a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, more than 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servant's quarters.
This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from October 2006 through December 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, plein art shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations and astronomy galas. Hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the many secret places and stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.
