Summer Solstice Events at Chaco

News Release Date: May 16, 2007

Contact: Russ Bodnar, [phone] ext. 240

Chaco Culture National Historical Park will host the Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers who will present traditional social dances in the plaza of Pueblo Bonito throughout the day on Thursday, June 21, 2007.  The public is invited to attend the dances and celebrate the start of summer at Chaco with our special guests from the Pueblo of Zuni

The Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers will dance at 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm in the plaza of Pueblo Bonito. Pueblo Bonito is located 4 1/2 miles from the visitor center on the canyon loop drive.  Photography (non-commercial) is permitted. 

On the mornings of June 19^th, 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd Park Ranger G B Cornucopia will present a program at the great kiva Casa Rinconada at sunrise (6:00am) where a solstice marker can be observed.  Park gates will open at 5:30am.

Pueblo potters Diane and Roger Candelaria from San Felipe Pueblo will demonstrate their traditional art on Wednesday, June 20^th and Thursday June
21 ^st from 10am to 4pm at the Visitor Center patio.

Superintendent Barbara West states “Summer solstice 2007 will be a very special time at Chaco. Help us celebrate the beginning of summer and share in the rich traditions that began at Chaco a thousand years ago and are still alive and well in native peoples today."

The park is approximately 70 miles south of Farmington, off Hwy 550 (formerly NM 44) on County Road 7900 and 7950. 

The Gallo Campground is extremely limited (25 sites).  Please consider alternate camping options, and call the park for more information (505-786-7014 ext 240).