Hello SFBAPG members:

This June we have a great opportunity to attend a festival in (and for) our Pacific Southwest Region. And it's just a short plane trip away. Keep in mind that the next Puppeteers of America festival will be in 2005, and it will be far away in Minneapolis. You might want to take advantage now!

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Registration for the Puppets for Everyone Festival is only $100 for P of A members if you register by May 1. The Festival is June 24-27 in Chandler, Arizona. And make your plane reservations soon for good prices. You can fly into Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. You can take a shuttle, cab or limo to the San Marcos Resort in Chandler, or you might want to rent a car so you can visit unique places in the area. Update: No hotel shuttle exists from the airport. Your choices are (1) Super Shuttle at $17 per person or (2) a taxi at $35. A taxi is a lot easier to get, and more direct - and, of course, would be a lot less expensive per person if you have three or more people.

The Heard Museum in Phoenix has a huge collection of Indian artifacts and art and a great gift shop. Taliesen West in North Scottsdale was built by Frank Lloyd Wright. There are ancient Indian ruins in Phoenix and nearby Coolidge. Desert Botanical Garden has desert plants from all over the world, with a specialization in the Sonoran Desert. The Grand Canyon is about 7 hours away, but you might want to extend your stay in Arizona to see it. If enough people are interested, we'll put together a tour van to take you up there.

Check the website at www.azpuppetfest.com for performances and workshops at the festival. You can download a registration form and send it off to Hank and Karen Stewart to reserve your spot. And be sure to contact the San Marcos Resort directly to reserve your room.

LOOKING FOR A ROOMMATE?

We have a roommate registry at the Festival Office. Please call 602-262-2050 or e-mail azpuppets aol.com to let us know if you would like a roommate for the festival. Please specify male or female and smoking or non-smoking.

Come to the Festival! Puppets for Everyone is for you!