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Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at the Annual Mariachi Festival in Southern Arizona at Patagonia Lake State Park on May 16

(Phoenix, AZ - April 13, 2015) - Make plans to head south for the sounds of traditional and modern Mexican Mariachi Band music. Patagonia Lake State Park, near Nogales, Ariz., will host the 19th Annual Mariachi Festival at Boulder Beach on Saturday, May 16, 2015 (see full lineup below).

"The day's activities will include a wide variety of Southern Arizona Mariachi bands and dancers on stage," said Executive Director Sue Black. "At Patagonia Lake, you can also camp, fish, swim, take nature walks and you'll see lots of birds."

On-hand at the Mariachi Festival will be authentic Mexican food, hot dogs, hamburgers, kettle corn and shaved ice. Visitors may also bring their own picnic basket and there will be a piñata for the kids at Noon! Don't forget to bring: plenty of water, lawn chair, sunscreen and hat.

Celebrate Kids to Parks Day on May 16, 2015 as proclaimed by Governor Douglas A. Ducey. Kids to Parks Day empowers kids and encourages families to get outdoors and visit parks. It is important to introduce a new generation to our parks and encourage them to lead more active lifestyles to combat the issues of childhood obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Kids to Parks Day is open to all children and adults across the country to encourage a large and diverse group of participants.

Schedule

9 a.m.: Mariachi Innovacion

10 a.m.: Mariachi Alegre

11 a.m.: Mariachi Sonido de Mexico

Noon: Piñata

12:15 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Arizona

1 p.m.: Nogales High School Apaches

2 p.m.: Mariachi Sol Azteca

3 p.m.: Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School

Patagonia Lake State Park will have overflow parking available and a shuttle service to the event area. Visitors should arrive early for best parking. The fee to enter Patagonia Lake State Park is $15 per vehicle for up to four adults (fee per additional adult is $3), the fee for walk-in visitors is $3. The Park Entrance Station opens at 7 a.m. The park is located 7 miles past the town of Patagonia, Arizona. Take I-10 East to Hwy 83 South to Hwy 82. For more information contact Patagonia Lake State Park at (520) 287-6965 or visit AZStateParks.com/parks/PALA.

Electric campsites are available starting at $25 per night and non-electric campsites are available for $20 per night. Make a reservation to ensure a campsite. Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283 open, which is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.

For information about all 28 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703). Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.