June has been deemed “Great Outdoors Month” by Gov. Jan Brewer as she urges Arizonans to get outside and enjoy what the state has to offer. For locals and visitors of Sedona, that’s not a problem.

Sedona and the surrounding area offer an abundance of opportunities to take advantage of Arizona’s outdoors including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, camping and biking, plus numerous events at state parks in Northern Arizona. Doing all that in the red rock scenery isn’t half-bad either.

“Arizonans should get out and experience Arizona’s beauty and enjoy healthy activities such as biking, swimming, hiking and fishing in the month of June,” Brewer said. “Events such as [the Verde Valley Fishing Fun Day] at Dead Horse Ranch State Park have a significant economic impact on the communities and counties of Arizona.”

In recognition of Great Outdoors Month and National Fishing and Boating Week, which happened the first week of June, Verde Valley Fishing Fun Day included games and activities for children of all ages and free catfish fishing in the lagoon.

But just because National Fishing and Boating Week has passed, it doesn’t mean people can’t still enjoy those activities in the nearby Verde River.

For the full story, please see the Friday, June 14, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.