It all began with a dog bite and ended with the first car chase tracking fugitives in rural Arizona. Even President Woodrow Wilson became involved in the case.

Hear the backstory of the case from the maker of the film “The Dog Bite Murders,” Clint Clarkson,  from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, McFarland State Historic Park, 24 W. Ruggles St.

Clarkson, a cinematographer, director and writer, has years of experience in independent filmmaking. Portions of “The Dog Bite Murders” were filmed in McFarland State Park’s historic courtroom.

The special presentation is a collaboration of the town of Florence, Friends of the Viney Jones Library and the Pinal County Historical Museum. It is coordinated by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

The event is part of Ernest Talks, a free lecture series at the park. “The Dog Bite Murders” presentation is a new part of the series dedicated to the arts, film and music.

“We wanted to offer something new and unique to the community and visitors. The series is designed to bring exciting programs on thought-provoking topics to McFarland State Park,” stated Sherri Butler, special events director for the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, in a press release.

From 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, the chamber is hosting a health and wellness event at Padilla Park, 40 N. Quartz St. The event will be running in conjunction with the Florence Farmers Market across the street.

The park is also hosting open houses in its newly renovated gift shop from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday of each month through April to promote local vendors and artisans.

McFarland State Historic Park is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday from October through April, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. from May through September. General admission is $5 per person except for special events. Ages 18 and under are free.

Dating back to 1878, the park is the site of one of Arizona’s oldest courthouses. Used through the years as a courtroom, jail, and a hospital, it now features unique exhibits on Arizona and U.S. history. Self-guided tours, and tours with storytelling docents, are available.

The park is named for Arizona statesman and Florence resident Ernest W. “Mac” McFarland, who served as a U.S. senator, U.S. senate majority leader, Arizona governor and chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. He is also known as a “Father of the GI Bill,” considered by many as the most successful pieces of social legislation in U.S. history.

The full event schedule and more information are available at www.azstateparks.com/mcfarland.