Hope Fest

One of the best parts of 2021 has been the return of so many of our great special events here in Prescott. As we’ve begun to return to a sense of normalcy and venturing out to enjoy local restaurants and shops, we’ve also started seeing many more friendly faces at events in the community. Children are back in school and the days are beginning to feel a bit crisper each morning, which means that we’ll be welcoming changing leaves and fall soon enough as well. With the changing of the seasons, we’ll also see many of our favorite fall special events return as well as a number of new and first time events for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

The fall special event season kicks off with Faire on the Square, a longtime favorite arts and crafts show Labor Day Weekend on the Courthouse Plaza. Then, the Summer Concert Series will wind down with shows on Sept. 7, 9 and 10.

We will welcome the return of the Yavapai County Fair, Sept. 9-12, at the Rodeo Grounds. This year also will mark the 9th Annual HopeFest Arizona on Sept. 11, which also happens to be the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. HopeFest will feature community outreach, live music, resources and connections for our veterans, military, first responders and the vulnerable of Yavapai County. The Empty Bowls event returns Sept. 12, on the Courthouse Plaza.

Watson Lake hosts the Highland Games Sept. 25 and 26, and the Prescott Vette Sette takes over downtown with their all-Corvette car show on Sept. 25. Fallfest art show takes place Oct. 2-3 on the Courthouse Plaza. Some favorites return this year, including Dancing for the Stars on Oct. 2, Dogtoberfest Oct. 3, and the Big Sting Country Music Festival Oct. 14-16, at Watson Lake. The Prescott Plein Air outdoor art festival takes place Oct. 21. We will welcome a new event, the Whiskey Row Wine Festival, Oct. 23, at Mile High Middle School.

For those who want to burn a few calories while enjoying the great outdoors and fall temperatures, there are also a number of fitness-focused special events in the coming weeks, including the Thundercat Mountain Bike Race on Sept. 18, Whiskey Row Marathon on Oct. 9, the AZ High School Cycling Race Oct. 9 and10, Prescott 6’er Bike Race Oct.16, and the Halloween Kids 5k on Oct. 27. There is truly something for everyone this fall and all of these events lead us into my personal favorite time of year here in Prescott: our festive holiday season.

To learn about upcoming events like these and more, there are a few great resources for you to search: the City of Prescott Website at Prescott-az.gov/events and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce website at Prescott.org. QCBN

By Greg Mengarelli, QCBN

Greg Mengarelli is the mayor of Prescott.