This year, I know we are all looking forward to celebrating together as there is much to look forward to.
Several weeks ago, we all saw the first signs of summer with warmer temperatures and the first of many events at the Courthouse Plaza. As the white tents went up and people wandered from merchant to merchant, it really began to look like summertime in our community. The Plaza arts and crafts fairs have become a real draw for Prescott and with so many merchants, there really is something for everyone. These events promote the vitality of our beautiful downtown corridor and mark the start of summertime special events where there is truly something for every member of the family.
Prescott is home to more than 450 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian activity and mountain biking. These trails lend themselves to a number of special events centered on mountain biking or running, and provide options for people of any age and skill level. Throughout the summer, a number of local non-profit organizations will host mountain biking events on trails throughout the community and for the first time, the Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance will host its “Best Party of the Year” for two days this month. For more information on the event, please visit prescottmtb.com. If you prefer to enjoy the local trails on foot, there are also a variety of trail running events this summer.
The historic downtown plaza is also once again alive and bustling with artists, woodworkers, food vendors and a variety of other merchants. Last summer we all missed seeing pop-ups nearly every weekend as so many of the art and festival events on the plaza were canceled. This year, happily, these events are back. Beginning in early May and running throughout summer on various weekends, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather while supporting merchants at these events. In addition to daytime art and craft festivals, music lovers will again be able to enjoy the annual Summer Concert Series, kicking off this year with the Ponderosa Grove Record Release on June 18. These events also allow tourists to experience the variety of local shops and restaurants in our downtown area and enhance the liveliness of our community.
One new event worth mentioning this year is the Arizona High School Finals Rodeo, June 2-6, at the Rodeo Grounds. This is the first time Prescott has hosted the event in many years, and it will bring dozens of young athletes, their families and supporters to town. Let’s be sure to give them a warm welcome! For information about the event, go to AHSRA.com.
All of these events lead up to what many consider the event of the year, the World’s Oldest Rodeo. Prescott Frontier Days annually hosts the Rodeo and surrounding events in the days leading up to the 4th of July. To purchase tickets, please visit worldsoldestrodeo.com.
This year, I know we are all looking forward to celebrating together as there is much to look forward to. QCBN
By Greg Mengarelli, QCBN
Greg Mengarelli is the mayor of Prescott.