Events Make Prescott Special
Prescott has so much to offer to our citizens and visitors alike. All throughout the year, but this time of year especially, special events take center stage. The month of June and early July Prescott is particularly active with events of all kinds including art fairs, music festivals, car shows parades, fireworks and of course, Rodeo. These events offer a variety of experiences catering to our local residents as well as visitors.
Many citizens think that the City organizes all of these fine events. Actually, nearly every special event like this is operated by locally based non-profit organizations. These events help raise funds while providing a unique experience for our community.
Recently, the Phippen Museum of Western Art hosted the annual Phippen Western Art Show and Sale on the Courthouse Plaza, bringing fine Western artists from all over the world.
Events downtown on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in June and early July include the Summer Concert Series beginning June 4, organized by Prescott Downtown Partnership, Territorial Days art show June 8-9 and the Prescott Bluegrass Festival June 22-23, with both events organized by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. The Frontier Days Art Show July 5-7 is hosted by Prescott Downtown Partnership.
The Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade takes place Saturday July 6 throughout downtown, and his organized by Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. Of course, the Prescott Frontier Days Worlds Oldest Rodeo takes place July 1-7 this year at the historic rodeo grounds. This event brings top riders from around the world, and the past several years have seen sell out audiences.
The City is responsible for two major community events each year. One is the Fourth of July Fireworks. Our dedicated Recreation Services staff work hard to improve these events every year. We are excited about this year’s Fireworks event at Watson Lake. For the first time in many years, this year’s 4th of July Fireworks will offer free admission for those who only want to attend and enjoy the show. There will be a variety of kids activities including bounce houses, for an additional fee.
Some other great events take place at Watson Lake including the Big Sting Country Music Festival generally the second weekend in October, the Pure Imagination music festival generally the third weekend in May, the Watson Lake Classic Car Show coming up August 3, and the Prescott Highland Games September 28-29.
Among the many inspiring cultural performance events each year is the annual Cowboy Poets Gathering. This year marks the 36th event, taking place August 8-10 at various locations throughout Prescott.
The City also organizes the Veterans Day Parade, which is always held on Veterans Day November 11. It is the only Veterans Day Parade in Northern Arizona, and features nearly 100 entries. We are very proud of the Veterans Day parade, and we are thankful to City staff and the volunteer committee for honoring our veterans.
Of course, November and December usher in Arizona’s Christmas City events, beginning with the Holiday Light Parade on Saturday November 30, the Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting on Saturday December 7, and the Acker Night musical celebration Friday December 13.
Everything I have mentioned represents just a portion of events and activities that make Prescott a great place to live and to visit. We hope you enjoy all that Prescott has to offer this month and all through the year.
