CITY SPEAK: SUMMER EVENT SEASON IS HEATING UP IN PRESCOTT

by Harry B. Oberg, Mayor of Prescott
Greetings! I am pleased to be invited to write a column for the new Prescott LIVING Magazine. I would like to focus my first such column on all of the great outdoor events in Prescott throughout the summer and early fall.
Prescott’s special events season is already in mid-season form. The summer and fall seasons are packed with great outdoor events in the City of Prescott. These events bring out residents and visitors alike to experience all that our fine city has to offer.
May was a great month, with the Whiskey Row Marathon, which was in its 39th year. It is considered to be one of the toughest races in the country, due to elevation, terrain and possible weather challenges. The Mountain Artists Guild Fine Art and Wine Festival took place Mother’s Day weekend, and on the same weekend, the Prescott Highland Games brought Celtic traditional games, food and fun to Watson Lake. At the end of May, the Phippen Western Art Show took place at the Courthouse Plaza. Now in its 43rd year, the event features fine artists from all over the country.
June started with the Summer Concert Series hosted by the Prescott Downtown Partnership on June 1, with multiple dates each week through August. Party in the Pines Beer, Food and Music Festival took place at Mile High Middle School, and the Territorial Days Fine Art & Craft Show on the Courthouse Plaza was hosted by the Prescott Chamber. The Yavapai Classic Cruiser Car Show also rolled in to Mile High Middle School. June 24-25 brought the Prescott Bluegrass Festival on Goodwin Street. And, we round out the month with the start of the World’s Oldest Rodeo^® June 28. Finally, the Kiwanis Club Kiddie Parade is on June 30 on Cortez Street.
July kicks off with the world-famous Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade in downtown Prescott and the Whiskey Row Street Dance on July 1 on Montezuma Street. Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Art & Crafts Show is held from July 1-3 at the Courthouse Plaza. The World’s Oldest Rodeo^® takes place at the Rodeo grounds June 28 through July 4. Of course, we have fireworks downtown on July 4, as well, at Mile High Middle School, where there will also be family activities and food. July 22-23 Prescott continues the Old West theme with the Shootout on Whiskey Row, performed by the famous Prescott Regulators and their Shady Ladies. We close the month on July 29-30 with the Williamson Valley Fire District Arts and Crafts show on the Courthouse Plaza.
Summer attractions wind down in August and September with some memorable events. August 4-6 is the Prescott Antique Auto Club Car Show at Watson Lake. The Mountain Artist Guild Fine Art and Crafts Show takes place on Courthouse Plaza. The Prescott Food Truck Festival takes place September 2 at Mile High Middle School, coinciding with the Faire on the Square at Courthouse Plaza September 2-4. Yavapai County Fair returns to the Rodeo Grounds September 7-10.
Great outdoor events continue October 7-8 with the 26th Annual Fallfest, art fair in the Courthouse Square, hosted by the Prescott Chamber.
As you can see, Prescott is brimming with great events. This list only covers the outdoor “highlights” for the season. For more, go to the  City’s Visit-Prescott.com website, or check out our Facebook page at Visit Prescott. The Prescott Chamber’s Visitor Center at 117 Goodwin Street has information and brochures about most of these events and more. During and after the events, be sure to visit the one of a kind, locally-owned restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes and shops that add to the unique charm of Prescott.