Howdy Partners!

A visiting wrangler from New Mexico sat with me on the deck of the Jersey Lilly Saloon Sunday, sipping a brew and watching Dogtoberfest spill over the Plaza (more dogs than humans, I'll wager) when he told me he never comes to Prescott without his camera.

I understood. This Prescott Cowgirl carries hers nearly everywhere, everyday, because we have such beautiful light in our mountain city and even on the rare days there's not an event in historic downtown Prescott, there's always a beguiling Kodak moment. I start this blog with two from our Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza--one I call Autumn Rose and the other, our Bubbling Fountain at Noon. Beauty.

Speaking of beauty, the grounds of Sharlot Hall Museum are always photo-worthy, but you'll find even more this Saturday and Sunday at the 31st Annual Folk Music Festival--our state's oldest continual folk music gathering.

This year more than 150 of the state's best folk music performers will deliver a wide-ranging array of styles, including our State Historian and well-revered musician/humorist Marshall Trimble, pictured here. Other groups such as Howlin' at the Moon, Prescott Playboys and others join soloist Katie Lee who celebrates her 90th birthday on Saturday!

Come delight to great folk music amidst the shaded grounds daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and take in some workshops in dulcimers, mandolin, musical saws, and more. An instrument swap meet Sunday and impromptu jam sessions add to the fun.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for members and free for children under 18. And kids aren't forgotten with family-friendly music including the Super Silliest Band!

Two more incredible deals for duffers have been announced. First: now through October 15, two people playing golf at StoneRidge Golf Course stay free at the less-than-year-old Comfort Suites in Prescott Valley where each of the 100 suites have double queen or king beds, refrigerator, microwave, other amenities and provide a hot breakfast and wireless Internet.

And, as the infomercial kings love to say, "Wait! There's More!"
Book your room and golf Sunday through Thursday and you pay only $69 each (plus tax) which includes practice balls and golf cart equipped with GPS. The 7,052 yard, par-72 StoneRidge is stunning with its ponderosa and pinon pines, native grasses and granite rock formations and more than a 350 foot elevation change. This will go fast, so call StoneRidge now for your Stay Free/Golf for Less package at 928-772-6500.

And then, from now through October 31, enjoy "Golf and Grill"-- 18 holes of golf and breakfast or lunch from the StoneRidge Grill-- you select from the menu. Sunday through Friday is only $39.95; Saturday $49.95, plus tax. Please mention Golf and Grill and The Prescott Cowgirl when you call for reservations.

Also don't forget the ongoing golf deal at Antelope Hills Golf Course: free golf for two with the purchase of two or more nights (double occupancy) at 13 area hotels. Follow this link to learn more.  

October and pumpkins just go together, and Chino Valley's Pumpkin Festival is a wondrous way to ease into the fall season.

Every Saturday and Sunday throughout October at Windmill Farms at JC Ranch in Chino Valley, thousands of visitors troop to celebrate fall in this beautiful rural setting. In its third year, it includes family activities like tractor hay rides, a petting zoo, pie eating contests, pumpkin painting contests, arts and crafts, food, beverages, live music, dancing and more. Cost is only $2, or $5 for an all-day (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) events pass. For more information, phone 928-899-3561 or go online to www.jcranchaz.com. JC Ranch is located at 1460 West Road 4 North in Chino Valley and Windmill Farms has numerous lakeside walking paths to further enjoy the day.

Fall also brings out the bargains--and the beautiful and award-winning Pleasant Street Inn Bed & Breakfast in historic downtown Prescott is offering a free third night with a two-night stay in their Terrace Suite with private deck or the luxurious Pine View Suite with fireplace shown here. Owner/Innkeeper Jeanne Watkins is making this valid every day through Nov. 15 so book now for a romantic getaway in one of Arizona's 10 Best B & B's (Phoenix Magazine), an easy walk to the Plaza, surrounding shops, restaurants and Sharlot Hall Museum. For more info on Pleasant Street, visit their website at www.PleasantBandB.com or phone 877-226-7128.

At Prescott Valley's Civic Center is an ongoing and extraordinary art exhibit few locals know about--the Solon H. Borglum sculpture display. If you're a fan of the iconic Captain Buckey O'Neill sculpture on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza done by Borglum, brother to Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum, you'll enjoy this display, from finely-crafted bronze sculptures to plaster models on the four floors of PVCC. Expect to see some other of his works in the new Prescott Valley Public Library to be dedicated Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Prescott Valley Civic Center is at 7501 Civic Circle.

 

Until We Meet Again,

 Happy Trails!

 

 

The Prescott Cowgirl

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Howdy Partners, and welcome to a week of varied activities ranging from Corvette shows, Prescott Valley's Biggest Yard Sale in Town, fantastic art at Yavapai Community College, and a Christmas in September fundraiser!

As you probably know, Prescott is known as "Arizona's Christmas City," and our 55th annual Courthouse Plaza Lighting--ablaze with a million lights strung up and around trees, the imposing courthouse columns and twinkling from windows of businesses and stores ringing the plaza--is an outward sign of the spirit of the season.

This Saturday, Sep. 19 is your opportunity to help continue this holiday tradition by attending the inaugural Christmas in September Gala at the historic Hassayampa Inn. Your $100 ticket not only gives you a "Tour of America" gourmet food tasting, but the opportunity to win the grand prize of $5,000, and up to 50 other prizes, among them vacation getaways and a year's membership to the Downtown Athletic Club.

Entertainment includes the Arizona Revue and rooftop dancing.

Car enthusiasts and lovers of fine lines will appreciate this Saturday's Historic Prescott All-Corvette Car Show from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sponsored by the Prescott Vette Set, up to 200 Corvettes will be parked along Cortez and Goodwin Streets. This is the third year for this show, and be sure to enter to win lunch at one of the surrounding Prescott restaurants and other prizes! Proceeds are earmarked for the Stepping Stones Agencies of Prescott Valley, now in their 29th year.

Speaking of Prescott Valley, if you're into bargains, you don't want to miss the Biggest Yard Sale in Town this Saturday at Tim's Toyota Center, (3201 Main St, Prescott Valley). This is the first year of this event, and booths are located inside and out. There are numerous nonprofits hoping to raise funds, including the Prescott Valley Charter School's Archery Club and Bradshaw Mountain High School freshman cheerleader Jaclyn Ogden (shown here) who was selected to march with other cheerleaders from throughout the U.S. in Houston's 60th Thanksgiving Day Parade. There's surely a "treasure" there with your name on it!

This Prescott Cowgirl likes to advise you about upcoming events, but I must thank you all for making last weekend's Annual Yard Sale at Sharlot Hall Museum a rip-roaring success! This decade-old event has proved to be so popular, this year it was extended to two days.

"Three years ago we netted $700, last year we did $3,700 and this year $6,000," said the museum's Karen Churchill, who lauded the 64 volunteers who helped set up and conduct the sale. Any items left over were donated to the Prescott Public Library and Habitat for Humanity. Funds raised go to help with educational opportunities and training of the always-knowledgeable volunteers who help in various capacities.

Looking to the stars is what the Prescott Astronomy Club's Lakeside Stargazing is all about. The new season begins Saturday Sep. 19 at Watson Lake Park, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. You needn't have your own telescope; the club's members are happy to share theirs, but if you have one, tune-ups start at 5:30. If clear skies prevail this Saturday, you'll see Galileo's Moons, Pegasus, globular star clusters, an active star-forming area known as an emission nebula and the GendlerM, shown here. You're encouraged to bring the kids! For more information on the Club and upcoming events including their Third Thursday Star Talks at Prescott Public Library, see www.prescottastronomyclub.org.

You have just a few days left to see a fabulous collection of art at the Yavapai Community College's Art Faculty Exhibition on display at the Yavapai College Art Gallery. More than 44 works from 16 Yavapai College professors and adjunct professors reveal further talent from this faculty. See exceptionally fine woodworking, ceramics, fiber, painting, photography and jewelry. The gallery is open Wednesdays until 7:00 pm and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Thursday and Friday when the exhibition ends.

Learn a bit more about Prescott this Saturday with the Living History Presentations at the Fort Whipple Museum on the Veteran's Administration Hospital campus, building 11. Among the presenters sharing historical anecdotes from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm is Sharlot Hall's chief curator Mick Woodcock, an Arizona native who's been studying about life in the late 19th century Arizona Territory for more than 40 years.

Admission is by donation. Find out more at www.sharlot.org.

Looking ahead, you'll want to plan now to attend the 5th Annual Thumb Butte Festival--Prescott's premier art & heritage celebration--September 26th & 27th. The full weekend of events is hosted by the Prescott Area Arts & Humanities Council, and kicks off Friday at 6:00 pm on the Courthouse Plaza as part of the 4th Friday Art Walk. We'll tell you all about it next week, but in the meantime visit www.prescottarts.org. This is a very special weekend we hope you won't miss!

Also on the 26th, Sharlot Hall Museum is participating in the fifth annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day by offering free admission to anyone presenting a Museum Day Admission Card from their September issue, or presenting a downloadable version, available to the general public.

Until I see you ‘round the Plaza or at one of these events, happy trails to you!

 

 

 

 

The Prescott Cowgirl

 

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Howdy Partners! Labor Day has come and gone, but Prescott and the surrounding environs has plenty going on year-round, and this weekend is "proof in the puddin'," as my favorite ranch hand likes to say!

This Saturday, join us for the Town of Prescott Valley's Seventh Annual World Arts Festival. This year, in addition to the day-long family fun and frivolity and special entertainment (that includes some recording star impersonators straight from Las Vegas), they're hoping to make the record books!

Held on the Civic Center grounds next to their new Library building, area residents are encouraged to be a part of an attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records with the largest single piece of art created by the most number of artists - and that includes you!

According to Patricia Chalcraft of the Arts & Culture division of the PV Parks and Rec department, a 40 by 60 foot canvas will be readied on the grassy lawn where folks (encouraged to wear swimsuits or something washable) can dip their fingers, toes, etc. in pools of washable tempura, then make their art mark on the canvas anytime from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Do come early to register, as all participants will be documented for Guinness.

Prescott Valley's World Arts Festival is known for its fine variety of day-long entertainment - like Michael Reed's Blues Band, Sky Daddy and the Pop Rocks, and the Yellowbird Indian Dancers - but this Saturday the line-up is kicked up a notch with the appearance of Las Vegas celebrity impersonators "Elvis and the Legends of Rock n' Roll," including "Elton John" and "Tina Turner," all of whom present 45-minute concerts each. Check that out at 5:00 pm.

And then there's the Prescott Valley Art Guild's Juried Show and Sale inside the Civic Center, and the Kite Making Contest and Make-and-Take tent for kids. Just too much to list, so grab the family and stay the day because there's plenty of fun, food and drink so you won't even need to leave the grounds!

Barbeque lovers, this is your weekend as the inaugural Prescott BBQ Days draws in professionals and amateurs to cook up some tasty morsels in an officially sanctioned Arizona Triple Crown BBQ event.

The Prescott Sun-Up Rotary is behind this new venture and their hearts and wallets are in the right place as proceeds will go to a wealth of local charities. According to Rotary member Jeff Sawyer, who is also co-owner of Jube's Firehouse BBQ, the response from professional BBQ competitors to this first event has been exceptional.

True to Rotary values, Sawyer said this was established to be a family event and thus kids 12 and under get in free Saturday.

"We're hoping parents would spend a little time with the kids and cook together," he said, speaking of Saturday's Kids-Q Competition from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and the 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Backyard Throw-Down (for adults). "They can work hand-in-hand together."

The Friday night kick-off includes a Steak/Chicken dinner, music by Prescott favorites "The Cheek Tones" (shown here) and the "Bean & Anything Butt" competition. Tickets are $20.

Prescott Rodeo Grounds gates open Saturday at 10:30 and festival goers will be treated to live music, a Kids Fun Zone, professional and amateur BBQ competitions and the 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Taster's Choice sampling. Adult tickets are only $6 and include an event t-shirt. For more information, visit www.prescottbbqdays.com. Let's go support a great new and mouthwatering event that benefits some fine non-profits!!

Duffers, just as I promised last week - here's a deal you and yours will want to take advantage of - free golf amidst the sweet scented pines of Prescott! Book a two-night stay (Sunday through Wednesday nights) now through Oct. 28 at one of thirteen of our finest area hotels, B & Bs and Guest Cottages, and enjoy a free round of golf for two at Antelope Hills Golf Course.

Of course you can stay longer, and you may want to when you play these two 18-hole championship courses - designed by Lawrence Hughes and Gary Panks, respectively. Then there's the adjoining Manzanita Grille where breakfast, lunch and dinner are giant steps above most golf course fare thanks to Chef Joel Sagahara. Click here for more information.

Sunday, Sept. 13, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, the Prescott Jazz Society, Inc. presents another fine Art N Jazz Patio Show hosted by the Residence Inn by Marriott (Highway 69 across from Costco). Prescott's own Cannon Fire Quartet (with Milt Cannon, PJS director, shown here) will be joined by pianist, singer and composer Rachel Eckroth, one of the Valley of the Sun's most in-demand performers, and art by Michael Little will be exhibited.

Admission is $15, $24 for couples, $10 for members with free refreshments, cash bar and raffle prizes. Should you wish, you can apply your admission to the $35 annual fee and become a Prescott Jazz Society member. More info: www.pjazz.org.

 

 

See you ‘round the Plaza and ‘round Prescott!

 

Until then, Happy Trails!

The Prescott Cowgirl

 

 

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JAZZ!

America's original art form is celebrated this weekend at the 9th annual Prescott Jazz Summit, starting with a free noon-hour concert Friday on the Prescott Courthouse Plaza.

The sound of music will continue at various venues in Prescott through Sunday afternoon.

Friday night epitomizes the Summit's core commitment with the Scholarship Fundraising Dinner with the Musicians at 5:30 pm, held at the historic Hassayampa Inn. It's followed by Festive Night at the Hassayampa, with music resounding in the Arizona and Marina ballrooms.

Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:30, enjoy the musicians of tomorrow at jazz clinics and workshops for teen musicians at the Ruth Street Theater.

Few folks realize how the annual Jazz Summit benefits young area musicians, raising funds for local high school music departments.

"We give at least a few hundred dollars to each area schools every year," said Summit director (and performer) Mike Vax, speaking of donations made to Prescott High School music and drama department, and both Chino Valley High School and Bradshaw Mountain High School's music departments. "I think locally we've given $15,000 over the years directly to schools or through scholarships."

 

Vax also said more than 800 music students had been tutored by Jazz Summit professional musicians at no cost to them or their schools. Pictured here is musician Reggie Thomas with workshop students.

 

Saturday night's 7:30 Gala Concert at Ruth Street Theater featuring Prescott's own Toni Tennille and the All-Star Band is nearly completely sold out but worth a try for tickets just in case, but there's another opportunity to meet and greet musicians at Sunday morning's Jazz Brunch at the Hassayampa with seating at 9:30 am or 12:15 pm.

This year's Jazz Summit climax is the 2:30 pm Sunday afternoon concert at Mile High Middle School's Hendrix auditorium, where all attendees 18 and under are admitted free!

Vax, soon to be a full-time Prescott resident, has gathered a stellar line-up of internationally-known jazz musicians again this year and any of these venues will showcase some of the finest jazz around. For more information on tickets, visit www.prescottjazz.com.

No doubt when you've visited historic Prescott, you've admired and perhaps wondered about the history behind some of the wonderful Nob Hill mansions, the Whiskey Row establishments, the 1927 Hassayampa Inn and other sites.

Well, it's easy to learn a lot more when you take one of the free Historic Downtown Walking Tours, Friday through Sundays at 10:00 am (except for weekends, when festivals occur on the Plaza like the upcoming Faire on the Square Sep. 5-7 and the Fallfest in The Park, Oct. 10 & 11) when the tour is Friday mornings only.

Sponsored by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, the 90 minute historic walking tours are led by Sharlot Hall Museum trained guides--like Jerri Olson, pictured here--who know the interesting if often odd tidbits on history of local hotels, historic buildings and even the crosswalk on Whiskey Row and the plaque to "Friendly Dog Mike" on the courthouse lawn.

Call ahead or drop by the Chamber office at 117 W. Goodwin Street to learn more about the free tours-informative and fun for visitors and hometown folk, too! Tours continue through Oct. 25.

With summer's close at hand, it's a perfect time for a Beach Party and the Prescott Valley Entertainment District is happy to oblige. This Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm is the Fourth Annual Beach Party, and like years past, more than 200 tons of sand is imported and water features incorporated to make Main Street beachy-keen.

Contests like the Redneck Tan Line, the Bikini Contest for Tiny People (babies!) and the Hairy Leg Contest add to the hilarity of the day-providing fun and entertainment for the whole family. Special guest Mac Daddy presents a concert from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Also at the Entertainment District Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm is the very forward-looking Creative Energy Fair Kickoff with Prescott Valley-based NEST engineering's portable solar/wind generator not only on display but working to provide power to supply music and pop popcorn! Representatives from APS, Home Depot and local contractors will be on hand to answer questions about solar and wind power and how to adapt it for home use. The Creative Energy Fair is Saturday, Sep. 26 at Tim's Toyota Center.

Speaking of looking ahead: next weekend is Chino Valley's Territorial Capital Days with a passel of events including the 23rd Annual Territorial Capital Days Parade at 9:30 am Saturday. We'll be tellin' you a lot more about this in next week's blog, including a bit on the history behind the 61st annual F.F.A. Alumni Corn Dinner, held Saturday afternoon from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

 

Until then, friends, Happy Trails!
The Prescott Cowgirl

 *Beach Party photo courtesy of Stew Schrauger

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