In 1978, Prescott Valley was still just a wide place in the road. There was only one paved road, a couple of businesses, very few trees, hundreds of antelope and a two-lane road between Prescott and Prescott Valley. It was also the start of the annual Prescott Valley Days celebration, sponsored and organized by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. Nearly 40 years later, the annual June event remains town’s signature event. Each year, thousands of people of all ages attend the four-day extravaganza.
This year, the larger-than-ever event is moving to a new month – April – running from Thursday, April 21 through Sunday, April 24. Most of the fun will be centered in the town’s Entertainment District.
In addition to the traditional Prescott Valley Days activities, this year, the Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the non-profit Salute to Heroes organization and event set for Saturday, April 23. Salute to Heroes recognizes, supports and highlights local emergency responders.
Marnie Uhl, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce president, says changing the date to April is win-win for everyone. “Moving the annual event and combining efforts with the Salute to Heroes event will open the door for more activities and increased participation of residents and businesses, alike. We are excited to be partnering with this local organization.”
According to Uhl, some of the benefits of moving the event to April from June include:
- Increased support and participation of local businesses, which previously may have been too busy during the summer months to be involved;
- An opportunity to combine resources with another community organization and support local EMS providers;
- Greater attendance for local residents because summer vacations and travel will not interfere;
- Expanded participation from local schools that will still be in session rather than out for summer break;
- More availability of entertainment and vendors such as carnivals because of an event earlier in the year rather than at the start of summer, the busiest time of year for these travelers;
- Comfortable and enjoyable temperatures for outside events;
- Some time between the event and Prescott’s Frontier Days, which was just days or weeks from Prescott Valley Days in previous years.
Jimmy Riley, parade chair, agrees moving the annual event to April will make it easier for more groups, citizens and businesses to participate. Riley moved to Prescott Valley in 1981 after living in Prescott since the early ‘40s. As a nearly lifelong resident, Riley is committed to supporting local townships, businesses and families who call the Quad Cities area home. Prior to serving as the chair of the Prescott Valley Days parade, he was the Prescott Frontier Days parade chair for 10 years.
Sponsored by the Prescott Valley Early Bird Lions, the one-mile parade route means people of all ages are able to walk, march or “float” without having to cover long distances on a hot day.
“We are expecting a record number of entries this year – between 50 and 60 – and the largest number of marching bands,” said Riley. “In previous years, the schools were not in session so having school groups was not an option. Right now, it looks like we will have five marching bands from local schools. Also this year, the Bigfoot Monster Truck will be in the parade.”
His passion for parades – organizing and participating in numerous parades through the years – gives Riley insight to make the array of entries more than a walking-and-waving showcase. This year’s parade will also serve as a fundraiser for local schools. As a parade sponsor, businesses will help support local schools with additional funds to buy items like band uniforms and equipment.
“This is just another way that businesses can help support our community and our kids, while promoting their business and being part of the annual celebration,” said Riley. “The theme of the parade remains the same, “Good Times in Prescott Valley,” because the goal is the same: To build our community and promote fun in a family-friendly way in our town.”
This year’s activities include the parade; Salute to Heroes display; carnival rides and games; dancing and a beer garden; live entertainment; arts and crafts; a car show; food trucks; fire juggling demonstration, Bigfoot Monster Truck viewing; military drill competition; BMX bike show; EMS and law enforcement personnel and trucks and safety apparatus demonstrations; and more.
Prescott Valley Days is sponsored by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, Town of Prescott Valley, Sun Valley Tires, Prescott Valley Event Center, Gabby’s Grill, Affinity RV Sales and Service, Prescott Newspapers Inc., Yavapai Broadcasting, APS, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Arizona’s Hometown Radio Group, Fain Signature Group and the Prescott Valley Early Bird Lions Club.
By Starla Collins, QCBN
For more information about the four-day event, contact the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce at 928-772-8857 or visit PVChamber.org.
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