Community Happenings

Maria Vomlehn Flurry, of Arizona Philharmonic, Sticks and Tones, and manos percussion, to teach composition to Prescott third graders

Maria Flurry is a household name when it comes to Arizona’s music community. She performs as a timpanist with Arizona Philharmonic and Flagstaff Symphony, and is one half of Sticks and Tones with her husband, Henry Flurry (who is co-founder and Artistic Director of AZ Phil).

Now, through AZ Phil and Prescott Unified School District’s Composition Collaboration Project, Maria is preparing to lead a composition program for nine third-grade classes at three elementary schools: Lincoln, Taylor Hicks, and Abia Judd.

This year, the World’s Oldest Rodeo® will shine a spotlight on an extraordinary group of athletes and contributors: the Women in Rodeo. With a nod to the trailblazing women who have shaped rodeo culture from its earliest days, this year’s theme celebrates the often overlooked yet pivotal role women have played in the rodeo world. From barrel racing to trick riding and beyond, women have been integral in shaping not only Prescott Frontier Days®, but the entire sport of rodeo.

“We are incredibly excited to unveil ‘Women in Rodeo’ as the theme for 2025,” said Jim Dewey Brown, General Manager of Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. “This allows us to honor the deep-rooted traditions and the countless women who have contributed to the history of rodeo—not just as competitors, but as leaders, stock contractors, and pioneers in the sport. Their strength, grit, and determination are central to our rodeo’s legacy.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs are experts in fun. Everything we do has fun in it and that includes our annual gala in support of our work. Dancing for the Stars is a performance-based gala event that you don’t want to miss. Now in its eighth year, Dancing has risen to be a treasure to our community. In the vein of the popular TV show, local celebrities have been called upon to raise funds for our kids and their adventures. In addition to raising money for the kids, our celebrities, along with their professional dancer partners, will dazzle and thank our donors with a jaw dropping performance for all our guests.

The Prescott Area Artist Studio Tour will return over the weekend of October 4-6, 2024, offering attendees an opportunity to visit with 74 juried artists across 53 private studios (as well as additional artists in four Art Centers), observe their creative processes and purchase one-of-a-kind works of art. The Tour, which will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, will showcase many different artistic mediums — from painting and ceramics to jewelry and glass — in locations throughout the Prescott/Quad-City area. Attendees of this free, self-guided event may begin at any location and visit as many studios as they like. For detailed information and maps, visit www.PrescottStudioTour.com.

The Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery and the Yavapai College Foundation are pleased to present “Art in the Pines: The 5th Annual Prescott Plein Air Festival.” From October 9-13, 2024, the festival will feature nineteen juried Arizona artists and one California artist painting in outdoor settings throughout Yavapai County, including the area’s beautiful pine forests and highland lakes and amidst the historical and architectural beauty of downtown Prescott. At specific accessible demonstration sites, the public can observe and engage with the artists at no cost. 

Experience the vibrant arts scene in Prescott every 4th Friday of the month as 16 galleries in and around the historic downtown courthouse plaza open their doors for early evening events, including signature exhibits and artist receptions. This monthly event, established in 2004, showcases the work of local and nationally acclaimed artists.

Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc is thrilled to announce the much anticipated 137th annual World’s Oldest Rodeo, taking place from Monday, July 1 through Sunday, July 7 in Prescott. This iconic event, held during the bustling Fourth of July week, is a cornerstone of Prescott’s summer calendar, driving economic prosperity throughout the county. Featuring a week-long extravaganza of world-class rodeo action and family-friendly entertainment, the World’s Oldest Rodeo stands as Prescott’s premier event of the year.

Drawing rodeo enthusiasts from across the globe, Prescott Frontier Days invites attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of western culture and history dating back to its inaugural celebration on July 4, 1888. This year, the rodeo pays tribute to the deep-rooted western culture, embodying the theme of “Prescott Traditions.” As part of the festivities, the rodeo is launching the Memory Catcher campaign, inviting fans nationwide to share their cherished memories and stories of Prescott rodeo traditions. These stories will be featured on the rodeo’s website and social media platforms, celebrating the enduring legacy of Prescott’s premier event.

A handful of dedicated rockhounds started the Prescott Gem and Mineral Club in 2003.  Today it’s one of the largest gem clubs in Arizona, boasting a membership of more than 300 people.

Monthly meetings occur at the Community Center in Chino Valley.  The club invites guests to attend and learn more.  Most months meetings include a program on various subjects ranging from rockhounding field trips to beading to local geology.

The Club held its first show in 2004.  It wasn’t much more than a tailgate party for the members.  Over the years the show has grown from its meager beginnings in the livestock building at the Yavapai County Fairgrounds, where the flies outnumbered the patrons, to what it is today, the largest indoor show in Northern Arizona.  In 2024, the show will again take over the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley for three days of rockin’ fun!