By Mariah Fleming

Flagstaff in September: Cool Little City, Big Fun For All

It’s amazing how much there is to do and see in the beautiful small town of Flagstaff, Arizona. For my money, there’s nothing more enjoyable than strolling through historic downtown Flagstaff any day of the year. It’s a great walking town, with endless local shops and restaurants on and around Route 66.Coconino County Fair And when September rolls around Flagstaff starts rolling out its fall roster of fun, first class events.

Beginning with Labor Day weekend, Flagstaff celebrates many noteworthy events. Favorites include the county fair which this year celebrates its 65th year. The 65th Annual Coconino County Fair features four days of rip roaring carnival rides, homespun traditional fair exhibits, livestock shows and fun interactive activities for kids and grown ups. On hand will be more than a hundred food and commercial vendors. There are two ticket options: Purchase a $25 family pass (maximum 5 tickets) or pay daily at $8 for adults, $5 for seniors & kids 6 to 12. Kids under 6 are free. Tickets at www.Coconino.az.gov/CountyFair or 928 679 8000.

Labor Day Weekend also brings the not to be missed Flagstaff “Art in the Park” event. This year’s “Art in the Park” festival celebrates 22 years of bringing excellent arts, crafts and music to Flagstaff for free. “Art in the Park” features juried artists in a small town, people friendly environment without the hassle of traffic jams or big crowds. And it’s dog friendly. Don’t pass up this opportunity to discover some treasures created by artists who hail mainly from throughout Arizona. “Art in the Park” takes place downtown on Aspen street at Wheeler Park from 10 to 6 on Friday and Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday.

From September 12th through 14th world class bluegrass and acoustic music comes to Flagstaff courtesy of the Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music (FFOTM) at the “Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival.” This year’s festival headliners include The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Travelin’ McCourey’s with special guest Bryan Sutton, Run Boy Run, The Claire Lynch Band and many more top notch acts. Since 2006, “Pickin’ in the Pines” has featured the best in traditional and contemporary bluegrass music along with acoustic music that includes old time, Celtic, gypsy jazz and other styles of traditional music. The festival also features “educational workshops and a renowned band contest, all in a family-friendly setting under magnificent blue skies and towering pines.” As with any great bluegrass festival, “Pickin’ in the Pines” invites camping and jamming, both a big part of the “Pickin’ in the Pines” experience. Tickets go fast for this event. For full event info and ticket prices go to www.PickinInthePines.org

August 19, 2014

Contact the author of this article at Editor@MusicAndMoreAZ.com.