
Our 50th season is all shows voted the most popular by you—the audience!
The City of Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events Division is partnering with Southwest Decision Resources and Wheat Design Group to collaborate with the Flagstaff community on the future of the 8.5-acre Thorpe Park Annex parcel. On Saturday, April 30, from 12 to 2 p.m., the community is invited to meet with their Flagstaff neighbors and envision the future of the parcel.
From 12 to 12:45 p.m., the community is invited to eat lunch (there will be food trucks on site) and walk around the parcel to learn about initial ideas being generated from the community survey. Participants will also be invited to think critically about compatibility of current uses and future programming on the site.
The Kentucky Derby Fundraiser presented by PNC Bank is back, May 7th at High Country Conference Center.
Enjoy some hors d’oeuvres, a mint julep and much more. There will be live music, a silent auction, live auction and of course watching of the Kentucky Derby. Don’t forget we are giving prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat!
So grab your hats and get your tickets today! You don’t want to miss the greatest 2 minutes in sports. www.bgcflag.org
The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will be celebrating Flagstaff learners of all ages with its Lifelong Learning Celebration and Yearbook Day on Friday, May 20. This all-day, interactive celebration will take place in the Community Room of the Downtown Library (300 W Aspen Ave) and will feature crafts, activities, and community learning resources.
Yearbook activities
The Library maintains local yearbooks dating back to 1924, including Sinagua High School, now known as Sinagua Middle School. While these yearbooks are usually stored in a locked case, the entire yearbook collection will be available for patron browsing in the Community Room from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patrons of all ages are invited to find themselves, their family members, or well-known Flagstaffians among the old and new pages.
The Library will also be launching a “Library Yearbook” for patrons to fill with remembrances and high school memories spurred by the yearbooks. Patrons are also invited to create one-of-a-kind cards for the graduate in their life with an eclectic selection of card-making materials provided.
In the Library’s Teen Zone from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 2022 graduates can bring their graduation caps to decorate with provided supplies.
Arizona’s largest blues festival, Flagstaff Blues and Brews, announces their impressive lineup for the June 2022 event. The festival starts Friday afternoon, June 10th and runs through Saturday night, June 11th. Named as one of the top 10 most beautiful blues festivals, the Flagstaff Blues & Brews festival has helped launch the careers of many blues artists, including; Karen Lovely, MonkeyJunk, Harlis Sweetwater and Jeremy Bar-Illan.
Also see Juneteenth Concert on June 19 at Fort Tuthill
Come celebrate Juneteenth with music performances, food, games and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.
Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).
The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
Join us in supporting literacy at the Drinking Horn Meadery on June 21st @ 6 PM! This fundraiser will involve a fun individual spelling bee competition, a raffle, and mead of course!
Come spell (or watch), drink mead, buy some raffle tickets, and participate in fundraising for the Literacy Center! Proceeds from the raffle and a portion of mead sales will be donated to the Literacy Center.
The winner of this competition will get a sponsored seat on the Drinking Horn Spelling Bee team at the Literacy Center’s 26th Annual Adult Mountain Spelling Bee in April 2023!
There is no cost to participate in this fun spelling bee kickoff event. Just show up at the Meadery June 21st! Must be 21 to attend.
Heritage Days will return to the North Rim within Grand Canyon National Park. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Heritage Days will be held from August 5 through August 7, 2022. Each day, Heritage Days programs will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area.
Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip and the Grand Canyon area. This year’s Heritage Days will provide an especially important opportunity to expose visitors to different perspectives of the Grand Canyon.
Deep-rooted fans who discovered Rodrigo y Gabriela through their 2006 self-titled breakout album have long recognized the Mexicans’ mastery of their instruments. Rodrigo’s shimmering, hummingbird flourishes hovering over Gabriela’s extraordinary engine room rhythm section are a staple for the duo. T
The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to highlight the culture of the traditional Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos with our concert, “Celebraciones!” in collaboration with the Museum of Northern Arizona/Flagstaff Nuestras Raíses’ “Celebraciones de la Gente” from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
Joining us for this spectacular celebration of Mexican music and composers will be Flagstaff’s own Ballet Folklorico de Colores, presenting a traditional Mexican folk dance to José Moncayo’s classic Huapango.
Friday, October 28, 2022
Awards Night Celebration –- SAC Special Exhibition Gallery & Theatre – 5:00-7:00pm
Held at Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvres and beautiful art. This is the big event. Artist’s awards are presented throughout the evening recognizing the best work created during the week including Best of Show and merit awards by Festival Judges Susan Lynn and John Caggiano, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.
The City of Flagstaff’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Division and the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance are hosting the annual Winter Wonderland and Holiday Tree Lighting event on Dec. 3, 2022 in Heritage Square and on Aspen Ave.
Crafts, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, smores and live music will be available from 3 – 6 p.m. At 6 p.m., Santa Claus will travel on fire truck to Heritage Square to light the holiday tree. All activities are free of charge and the event concludes at 7 p.m.
Hi Everyone,
Wishing everyone a safe holiday season! As we approach the end
of the year its a time to reflect on the successes of 2021. District 2
has been very busy this year working on various items outlined
below.
American Rescue Plan Funding Process
Redistricting Process
Museum Flood Area Response and Mitigation
COVID Impacts and programs
County Budget Process
Creative Flagstaff is excited to announce that $55,000 in grants have been awarded 13 local organizations through the Innovation & Capacity Project Grant program for fiscal year 2022. These awards are made possible through Creative Flagstaff’s partnership with the City of Flagstaff and BBB Revenues.
Hundreds of luminarias surrounded neighborhood homes during the annual Coconino Estates Luminaries and Live Nativity held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 north of downtown Flagstaff.
The annual event also included music by local bands, bonfires, food and beverage areas, strollers and hundreds of vehicles cruising the neighborhoods which included Navajo Drive, Beal Road, Aztec Street and other streets.
A 2003 Arizona Daily Sun story said the first Luminaries Celebration was held in 1982.
Severe winter weather has returned to the Grand Canyon this week, so it’s time to offer a few reminders on winter preparedness!
If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the Coconino County Emergency Notifications to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials.
When Driving: Slow down! Try to keep a nearly full tank of gas in your personal vehicle throughout the winter. Keep an emergency kit in your personal vehicle. Suggested items are extra blankets, water, extra gloves, warm hat, snow pants, snacks, traction devices, jumper cables, flag, flashlight, first aid kit, plastic sheeting, and phone charger. Be prepared for any type of emergency.
At Home: Keep extra food, water, light sources, and blankets available in case of a power outage.
When Walking: Always have the appropriate gear, clothing, and footwear. The potential for slips, trips, and falls increases dramatically in winter. It is recommended that shoe traction devices be worn while walking in icy conditions.
The Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and supporters will participate in the annual Flagstaff Holiday Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 in downtown Flagstaff.
Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Vora Financial Group, the parade features more than 100 entries.
Winter Road Conditions and Reporting Emergencies
With the first major snow of the season arriving, here are a few reminders on park road conditions and reporting emergencies, especially during periods of inclement weather.
When a road closes in the park, Grand Canyon Dispatch, who are staffed 24 hours a day, receive the notification and immediately will update the road conditions outgoing message. This number should be programmed into your phone if it isn’t already; it is: 928-638-7496. Please do not call dispatch for roads updates unless you are reporting an emergency.
In This Issue
9 December 2021
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Perrin Ranch Tour
U.S. Forest Service Commitment
Coconino County Redistricting Process
State Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Process
Downtown Flagstaff Holiday Celebration
Winter Snow Play
Upcoming Winter Events
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing
Contact Us
Last week the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, as a “Variant of Concern.” This new variant appears to have originated in the southern part of Africa. However, there have been reported cases in Canada, Australia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Hong Kong, and now the United States (California and Minnesota).
President Biden has added some precautionary measures until we know more about the new variant and has restricted air travel from South Africa and seven other nations in the southern region of Africa.
The best protection against Omicron is getting fully vaccinated — and getting a booster shot as soon as you can. The CDC recommends people follow prevention strategies, such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings and congested outdoor settings, washing your hands frequently, and physically distancing from others.
Thank you for attending events at the Coconino Center for the Arts over the past couple of years. Did you know CCA has a membership program? Memberships begin at just $4.17/month.
Benefits include member’s only pricing to Creative Flagstaff and Coconino Center for the Arts events, concerts, and workshops, invitation to special members-only events, and more. See a full list of membership levels and benefits here. Members help keep gallery admission free and underwrite many of our educational programs and events, keeping our programs accessible and affordable.
We recently began in-person events again. I hope you will consider joining us for an upcoming concert or Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival’s A Christmas Carol (vaccine/test required). Upon joining as a member, we will send a promo code to use for discounts for many of our upcoming events.
Exploring the intersection between trash and treasure, Souls of Forgotten Objects brings found or forgotten objects together to create something beautiful. Whether that is an old tree branch, bike tire, cardboard, colorful material, metal or paper, the exhibit takes these found or lost materials and turns them in to magnificent art. Curious, evocative, dynamic or meditative, Sedona Arts Center invited artists to think outside the box, canvas or convention in submitting pieces for this spectacular exhibit.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on November 30 and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.
Holiday COVID Reminders
This time last year, we saw a spike in COVID cases. As a reminder, please continue to follow these tips from the CDC and all NPS guidance both inside and outside the park so that we can minimize the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season.
Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings.
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
If you are sick or have symptoms, do not host or attend a gathering.
Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
One of our favorite NAU Thanksgiving traditions is winning a national cross-country championship … but we’ll get to that in a minute. 😉 For the rest of us, it means cutting down a Christmas tree, spending days putting together a puzzle, drinking at a local dive bar, crafting with kids, creating a tablecloth full of memories, celebrating Native American heritage and more. Here’s how our Lumberjacks spend the holiday.
Museums are places of connection. They connect us to the past, to place, to culture, and to each other. The Museum of Northern Arizona has provided connections – between art and science, land and culture, people and places, and much more – for 93 years. Although the past 20 months have been the most challenging of MNA’s long history, with your generous support, we have continued to provide connections to our community and beyond. If you believe, as I do, that these connections are vital as we continue to face the challenges of the pandemic, I would be honored if you would support MNA with a year-end gift.
As a way of giving back to the community, we will be offering free entry to the museum during the annual Winter Market on December 11 and 12. I hope you will take the opportunity to visit and connect with us. We have missed you throughout the pandemic!
COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has created a series of no cost webinars for professionals, parents and youth, to provide them skills that are needed now more than ever.
Self-Healing Communities with Kevin Campbell is an argument for moving away from treating individuals, community members and families as the “recipient” of services, from medicalizing unlivable lives, from not acknowledging systems of injustice and a move toward the scientifically-based call to action of participation, truth and community healing.
“This presentation is outstanding- thank you!” “Thank you for the space and conversation….this was excellent!”
We’ve also created Igniting Collective Action: Moving Beyond ACEs, an hour-long webinar that explores the roadmap to creating change at the community and system level by using the findings of both leadership research and today’s thought leaders. One participant said:
“This training was truly amazing and can be used no matter your walk in life … I hope that everyone and anyone takes advantage of this presentation. It really can make a difference.”
In This Issue
11 November 2021
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
U.S. Forest Service Chief Visits Coconino County
Four Forest Restoration Initiative Investment
Western Interstate Region Annual Conference
Coconino County Redistricting Process
State Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Process
Meeting with NAU President Cruz Rivera
Ft. Tuthill Restroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Stuff the Bus
FDA Approved COVID-19 Boosters
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
COVID Information Line and Testing Site
Contact Us
Honoring Our Veterans
On Veterans Day, we take a moment to salute the men and women who serve, and have served in our nation’s military. Many people have repeated Colonel Walter Hitchcock’s famous words, ‘Freedom is not free’ because it succinctly captures the essence of military service.
We want to express our great appreciation for every GRCA employee and resident who has served in the armed forces. We especially want to thank all of those who sacrificed and shared in the sacrifices of military service members. The nation owes a debt of gratitude for service members and their families and their sacrifices.
Thank you, Veterans!
Visit the CCC Foundation booth for festive holiday gifts at the St. Mary’s/San Francisco de Asis Annual Christmas Bazaar.
CCC Scarves for Scholarships is a fundraiser in support of Nursing Student Scholarships at CCC.
Why not stay warm and cozy this year while helping to support a good cause all at the same time?
This in-person, family-friendly event will feature crafters and venders from Flagstaff and the surrounding area. There will be a lot of home-made gifts, arts and crafts, pre-packaged baked goods and food items for sale.
There will also be a raffle with lots of really great prizes.
Open to the public – $0.50 per person entrance fee.
LAST CALL!!!
Our studio will be closed from December 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022. This is the last call for calendar orders if you want them delivered in time for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, Winter Solstice, Human Solidarity Day, and/or whatever day you celebrate/commemorate. For more details click on the image to your right!
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaims November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month.
At its November 2 meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month. As part of the Proclamation, Supervisors recognized Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and their cultures, also specifically recognizing the six tribal nations in Coconino County. The Board also showed special recognition to their two colleagues, Supervisor Judy Begay and Vice Chair Lena Fowler, who belong to the Navajo Nation and currently serve on the Board.
And the Winners are…
17th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival
Festival Award Winners
Judge: Michele Usibelli
Best of Show: Gretchen Lopez
First place: Peggy Immel
Second place: Ellie Wilson
Third place: Manon Sander
Artists Choice: Margaret Larlham
Collectors Choice: Michelle Held
Honorable Mention: Bill Cramer, Margaret Larlham, James McGrew, Kari Ganoung Ruiz, Hadley Rampton, Krystal Brown
October is a month steeped in the celebration of our ancestral traditions. From closing out Hispanic Heritage Month, to the beginning of Día de Los Muertos, it is a time to reflect on the legacy we carry, and the antepasados that started it all. Some questions to consider exploring as a family to honor this special time could include:
What legacy would we like to see our family continue?
What traditions remind us of our time spent with family?
To learn more about Día de Los Muertos, make sure to visit our blog, where our Communications Coordinator, Amy Dominguez wrote about how her family has celebrated Día de Los Muertos.
Every November, the NACC joins with the Office of Indigenous Student Success to celebrate Native American Heritage Month alongside Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nation and Aboriginal students who have found a new home at NAU. Located near the Navajo and Hopi reservations, NAU offers a variety of events to help students, staff and faculty celebrate and foster awareness of Indigenous cultures and contributions during the month of November and throughout the year.
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
Celebraciones de la Gente, the annual Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebration, returned to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 23-24 with an appreciative crowd who strolled around the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard to view family ofrendas / altars, view workshops on creating ofrendas, a presentation honoring the more than 400 people who died due to COVID-19 in Coconino County, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff and music by Mariachi Tradición de México from Tucson and Los Alambrados Flagstaff.
The 18th annual event, which was hosted by the Museum of Northern Arizona, in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, was presented virtually in 2020 due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton in the West
Oct. 30, 1 pm
Attend in person at MNA, or watch on Facebook
Alan Peterson, MNA’s Fine Art Curator, will discuss Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton’s early life and education in Philadelphia, her first trips to the West as a young artist, how she met Harold Colton, their honeymoon trip, and their subsequent trips to Flagstaff before moving here in 1926.
Friday, October 29
Awards Night and Party! 5-8pm
Held at Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Historic Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvres and fine art. This is the big event! Artist’s awards are presented throughout the evening recognizing the best work created during the week including Best of Show and merit awards by Festival Judge Michele Usibelli, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.
On Monday, November 1, Coconino County Health and Human services will be holding two COVID-19 and flu vaccine events in the community. Similar to previous events, no registration is required ahead of time.
Tusayan (behind the IMAX Theater) from 12:00 p.m.-2 p.m. (flyer here)
Grand Canyon Recreation Center Ramada from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (full flyer here)
Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! Sedona is a sublime and stunningly beautiful environment steeped in art history. Sedona Arts Center dates back 63 years to the founding of Sedona’s identity as an ‘art colony.’ Our community’s iconic and wonderfully creative event—Sedona Plein Air Festival—is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 23 through 30!
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates the in-person return of Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead when the 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente is presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24.
Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.
In partnership with Flagstaff’s Nuestras Raíces, the museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arrange ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.