07/02/2020
We will be in space 111, we sure missed these shows!!!!
PRESCOTT âThe 40th annual Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Arts and Crafts Show will take place Friday through Sunday at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza.
While Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order on Monday prohibiting organized events of 50 people or more, the order allows local municipalities to approve events they feel can implement protocols to mitigate covid-19 concerns.
âEffective June 29, 2020, organized public events of more than 50 people are prohibited unless the city, town or county in unincorporated areas, has approved the event, and only if adequate safety precautions are implemented, including physical distancing measures,â the order reads.
The Prescott Downtown Partnership met the criteria for approval with the protocol prepared in advance of the governorâs directive, said PDP Executive Director MJ Smith.
âYavapai County supports PDP and its efforts to provide reasonable programs that are supported by our health department and within the guidelines established by CDC and the State," said Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown.
Entertainment scheduled during the art show, including the 108th Army Band and Billy Shaw, Jr., are cancelled, as those elements encourage congregating in greater numbers, Smith said.
âThe layout of the courthouse plaza in regard to vendor booth placement adheres to physical distancing guidelines organically,â she said. âOur booths have a built in six to 10-foot gap between booths. But some elements encourage congregating and we have eliminated those this year. We are asking the public to be aware of their proximity to other attendees, and be patient as they browse the show. Be vigilant, be respectful and wear face coverings and we can continue to offer events at the Plaza.â
PDP, a non-profit organization that advocates for Prescottâs downtown merchants and serves as the permitting body for the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, is working closely with Yavapai County Community Health Services and Yavapai County officials to ensure all county and CDC recommendations are adhered to.
PDP will monitor the health of all vendors, staff and volunteers; require masks for all vendors, staff and volunteers; increase sanitation practices in courthouse restrooms and portable toilets; make hand sanitizer and hand washing readily available and strongly encourage the use of face coverings for attendees.
âThe best way that you can protect yourself and those you love from being infected with covid-19, is to physically distance at least six feet or more from other individuals, and wash your hands often,â said Yavapai County Community Health Services Director Leslie Horton. âIn circumstances where you cannot physically distance, I recommend that all individuals wear a mask, which helps to protect themselves, but more importantly, it protects others including our most vulnerable populations from this widespread virus.â
Please choose to stay home if you have recently begun to feel unwell, or if anyone in your household has been sick or tested positive for covid-19, Horton continued.
âWe want to ensure we are mitigating as many risks of community spread as possible,â Smith said. âOutdoor events by nature pose a reduced risk for community spread, but to increase the safety of the arts and crafts show, we strongly encourage all attendees to wear face coverings. Our staff, vendors and volunteers will all be wearing masks and we ask that you do the same. The large footprint of the Plaza grounds allows for physical distancing and attendees will be reminded to take advantage of the large space. We can continue to have events of this nature if everyone takes responsibility for their health and acts respectfully toward their fellow attendees.â
Anyone awaiting results for a covid-19 test, suffering symptoms of a respiratory illness and those feeling poorly should not attend the show, she continued.
âIf you are uncomfortable in public or feel you may have been exposed to covid-19, please stay home,â Smith said. âThere will be other opportunities to venture out when you feel more comfortable. We cannot stress enough the importance of staying home if you are unwell.â
The Prescott Fine Arts and Crafts Show runs Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 140 vendors with products ranging from Native American fine arts to custom jewelry will be on display.
Vendors, many who have been preparing for the show for months, are relieved the event will go forward.
âOn behalf of Santana's Black Label, and all of the small businesses that just want to get back to work, thank you for fighting for us,â said Louis Santana, an artisan who has participated in the show for 5 years. âIt does not go without notice, and we are excited to offer the very best of what we give, with each of our unique crafts, goodies, and packaged goods to the brave and courageous people of Prescott as we put on our best face to celebrate âfreedom.ââ
While some events have been canceled because they could not readily adhere to physical distancing recommendations, there are many activities still taking place.
The Worldâs Oldest Rodeo will conduct performances nightly through Sunday, including a matinee go round on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Fireworks will take place Saturday at 9 p.m. at Watson Lake. Gates open at 5 p.m. for the drive-in event.
âThank you for being safe and responsible as you enjoy all that Prescott has to offer over the 4th of July weekend,â Horton said.
For more information visit PrescottDowntown.com.
