58TH ANNUAL FORT VERDE DAYS

Every year for more than half a century, the town of Camp Verde, Arizona, has recalled its frontier roots with the popular Fort Verde Days. The family-friendly event takes place on the second weekend in October with a good dose of patriotism, history and fun. Fort Verde Days not only celebrates the military post around which the community of Camp Verde grew, but also serves as the community's annual homecoming. A carnival, parade, live music, food, and a host of events at Fort Verde State Historic Park highlight the annual event. Fort Verde Days feature such events as flag-raising ceremonies; cavalry and infantry drills; an 1870s fashion show; period church services; cannon fire and historic reenactments. There is also a hometown baseball game, a Boardwalk-style fair with a Ferris wheel and many other rides, homemade food (such as barbecue, ice cream jellies), games, live music, and vendors selling an assortment of novelties. There is also and an old-fashioned parade, which engages the entire town. Watching the Fort Verde Days parade is a throwback to another era, when parades went down Main Street and everything was sized to human scale. Visitors join local families in cheering on their neighbors, who wear period costumes and promenade on horseback; in vintage Model Ts and Mustangs; and on tractors. Where most communities have a parade queen or a rodeo queen, Camp Verde celebrates its annual Fort Verde Days with the crowning of the Colonel's Daughter. Chosen for poise, presence and horsemanship, the Colonel's Daughter serves as the town?s ambassador during the three-day celebration. For more information about contact 928-301-0922 or visit http://www.campverdepromotions.org/