Camp Verde News – On Saturday, March 19 – Sunday, March 20, 2022, the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde will be co-hosting the 21st Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona, sponsored by Yavapai College and their Southwest Wine Center, SRP and Larry Green Chevrolet. Celebrating two of the areas prime tourism draws – wine and pecans – the festival, which is FREE to all, will feature 13 Arizona wineries along with a variety of pecans for pairing, a very competitive Pecan Pie contest, a Budweiser Beer Garden, food trucks, 70+ local artisans, AND two new experiences for children and music-lovers alike: a free children’s activity area featuring a Children’s Art Exhibit and Puppet Theatre sponsored by Glorybound Publishing and a collaboration with the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance (NAZBA) to bring a “Verde Valley Blues and Roots Review” to the main stage.
Held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 in downtown Camp Verde (75 E Hollamon Street, Camp Verde, AZ 86322), the two-day festival retuns with all of its best features, in addition to some new changes.
“NAZBA has produced many Northern Arizona Blues festivals and events and we are excited to have access to their help, knowledge, experience and connections” said Parks & Recreation Manager Michael Marshall. The scheduled entertainers include:
Saturday, March 19th:
- 12 – 1:10 p.m.: Salt Miners
- 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Scott Marshall & The Free Radicals
- 2:50 – 4:00 p.m.: Chicago Bob & The Blues Squad w/ Garry Segal
- 4:20 – 5:30 p.m.: Steve Willis w/ Roger Smith & Dr. Robert Sellani
- 5:50 – 7:00 p.m.: The Swamp Poets & Friends
Sunday, March 20th:
- 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.: Peaceful Outlaws
- 1:35 – 2:15 p.m.: Big Daddy D & The Dynamites
- 2:40 – 4:00 p.m.: Cros Charles Mac
On the heels of the new designation of the Verde Valley AVA, many local wineries will be in attendance, pouring their newest releases by the glass, bottle and case. These include:
- 1764 Vineyards
- Alcantara Vineyards
- Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
- Bodega Pierce
- Clear Creek Vineyards
- Cove Mesa Vineyard
- Da Vines Vineyard
- High Lonesome Vineyard
- Heart Wood Cellars
- Page Springs Cellars
- Salt Mine Wine
- Southwest Wine Center
- Winery 101
“We have learned a lot as event organizers as the pandemic has continued to take its toll and many of the COVID related changes have turned out to be more popular than ever,” said Michael Marshall, Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Manager. “We have a new style of vendor booth arrangements that is working great and the open-air wine canopy was a big hit with both vendors and attendees last spring.”
Additional COVID-19 safety precautions include socially distanced vendors/attractions and additional cleaning and sanitizing of all public areas, including restrooms, staff areas, work tables, wine tasting tables, and all public seating. Face masks are encouraged when unable to socially distance and those feeling any COVID-related symptoms are asked to stay home for the safety of others.
Entry to the festival – for all ages – is FREE. Wine tasting tickets (for attendees 21+) are available for $20 in advance by visiting www.verdevalleywine.org or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-verde-pecan-and-wine-festival-tickets-240572909047. Tickets will also be available at the door day-of for $25/person. Both include a commemorative glass and six wine tasting tickets. Additional wine tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
For more information on the 21st Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival and other upcoming events within the Town of Camp Verde, visit cvaz.org or verdevalleywine.org.