By Bear Howard
Bear Howard Chronicles
Sedona, AZ — You can gauge the success of an event in Sedona simply by the traffic on Cooks Hill along Highway 89A. This past Saturday was an undeniable triumph for the Day of the Dead celebration.
Tlaquepaque has become a cornerstone of Sedona, and much of that is thanks to Wendy Lipman, who has transformed it into an essential stop for both residents and visitors alike. The vibrant atmosphere over the weekend, filled with locals and tourists mingling, laughing, and enjoying life, is a testament to our community’s spirit. It makes me proud yet slightly anxious to see such a beautiful mix.
Living in a tourist town has its rewards. Engaging with visitors in our local restaurants and hearing their effusive praise for Sedona reminds us why we cherish our home. Sedona is truly fortunate—while many small towns with populations under 10,000 may have only one supermarket and a McDonald’s, we enjoy a wealth of excellent dining and shopping options right here, without needing to drive to Phoenix or Flagstaff.
Some locals may feel that Sedona belongs solely to them, but the reality is that the lifeblood of our town comes from the visitors who contribute almost 80% of local government funding. Without them, Sedona could easily become another small town like Cottonwood, but with out a Walmart. In many ways, the inconvenience of traffic and crowding during busy seasons and holiday weekends is in lieu of paying normal taxes to support your town. In a way, it’s our “tax!”
As we approach the end of the fall visitor season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the quieter days ahead. Let’s embrace the tranquility until our vibrant tourist season kicks off again in March.
A heartfelt thank you to Wendy for your unwavering dedication to making Sedona a remarkable place for everyone!
