James Kole performs Jerry Garcia's: The Wheel

AMERITOPIA by Mark Levin.

DOWNTOWN PRESCOTT SEPTEMBER 16-18FREE ADMISSION! The Arizona “Best Fest” is a series of festivals, in each of Arizona’s Territorial Capitols that will present our diverse and vibrant culture, honor the past, and celebrate our future, feature our military, pay tribute to our state with a dignitary salute and highlight performances by many well known Arizona Entertainers. The “Best of Arizona” will truly be emphasized with the “Local First” involvement of the many: wineries, micro breweries, locally renowned restaurants, top chefs, foods, arts and merchandise crafted right here in Arizona. The Centennial Commission will be working with existing festivals and events throughout the state requesting they bring their “best” to this “once in a lifetime” series of Centennial festivals that when combined, will create the largest and most educational festival in our state’s history.

The “Best of Arizona” will truly be emphasized with the “Local First” involvement of the many: wineries, micro breweries, locally renowned restaurants, top chefs, foods, arts and merchandise crafted right here in Arizona. The Centennial Commission will be working with existing festivals and events throughout the state requesting they bring their “best” to this “once in a lifetime” series of Centennial festivals that when combined, will create the largest and most educational festival in our state’s history.

How the idea behind the Arizona Best Fest Series took shape…

Two years ago the seeds were planted.  A small, knowledgeable and influential group of Arizonans came together to form a special events committee. They were charged with developing a concept that would make history, educate, entertain and honor Arizona’s 100 Years.

What emerged was a showcase concept, one that put on display the ‘Best of Arizona,’ past, present and future.  It was to be a review of its accomplishments, its people, its history, cultures, food traditions and more.  Those seeds began to grow and it took on a life of its own.

Today we call it Arizona Best Fest Series, envisioned to be the most memorable festivals in our state.

Prescott Best Fest is the first of three to occur, fittingly, in Arizona’s three territorial capitals, including Tucson and Phoenix.  The Arizona Best Fest Series leads the march to Arizona’s 100 Years.

And, Prescott, as the first capital of the Arizona Territory, takes the lead in this grandiose event.  It’s driven by Arizona history, cultures, industries, natural resources, military action and innovations.

So be part of History.  Still in the Making.  See Prescott Best Fest – plan on all three Best Fests!  Take a moment to learn, and enjoy the surprises in store.  They’ll reveal trailblazing ways that have made Arizona special for generations.  The stories are endless.  The people – inspiring.  The motivation to take the Arizona story a good step forward into the future is alive and kickin’ and it’s all here first, at Prescott Best Fest.

For more information on the Arizona Best Fest Series, click here.

To find out how you can get involved with the Arizona Best Fest Series, click her

BigDawg Spotlight On: American Folk Blues Artist James Kole 
by Lisa Mei Norton

Armed Forces Day
"United in Strength"
Saturday, May 21, 2011

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense.