The 19th annual Walkin’ on Main street fair returns to Old Town Cottonwood this Saturday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. hosted by the city of Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department and the Verde Valley Wine Consortium with typically around 2,000 to 3,000 people in attendance, according to Parks, Recreation & Library Director Jak Teel.
“It’s just a fun and free event for the community to come out to,” Parks, Recreation & Library Director Jak Teel said. “You get to mingle through Old Town, see great classic cars, some excellent artwork, listen to live music and then, of course, go down and enjoy all the fabulous restaurants Old Town has to offer.”
Over 30 artists, artisans and craft vendors will line the streets with handmade goods, while visitors can also explore Old Town’s galleries and boutiques.
This year’s musical showcase will be setup near the corner of Main and E. Pinal Street and the lineup includes: Toucan Eddy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., reggae group Local Honey from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and Well Dressed Wolves closing the showcase with their signature brand of rock ‘n’ roll from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
“We’re expanding the art show up in the Cottonwood Community Clubhouse that happens in coordination with this event,” Teel said. “We’re working with the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society and then El Valle Artists Association, extending the art show up at the clubhouse.”
The wine garden returns this year with an early bird rate of $20 for those that purchase their tickets online ahead of time, that includes six tasting tickets and a commemorative glass. 75% of the proceeds goes back to consortium with the rest going back to the city to cover the event costs.
“VVWC assists in creating, nurturing and advancing the Verde Valley as a significant and important wine region,” VVWC President Paula Woolsey wrote on the event website. “Member wineries pouring at this years Walkin’ on Main are local to the Verde Valley. They will be sharing with you some newly released wines along with some of their very special library wines. This is your opportunity to taste them all in the one location!”
The car show will feature a variety of 50 cars including: A Metallic Green 1975 Datsun 280Z, a multi-colored 2008 Hyundai Sonata art car covered in toys, a 1957 Starmist Blue Ford Thunderbird, a 1965 Silver Ford Mustang and a 1954 Turquoise Chevrolet Bel Air.
“We’ve got a lot coming from the Corvette Club and some really cool old trucks.” Teel said. “We always get some great Chevelles, too. It’s very muscle-car centric — we’re focused on classic cars and we’ve already got all of the available spaces registered. So there should be something for everyone.”
To alleviate parking congestion in Old Town The Cottonwood Area Transit is running a free shuttle service every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with stops at the Cottonwood Community School on Willard Street, Lion’s Park, Riverfront Park and Cottonwood City Hall at 827 N. Main St.
“[Additionally there will be no curbside parking on Main Street, in Old Town, on Saturday, November 8, from Pima Street to Yavapai Street for the Walkin’ on Main event,” a city press release reads. “Main Street will close on Saturday at 4 a.m. and will re-open the same day by 7 p.m. The Old Town Jail parking lot will be open to general use. Road traffic is encouraged to take the detour route down Cactus Street.”
For more information, visit azwom.com or call the Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 639-3200.
