The aroma of freshly cut grass permeated the air, and the striking depth and brilliance of the azure sky above gave me pause while the distant hum of trucks and volunteers at work melded with the nearby melodies of birds nestled in the surrounding trees, heralding the dawn of a new day. Yet this day promised to be different. As early as 8 a.m. on the morning of June 3rd, it was clear that Party in the Pines was back, and back in a big way. Even during these early morning hours, a tangible wave of excitement and anticipation hung heavily in the air.

Party in the Pines 2023 made a triumphant return this year, delivering a much-needed infusion of community spirit after the challenging pandemic lockdowns of 2020. A vibrant blend of beer vendors, delectable food stalls, and an unmistakable community vibe, this event was a testament to the relentless efforts of the Prescott Area Young Professionals (PAYP). Impressively, this year's event significantly bolstered funding for the Prescott Unified School District, marking a triumphant win for the community. Marie Simpson, the Membership Manager at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, graciously shared her experience in helping resurrect the celebrated Party in the Pines.

Simpson's initial encounter with Party in the Pines can be traced back to 2015, shortly after her arrival in Prescott. The event, then located in the Park Plaza parking lot, left a lasting impression. Fast forward to the present, and Simpson has formed a strong bond with PAYP through their collective efforts to generate funds for the Prescott Unified School District via this community-centered festival. Influenced by the leadership of Stephanie Miller, the President of PAYP, and the extraordinary commitment and hard work of the entire team, Simpson, who started as a volunteer for this event, now plans to sustain her affiliation with PAYP for the foreseeable future.

“As we began to organize Party in the Pines after a three-year hiatus induced by the COVID pandemic, we were faced with a unique set of challenges. Perhaps the most daunting of these was the task of securing beer vendors, a key element that contributes to the very essence of the festival. After three years of inactivity, we found ourselves starting almost from scratch, having to reestablish relationships with breweries and distributors.”

“Yet, it was in these challenges that the true spirit of our dedicated team, led by Bailie Sanders and Bree Fitzgerald, shone through. They embraced these obstacles with tenacity and determination, putting in long hours and tireless effort to reach out to potential participants. Their hard work paid off, not just meeting our expectations but far exceeding them. To our surprise and delight, we ended up attracting even more beer vendors than we initially anticipated. This triumph was a testament to our team's resilience and commitment and a reminder of the power of community spirit when harnessed towards a shared goal.”

Marie Simpson's role at Party in the Pines was pivotal, as she was entrusted with the responsibility of securing sponsorship funds, a task both essential and challenging for an event of this magnitude. Initially, many businesses, as is common in event sponsorship, sought exclusivity, raising potential obstacles to partnership. However, armed with her communication skills and passion for the cause, Simpson effectively articulated the community-centric ethos of the event and its fundamental aim of bolstering the Prescott Unified School District.

“Stepping into the role of sponsorship lead for this year's Party in the Pines presented a unique set of challenges, particularly given the typical expectations of exclusivity from businesses. However, once I clarified the community-centric nature of our event and its mission to support the Prescott Unified School District, these businesses embraced the opportunity to share the limelight for a cause that is close to all of our hearts. Their overwhelming response affirmed my belief in the extraordinary camaraderie of the Prescott business community, whose members aren't your typical isolated business owners but deeply concerned citizens who want the best for Prescott and our children's future. Witnessing their unity and commitment to supporting this cause was a testament to the strength of our community and made my role incredibly rewarding.”

I posed a question to Marie regarding her role as the lead for securing sponsorships for the event, curious if there was any additional insight she wished to share. Her response was immediate and unequivocal; it was time to acknowledge the businesses that stepped up to the plate and helped make Party in the Pines a reality.

“In my role as the lead for securing sponsorships for Party in the Pines, I had the unique opportunity to collaborate with an array of businesses and organizations, all united by the common goal of supporting our local community. Each sponsor brought something unique to the table, and their generosity and commitment were instrumental in making this event a success.

I'd like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our financial sponsors: LAMB Chevrolet, Bucky's & Yavapai Casinos, Findlay Automotive Group, Pioneer Title Agency, Renewal By Andersen, Credit Union West, Makalya Chadwick Insurance, and Lawhorn Plumbing LLC. Your financial support was fundamental to the realization of our vision.

I must also acknowledge our media sponsors: Prescott Days Digital Magazine, Arizona's Hometown Radio Group, Sparklight, Rox Media, The Prescott Times, Talking Glass Media, and Quad Cities Business News. Your role in spreading the word about Party in the Pines was invaluable.

A special mention goes to our In-Kind sponsors: Waste Management, Sky City Productions, Affinity RV, Jameson Electric, Moore Party Rentals, Quad Cities Design, Sadie Sarti Design Co, Arizona Cap & Apparel, Prescott City Guide, Red Bull, and Corrin's Mixology. Your contributions in terms of services and products greatly enhanced the overall experience of the event.

Your support not only ensured the success of Party in the Pines 2023, but also played a key role in raising essential funds for the Prescott Unified School District. I look forward to continuing our partnerships in 2024, and making the next Party in the Pines an even bigger success.”

As the echoes of Party in the Pines 2023 begin to fade, we're left with more than just fond memories. We have seen the power of our community coming together, reigniting old bonds and forming new ones. We have also witnessed the impact our collective efforts can have on the education of our children. As we close this chapter, we look forward to the next, filled with anticipation for what Party in the Pines 2024 will bring. As the Prescott community continues to grow, so too will this event, evolving, adapting, and always striving to better serve our community. So, mark your calendars and get ready, because if this year was any indication, next year's Party in the Pines promises to be an unforgettable celebration of community spirit, all while championing a cause close to our hearts. See you in 2024!

It was a fantastic turnout at Party in the Pines 2023, and we wanted to share some snapshots that encapsulate the spirit of the event. These images, taken throughout the day by the supremely talented Valerie Fox and yours truly, Brian Lyons, provide a glimpse into the camaraderie, exhilarating performances, and overall festive ambiance that filled the air. They paint a vivid picture of a community united in support of a worthy cause, celebrating life, freedom, and the future of Prescott. So, take a moment, delve into these memories, and relive the magic that was Party in the Pines 2023.