Prescott Frontier Days 20th Annual Trail Ride
® by Miriam Lucero
The Prescott Frontier Days® 20th Annual Trail ride was held at Groom Creek Horse Camp, Groom Creek, AZ on September 15-17, 2017. A place to cool off in the moun- tain pines south of Prescott for three days of trail riding, great food, and wonderful companionship. Approximately 30 riders and guests attended, including the 2018 Prescott Frontier Days® World’s Oldest Rodeo® Queen, Sarah Grant, Senior Court Morgan Reid, and Junior Court Carlee David. This event was held in the fall a couple of months after the Prescott Frontier Days® World’s Oldest Rodeo®.
As we arrived at the event, we were introduced to Kay Oden, the 2017 Trail Ride Chairman, and Jim Higgs, the trail boss of the Prescott Frontier Days® Annual Trail Ride. Jim, a proud Prescott family man, who loves this event, has been riding his mule each year. We met his long time friend, J.C. Konecny. Off to the right of the campsite is the Chef preparing steaks, chicken, and salmon, and to the left is the campfire with riders mixing and mingling with their friends. Many of the riders have been on this ride for years, and it’s a great time to be together. Many are long time Prescott residents, Mike Lucero, my husband and I grew up with Jim Higgs adult children, and know several of the families attending the trail ride. The entire evening felt like being at camp, reminiscing of past days of Prescott. Very relaxing, and not a care in the world!
I had an opportunity to sit down with Jim Higgs and find out how the ride started. Jim told me the annual trail ride started many years ago; he has been a long time member of the Prescott Frontier Days® World’s Oldest Rodeo®, former Chairman and a past Director. Jim worked for Arizona Fish & Game and knows the trails very well. I asked Jim about the growth of this ride over the years, and how the ride has changed. Jim explained, “I change the ride up every year; we have great volun- teers and experienced trail guides.” Jim loves Prescott, and can’t think of a bet- ter place to live, ride, and raise a family. Nearing 80 years old, he’s not stopping anytime soon on the annual ride!
As dusk is setting in, the fire is roaring, and the food is fantastic! I had the salmon with pesto, and it was awesome! As the evening is moving on, Jim Higgs is award- ed a special presentation from Kay Oden for his 20 years as trail boss, including a special plaque presented in his honor. An auction has started with the Prescott Frontier Days® World’s Oldest Rodeo®
For further information contact the Prescott Frontier Days ® Rodeo Office at 928-445-3103 or
www.worldsoldestrodeo.com
12 DECEMBER / JANUARY 2018 I HORSE & AG MAGAZINE
Queen and her court presenting the items for Auction, with J.C. Konecny, also a long time member of Prescott Frontier Days®, as the auctioneer. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be distributed to Beth- any’s Gait and other local charities. As the evening moves on, conversations are flowing, the nighttime air is pleasant, and the fire pit is keeping everyone warm and cozy.
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