What do you have when you combine a 300-foot zip line, rapelling, a kid’s fishing tank, live creatures, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, camping, live music, food, many booths and exhibits, educational clinics, sporting equipment displays, and an entire area of Arizona Game & Fish Department displays and exhibits — all in the scenic setting of the Granite Dells of Prescott?

You have the Prescott’s Great Outdoors – Outdoor Recreation Festival and Expo to be held October 12 and 13 at Watson Lake Park, 3100 Watson Lake Road. After the success in 2012, this family oriented event is back. The event runs 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with a small admission fee.

Business and organization booth space available, as well as, sponsorship opportunities. We hope you’ll join us for Prescott’s Great Outdoors.

This event is designed to highlight the many outdoor and water-based recreational opportunities, organizations, retailers, equipment, and resources in the Prescott area.

This two-day event is two-fold: the expo component is designed to expose participants to the latest equipment for enjoying the outdoors, while the festival component includes a large educational emphasis.

Prescott's Great Outdoors is a family-oriented event with music, food, vendors, clinics and demonstrations, recreational activities, and displays. Various musical artists will also add to the festival component.

Admission Prices

• Adults: $5

• Children 7-17: $3

• Children 6 and under: Free

EXPO VENUE -- Watson Lake is one of two reservoirs at the Granite Dells, outside of Prescott, Arizona, that was formed in the early 1900s when the Chino Valley Irrigation District built a dam on Granite Creek. The City of Prescott bought the reservoir and surrounding land in 1997 to preserve it as recreational land. Local rockclimbers use the granite cliffs above and adjacent to the lake for top-roping and lead climbing. This also the home of TriCity Prep Rowing Crew, a local high school team and only rowing team in Northern Arizona.

Parking

Most parking will occur in areas adjacent to highway within the park. Should these areas fill to capacity, an overflow parking area is available 1.8 miles west of Willow Lake Road (to be signed) with shuttles providing transportation to the event. Carpooling is highly recommended.

Boating

Due to congested conditions at both boat ramps and throughout the park, launching of private boats will not be possible during the event. Various organizations will provide boat rides and rentals.

Camping

Campsites are available on a first-come, first served basis, and are divided into two areas. Arriving Thursday afternoon for a campsite is highly recommended since the campground will likely be filled by Friday. The campground is closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Campsites are $15.00 per night, and no hookups are available. Showers are available for campers.

For more information, visit http://www.cityofprescott.net, Eric Smith, Parks and Recreation, @ (928) 777-1590 or eric.smith@prescott-az.gov., or Kelly Tolbert, Parks and Recreation @(928) 777-1558 or kelly.tolbert@prescott-az.gov.