Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, the communities of Springerville, Eagar, Alpine, and Greer put on their best for traditional celebrations of the seasons, along with uniquely southwestern events that honor the heritage and pioneer spirit that founded these communities. Whatever your interests, events set in the high pines and cool, clean air of the White Mountains take on a whole new dimension!

Greer Days (June)

Held each year in the community of Greer (20 minutes drive from Springerville/Eagar into the high mountains), the celebration features weekend events ranging from 5k Walk/Runs, live entertainment, Chlli Cook-Off, Lumberjack competition, to arts and crafts shows, boat races, barbeque, and a parade. Sponsored by the Greer Civic Association, the collection of events is both a celebration for residents and visitors, and is one of the more popular summer attractions in the White Mountains.

Chrome in the Dome Classic Car Show (June)

Automotive enthusiasts from around the southwest flock to Springerville/Eagar each year for this exciting car show, staged in the domed stadium of the Round Valley High School. The only fully enclosed stadium of its kind in Arizona, "the Dome" serves as host to a variety of classic cars in this event that's sure to please automotive enthusiasts of all ages.  Visit www.cruisinarizona.com for more information and registration forms.

St. Peter's Fiesta (June)

Taking on a uniquely southwestern flavor, this celebration of the patron saint of fishermen St. Peter is held on the last Saturday of June, and includes a parade, barbeque, and dance.

Fourth of July Parade, Rodeo, and Celebration

This annual event includes a parade, rodeo, and fireworks at the Lyman Lake and Sunrise Resort. The parade starts in the late morning, beginning in Eagar, and finishing in Springerville. All residents and neighboring communities are open to participate, and the result is a colorful display of floats, bands, and horseback riders showcasing the best of northeastern Arizona. The sanctioned rodeo lasts for 2 days, and is sponsored by the Apache County Sheriff's Posse.
Click here for this years parade results

Alpine Worm Races (July)

Don't use all those worms to catch trophy trout in the crystal clear lakes of the White Mountains! This annual event starts with a parade down Main Street in Alpine, and includes live music, games, and food. Of course, the highlight is the Worm Race, in which participants buy a worm, and "race" to see whose worm travels the farthest in a given time period. Children of all ages have the time of their life as the proceeds for this Alpine tradition assist the Alpine School and Alpine Public Library.

Pioneer Days (July)

Sports tournaments, rodeo, a dance for the youth, 5k "fun run", food and other festivities fill the Town of Springerville in this annual celebration.  Originally established  as a tribute to the pioneer families of northeastern Arizona, Pioneer Days also serves as a "homecoming" to the many extended families whose roots can be traced back to this part of the state.

Eagar Daze (August)

Started in 1985, Eagar Daze is an annual event held the first Friday and Saturday of August. This event celebrates the communities rich heritage as a logging community, and features timber sporting events, local entertainment, a concert band in the domed stadium, and an arts and crafts fair. One of the few remaining logging events in the southwest, the celebration features a Barbeque, pancake breakfast, games for the children, and a ceremony that acknowledges Citizen of the Year. Held at Ramsey park, Eagar Daze includes tournaments in softball, volleyball, and horseshoes, and draws crowds from all over the southwest. For more information on Eagar Daze, including a schedule of events and vendor opportunities, please contact the Eagar Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 333-1639.

Alpine Chili Cook-Off (August)

Get ready as some of the tastiest chili comes alive in this 8,000 foot high community of the White Mountains! Like it hot? The competition includes entertainment, showmanship, a Bean Jackpot, and Brisket competitions. Sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), proceeds go to benefit the volunteer Alpine Fire Department and the Alpine School.

White Mountain Half Marathon (September)

Are you tough enough?  You are bussed out to the small town of Nutrioso to start the marathon at an elevation of 7600 feet.  The first 9 miles are a slight downhill slope until you hit "The Hill", of about a mile and a half.  The rest of the way is a great downhill run to the finish line.  Online registration and course information is available at: www.whitemountainhalfmarathon.com.

Round Valley Halloween Spooktacular (October)

This Halloween event for kids of all ages is a safe and fun way to celebrate the changing of the seasons, at a time when the forest is bursting with fall colors!

Veterans Parade and Luncheon (November)

Co-sponsored by the Springerville Head Start and American Legion Post 30, the parade is held annually to honor our veterans, and lunch is held at the American Legion Hall immediately following the parade.  The American Legion also has an official flag disposal ceremony prior to the luncheon..

Holiday Electric Light Parade (December)

Beginning in Eagar, the parade is held the first Saturday evening in December, and celebrates the joy of the season, culminating in a visit from Santa Claus.

Birding in the Eastern White Mountains (June-September)
There is no end to the activities you can find to do in the White Mountains during the summer months.  Hiking, camping fishing, exploring, deck chair lounging are popular and the list goes on.  Now there is something new! The White Mountains are slowly becoming known as a birding destination.  The prime season for birding is June through September.  June and July are the breeding months and the birds are more vocal and easier to spot.  August and September is when you also catch glimpses of migratory birds as well as the local variety.

 Stuart Healy (www.aztrogon.com) is a professional bird guide from Sierra Vista, Arizona who comes up to the eastern White Mountains each summer.  He was kind enough to share with us some of the species and their locations.  Some of the birds he has seen so far this summer are: Dusky Grouse, Pinyon Jays, Lewis’s Woodpecker, American Three- toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Clarks Nutcrackers and American Dippers, to name a few.  Some of the places Stuart recommends to look are:  for Grouse- knolls such as Green’s Peak and Big Lake Lookout; all around Nutrioso for Lewis’s Woodpecker, and then there is the West Fork of the Little Colorado in Greer (a good place to find Dipper), South Fork of the Little Colorado, Sunrise Lake and campground, Grasslands Wildlife Area, Becker Lake, Luna Lake in Alpine, Terry Flats on Escudilla Mountain, Sipes Wildlife Area and Wenema Riparian Area. All within easy driving distance of Springerville-Eagar.

 So, if birding is in your blood and you want to combine great sightings and a beautiful area to explore, then the eastern White Mountains are the place for you.  Contact the Springerville-Eagar Regional Chamber of Commerce for vacation packages and questions about the area.  Also, look on this website for accommodations and places to dine while you’re here.  When you arrive in the Round Valley area make the chamber office one of your first stops for information, maps and directions.  We are located at 318 E. Main St. in Springerville and are open 7 days a week from 8am-4pm.