Standin' on the Corner Fest back in Winslow for 16th year
16th annual event to feature live music, vendors and food Sept. 26-27

People dance at last year’s event. Submitted photo

People dance at last year’s event. Submitted photo

WINSLOW, Ariz. - The 16th annual Standin on the Corner Festival takes place Sept. 26-27 in Winslow with plenty of music, vendors, food and fun for everyone. The event draws five to 10,000 people every year.

The festival celebrates the well-known single "Take It Easy," written by Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, which became a hit in the 1970s for the Eagles and put the community of Winslow on the map. The verse "standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona" draws visitors from far and wide to stand on that famous corner on Historic Route 66.

The festival will take place in downtown Winslow on Historic Route 66 (West Second Street) and North Campbell Avenue at the Eagle Pavilion located behind the Winslow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center.

Tom McCauley, Standin on the Corner Foundation member and Master of Ceremonies for the event, said people from all over the world come to Winslow to celebrate.

"We have a lot of people who come home for class reunions during this time, as well," he said.

The festival is $2 per person and free for those 12 and under.

"We want everyone to be able to participate," McCauley said.

He added that after 15 years, the festival has become an international event.

Throughout the weekend vendors will sell everything from crafts, food, and clothing. A kids area will feature blow up balloons and rides.

"There is a lot for everyone out there," McCauley said.

That includes a beer garden for those 21 and older with identification.

McCauley said the class of '74 and '84 will be home for the festival.

"We'd like to welcome them back to Winslow," he said.

Friday night's music is packed full with something for everyone.

From 6-8 p.m. the Tommy Dukes Blues Band kicks off the evening. Dukes was born in Mississippi and raised in Winslow, where he still lives. He is in the Arizona blues Hall of Fame.

Dukes will also be the first act on Winslow's new stage. McCauley said the foundation and city have been working a long time to get the stage on line.

"The foundation couldn't be more happy that Tommy is actually going to christen the new stage," McCauley said. "We're so happy to have him do that."

From 8-10 p.m. the Steven Padilla Band takes over. Padilla's family is all from Winslow. Padilla was raised in Thermopolis, Alabama and he now lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He just released his first album called, "Good at Goodbye."

"He's topping the charts on iTunes right now," McCauley said. "He's incredible. We are so excited to have him."

From 10 p.m.- 1 a.m. Pure Prophet closes out the night. Pure Prophet, a classic rock band, is from Flagstaff. They play everything from Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zepplin to The Who and Kansas.

"These guys have an incredible sound," McCauley said.

Saturday's line up is just as full and starts in the morning with three local dance groups.

From 9-10 a.m. Northland Pioneer College Aguilera's del Oro Ballet Folklorico takes the stage.

From 10-11 a.m. The High Desert Dance Group (formerly the Winslow Stars) takes over.

"They are very talented young ladies," McCauley said.

From 11 a.m.-noon on the stage is the Water Maidens Hopi Dance Group. They are from Winslow and dance under the direction of Perry Sehongva.

"We're really glad that they are going to be able to come and dance for us," McCauley said.

From noon to 1 p.m. a local cover band, Limitless Veneration, plays. They will play some Christian cover music.

From 1 p.m-4 p.m. Winslow's first ever Winslow Idol contest takes place. The contestants will sing three songs apiece and then the judges will pick a winner. All contestants must be from Winslow to compete. There is no age limit so anyone from 6 years old to 80 years old can enter.

"Right now, we have 10 incredibly talented contestants," McCauley said, adding that if there are not more than 10 contestants by the time the event starts, all of them will get to go straight to the event.

From 4-6 p.m. the annual Standin' on the Corner Foundation Auction takes place, which is the big fundraiser for the foundation. The foundation's mission is the redevelopment of Winslow (the mission used to be the redevelopment of just the historic district but it has expanded that mission to include all of Winslow). McCauley said without the support of the businesses in town, the foundation would not be able to support its mission.

"We go out and visit with all of our businesses in town, and they have been more than gracious and supportive, to get us items to put in the auction," McCauley said.

From 6 - 8 p.m. local gospel group Sounds of Faith takes the stage with Brenda and Mary Alice Hayes.

"They are always a crowd favorite," McCauley said. "We're really happy to have them back again."

From 8 - 10 p.m. a new Eagles cover band, Take it to the Limit, from the Valley takes over. Because the band has included brass in their set this year, they will play new and old Eagles songs.

From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. the closing band, sponsored by Winslow Ford, is the Northern Latino Express from Flagstaff.

"They play the music that gets people out of their chairs," McCauley said. "You can just hardly hold still."

He said that everyone should bring a jacket, an umbrella, sunglasses and tennis shoes to deal with the heat, wind, rain and cooler temperatures at night.

"Make sure you are comfortable," McCauley said. "Relax and bring the family and have a great weekend."

More information is available from www.standinonthecorner.com.

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