Mark your calendar: On Saturday, May 2, 2020, Pine will host the Pine Trail Run, starting at 6:00 a.m. If you are a running enthusiast, this one is for you. However, you will need to decide which race to participate in. Will it be the 5K? 50K? Or the nine-mile trail? All three of these events will start at the Pine Trailhead, located on Highway 87. The trails embrace the beauty of the Mogollon Rim and the majestic scenery of Tonto National Forest. Save the date!

If you are a rodeo participant or fan, be sure to catch the Gary Hardt Memorial Spring Rodeo, May 15th and 16th in Payson, Arizona at the Payson Event Center. Watch fearless cowboys tackle the task of riding a wild and unruly bucking beast; see the barrel racers unite with the wind as steed and rider shoot for the fastest time and be amazed as team ropers test their skills against the talents of a lightning fast creature, the wrangling of the rope and the time on the clock. Indeed, this adventure is family fun for all to enjoy on the edges of their seats. Be sure to place a bookmark here!

Get down and dirty in the mud! Usually held in June, at the Payson Event Center, the Mogollon Monster Mudda is an obstacle course of tires, ropes, muddy puddles, agility obstacles and lots and lots of mud that the participant must slickly overcome. The competition is not only about the ability and agility of completion but also about competing with others skilled in conquering the obstacle course. As the participants slide into action, the observer will not be disappointed in watching as muddy creatures compete in the mucky battle of the mud. Truly, a MUST SEE!

As always, the Fourth of July Celebration at Green Valley Park in Payson is one of the most spectacular events of the year. A day of family games, barbeques and celebrations is complete when the unsurpassed presentation of beautiful fireworks claim the night sky. Celebrating Independence Day in the company of family and friends amid the grand, patriotic display of unrivaled fireworks is breath taking and awe- inspiring in Green Valley Park.

If walking and reading are your games, attend the Payson Book Festival, Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino. Arizona authors display books of all genres -- informational, entertaining and captivating. Walk down the aisles and visit with a favorite author. Read about history, romance, life-experiences as well as information-related reference books. Entertain the youngsters in your family or group with children’s books and enjoy listening to oratorial recitations of these wonderful and creative children’s’ books.  

Double your rodeo fun in 2020 by attending the137th Oldest Continuous Rodeo in Payson on Saturday, August 15, 2020. Get in the mood by attending the Payson Rodeo Parade marching down Payson’s historic Main Street beginning at 9:00 a.m. Save the date! Better yet, prepare an entry and be part of the Payson Rodeo Parade. Mark your calendar in LARGE LETTERS for this one.

And don’t forget the Northern Gila County Fair on the first weekend in September. Many, many superb entries of gardening, photography, art, needlecrafts, handy crafts and more will catch your eye with inspiration. Plan in advance and challenge the blue-ribbon selection by submitting your quality blue ribbon articles.

If you enjoy walking, the Beeline Cruise-In Car Show will be a wonderful place to walk and view the vintage vehicles of yesteryear. Vehicles of all makes and models provide a premier car show you will not want to miss. This event is usually scheduled for the second weekend in October. Watch for future notices of specific dates and times. If you are a car or vintage truck enthusiast, you will not want to miss this great opportunity.

Start running now to get in shape for the 2020 10K Boulder Adventure Trail Run to be held in October. Enjoy this arduous run through granite boulders accenting the picturesque grandeur of the forest located on the southeast side of Payson -- and if you prefer to walk, walk instead. Invite friends and family members to join you. Advise them to start getting in shape for this unforgettable adventure.

Save the dates! Mark your calendars! Place bookmarks to remind you of all the exciting and entertaining events in Rim Country for 2020! And just a suggestion -- if you plan to participate as a runner, trail climber or distance walker, start training now. Speaking from experience, prior planning prevents poor, poor performance and produces less aches and pains and less use of SUPER XTRA STRENGTH IBUPROFEN and TYLENOL.

May 2020 bring you happiness, blessings and successful event planning. Get ready! Get set! And mark those dates!