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SummerFest 2001 at Yavapai Downs


A New Era for Northern Arizona Entertainment


In the spring of 2001, Yavapai County was buzzing with anticipation. After decades of racing at the historic Prescott Downs, the region was preparing to unveil a brand‑new entertainment complex: the Yavapai County Fairgrounds and Yavapai Downs Race Track, a $22.5 million project built to usher in a modern era of racing, festivals, and community events.


Memorial Day Weekend—May 26–28, 2001—was chosen for the grand opening celebration. The event was named SummerFest at Yavapai Downs, and it quickly became one of the largest multi‑day festivals ever held in Prescott Valley.


It was also one of the many major Arizona events sponsored and promoted by AZeats.com, marking an important chapter in the website’s early history.


AZeats.com Steps Into the Spotlight


In 2001, AZeats.com was still a young, fast‑growing restaurant directory serving the Phoenix metro area. The site was known for menus, coupons, virtual tours, and its signature “NewsBytes” newsletter—but it was also building a reputation as a supporter of Arizona’s cultural and entertainment scene.


SummerFest 2001 became one of AZeats.com’s most visible public partnerships.


AZeats sponsored the AZeats.com Food Court, promoted the festival across its website, and helped drive statewide attention to the grand opening. For many early users, SummerFest was the first time they saw AZeats.com connected to a major regional event.


Click Here to view AZeats.com Home Page promoting 2001 SummerFest


Click Here to view AZeats.com SummerFest landing page


A Three‑Day Celebration of Racing, Music, and Family Fun


SummerFest was designed to showcase everything the new fairgrounds could offer. Over three packed days, visitors experienced:

  • Opening Day Quarter Horse & Thoroughbred Racing The first official races ever held at the new Yavapai Downs track.
  • Three Days of Motocross Racing Hosted in a newly built 4‑acre permanent motocross facility.
  • Family Festival & Laser Light Shows Evening entertainment that drew thousands of families from across Northern Arizona.
  • Two Nights of Concerts on the Main Stage Featuring regional performers and touring acts.
  • Hunter‑Jumper Show & Team/Calf Roping Competitions Marking the debut of the indoor/outdoor equestrian center.
  • Camping & RV Parking Acres of open space allowed visitors to stay all weekend—free parking included.


Attendance exceeded 35,000 people, making it one of the largest events ever held in Prescott Valley at the time.


Why SummerFest Matters in AZeats History


For AZeats.com, SummerFest represented more than a sponsorship—it was a statement of identity.


The event showed that AZeats wasn’t just a restaurant directory. It was a community partner, a promoter of Arizona culture, and a supporter of local entertainment. The AZeats.com Food Court introduced thousands of festival‑goers to the brand, and the website’s coverage helped cement its role as a trusted source for dining and lifestyle information.


SummerFest became one of several early‑2000s events that helped AZeats grow from a startup website into a recognizable Arizona name.


Legacy of the Festival


Yavapai Downs continued hosting summer racing seasons until 2010, and although the track’s racing era eventually ended, the 2001 SummerFest remains a milestone in the region’s history.


For AZeats.com, it stands as a proud example of the site’s early involvement in Arizona’s entertainment landscape—a moment when food, racing, music, and community all came together under the banner of a brand that was helping people discover the best of Arizona.