Verde Valley Source Roundup: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
The shift into early fall brings a wave of civic policy changes, historic celebrations, and major community events across the region. Here is your daily dispatch covering what you need to know from Cottonwood to Sedona today.
Civic News & Infrastructure
Cottonwood Drops Flock Cameras: In a major move for local data privacy, Cottonwood joined Payson and nine other Arizona communities last week in officially terminating its use of Flock automatic license plate readers.
Riverfront Park Reopens: Cottonwood's Riverfront Park is fully open to the public again following the massive Thunder Valley Rally motorcycle event. Public Works teams completed the post-event maintenance and teardown over the weekend, restoring access to the main park, ramadas, and softball fields.
Local Events & Entertainment
"Rowdy Outlaws" Takes the Stage: Storyteller Michael Peach is debuting his new historical show, “Rowdy Outlaws,” at the Sedona Heritage Museum this week, highlighting Northern Arizona's grittier frontier history.
Jerome's Annual Bat Walk: Jerome State Historic Park will host its highly anticipated annual Bat Walk this Thursday, September 26. The evening event offers an up-close look at the local nocturnal ecosystem on Cleopatra Hill before the weather turns cold.
Sedona Restaurant Week Final Days: The valley's premier culinary event continues through Thursday, September 24. With lighter midweek crowds, locals have a prime window to access special prix fixe menus across Sedona's top dining rooms before the weekend tourists arrive.
Community Initiatives
Camp Verde "Fall Thrifty" Block Party: Following massive success at their Sedona location, the Verde Valley Sanctuary is expanding its seasonal thrift events down the valley. The Camp Verde Twice Nice location will host the "Fall Thrifty" event on October 3, complete with a live band, food trucks, and exclusive inventory drops to support the sanctuary's mission.