Fort Verde Days was a good time for just about everyone who came to downtown Camp Verde earlier this month for the town’s biggest and oldest festival.

It might have been just a little bit sweeter for those who took home an award from either participating in the 54th annual parade or the festival’s art show that showcases local talent across a wide variety of media.

Anyone who wasn’t there “missed a great weekend,” according to Amber Polo, an organizer of the art show.

The theme of this year’s event was “Keeping Traditions Alive,” and that’s what some of the best entries exemplified.

Best of Show for the parade went to the staff at Fort Verde State Historic Park, the people who keep the reason the town exists in the first place in good shape, along with the dozens of volunteers who have helped keep the fort open to the public over the last year.

The awards for color guard went to the Verde Valley Marine Corps League No. 1176 and the Scottish American Military Society, bringing their versions of flair to the event.

Motorcycles are always a fixture in the Verde Valley, and the parade was no exception. The American Legion Riders, composed of American Legion members from the region who honor service members coming home, took first place in their parade category. Motorcyclist Chuck Barnes took the silver.

Camp Verde being Camp Verde, there was no doubt a sizable contingent on horseback. For mounted groups, the U.S. Forest Service took first place, and second place went to the Rio Verde Roverettes, a group that has excelled in equine-based competitions across the state for the last 35 years.

For those with a single steed, Camp Verde resident Tony Gioia took first place, dressed in his 19th century period uniform atop Prince. Second place went to D.W. Welding riding Shawnee.

Of course, with horses, there had to be a follow-up first-place road apple crew. The honors this year went to Caylee, Brody and Kimberely.

For those without a ride, either on four wheels or four hooves, the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s Crown Dancers took top honors, followed up by local Cub Scout Pack No. 7193, who carried messages in support of the country’s veterans.

The art show is also a welcomed part of the weekend event’s festivities, and many were recognized for their talents and abilities by the judges.

The event was organized by the Camp Verde Arts Council, and visitors had the say with their votes to pick the winners in both the adult and student categories.

The top award went to Deedy Gregg for her pencil drawing “Abe Lincoln,” along with the award for the most popular work of art.

Linda Goldenstein, a judge in the show, said she was impressed by the talent on display.

“Making the choices was one of the hardest in my art career,” Goldenstein said. “Every artist who entered did an excellent job and I encourage them all to keep creating.”

Trophies and ribbons that haven’t been handed out yet can be picked up at Sweet Grace restaurant on Hollamon Street, or call 300-7077 for more information.