Labor Day Fun, Sweet Corn Fest, and Chace Saunders’ Country Climb

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As Labor Day weekend approaches, the White Mountains region bursts with activity and excitement. Jineane Ford joins us to spotlight the Sweet Corn Festival with its charming small-town parade, arts and crafts, corn hole tournament, and live entertainment featuring Ashley Westcott and Avery Irving. Don't miss the Vaquero Productions Harvest Rodeo or Monday's pie party at the historic Shumway Schoolhouse with the Mountain Air Brass Quintet.

Meanwhile, Springerville hosts its 14th annual Rib Throwdown through Saturday, and Show Low presents the Battle of the Bands and Vans at Frontier Fields – complete with food trucks, craft vendors, a Kid's Zone, and Beer Garden for just $5 admission (free for under 12s). With gas prices at a four-year low, it's the perfect weekend to explore our mountain communities!

The highlight of today's show is our Country Climb interview with Chace Saunders, a Kentucky native making waves in Nashville. Chase shares his remarkable journey, beginning with his first guitar at age eight and deeply influenced by his family's rich musical heritage – from a great-grandfather who handcrafted banjos to relatives steeped in gospel and bluegrass traditions. His musical influences span from James Taylor to Frank Ocean to Keith Whitley, creating a sound uniquely his own.

We're thrilled to premiere Chace's new song "Catch and Release," written in just two hours before a show in Owensboro. This fishing tale set to music captures the essence of rural Kentucky life with moonshine adventures and close calls. Chase will be touring Arizona in mid-October, hitting Flagstaff and Phoenix – follow him on social media as Chace Saunders Music to catch those dates.

Before wrapping up, we spotlight the upcoming Best of Phoenix Comedy Showcase at Pinedale Community Center on September 20th featuring Lamar Mitchell Jr, Cricket Gill, and more. Tickets are selling fast at chrisbennettcomedy.com! And don't forget this weekend's Navajo Taco Dinner and Bake Sale supporting the Pinedale Heritage and Community Center.