The 70th Annual Parada del Sol Parade

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Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. One event that encapsulates the spirit of this city is the annual Parada del Sol Parade. This celebration has become a cherished tradition, bringing together residents and visitors alike for a day of fun, color, and community spirit.

  • The History of Parada del Sol: The roots of the Parada del Sol Parade can be traced back to 1953, when it first graced the streets of Scottsdale. Over the years, it has evolved into a grand spectacle, showcasing the city’s history, diversity, and pride.
  • The Parade Route: The parade typically winds its way through the heart of Scottsdale, treating spectators to a dazzling display of floats, marching bands, equestrian units, and more. Families line the streets, eagerly awaiting the procession of colorful and creative entries.
  • Floats and Performances: One of the highlights of the Parada del Sol Parade is undoubtedly the creative and elaborate floats. Local businesses, schools, and organizations put their best foot forward, crafting floats that capture the theme of the parade. Marching bands bring musical energy, and equestrian units add a touch of Western flair to the festivities.
  • Community Participation: What sets the Parada del Sol Parade apart is the active participation of the community. Residents often come together to create and decorate floats, showcasing their talents and community pride. It’s not just a parade; it’s a collective effort to celebrate the essence of Scottsdale.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The parade is a family-friendly event, with children and adults alike delighting in the spectacle. Parents bring their kids to experience the joy of seeing larger-than-life floats, waving to performers, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. It’s a day when the community comes together to create lasting memories.
  • Cultural Celebration: The Parada del Sol Parade also serves as a platform to celebrate the diverse cultures that make up Scottsdale. Different groups use the event to share their traditions through dance, music, and attire, creating a mosaic of cultural richness.

In the heart of the Arizona desert, the Scottsdale Parada del Sol Parade stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit and sense of community. It’s not just a parade; it’s a celebration of history, diversity, and togetherness. Each year, as the floats roll down the streets, Scottsdale comes alive with the joyous sounds and colors of the Parada del Sol Parade.

This year’s Parade embarks from Drinkwater Boulevard south down Scottsdale Road, turns right on 1st Street, then left on Marshall Way, east on Second Street, and concludes heading north on Brown Avenue to Indian School Road.

Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024

Parade: 10:00am to 12noon

The 2024 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction

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The 2024 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction promises to be a thrilling event for automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. As one of the premier car auctions in the world, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company consistently attracts a diverse array of classic, rare, and high-performance vehicles.

  • History and Legacy: The Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1971. Over the years, it has grown into a cultural phenomenon, gaining recognition as a benchmark for automotive excellence. The Scottsdale edition, held annually in Arizona, is particularly renowned for its size and significance within the collector car community.
  • Venue and Atmosphere: Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Scottsdale landscape, the auction creates a unique and electric atmosphere. The WestWorld of Scottsdale, the venue for the event, transforms into a hub of automotive excitement. The sprawling grounds house not only the auction arena but also various exhibitions, sponsor displays, and entertainment, making it a complete experience for attendees.
  • Diverse Range of Vehicles: One of the key attractions of the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction is the incredible diversity of vehicles on display. From classic American muscle cars to European exotics, and from vintage trucks to modern supercars, the auction lineup spans the entire spectrum of automotive history. This eclectic mix ensures that there’s something for every taste and interest.
  • Notable Auction Lots: The highlight of any Barrett-Jackson auction is, of course, the auction lots themselves. Rare and sought-after vehicles often make their way to the stage, capturing the attention of bidders and spectators alike. Whether it’s a meticulously restored classic, a limited-edition sports car, or a one-of-a-kind custom build, each lot tells a story of automotive craftsmanship and passion.
  • Auction Process and Bidding: For those unfamiliar with the auction process, Barrett-Jackson provides a unique and engaging experience. Bidders raise their paddles or place online bids, competing in real-time to secure their desired vehicles. The energy in the auction arena is palpable as prices rise, and the gavel finally falls, marking the sale of another exceptional automobile.
  • Celebrity Sightings and Events: The Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction is also known for attracting celebrities and notable figures from the automotive world. From famous car collectors to industry insiders, you never know who you might bump into during the event. In addition to the auction, there are often special events, panel discussions, and meet-and-greet opportunities with automotive personalities.
  • The Impact Beyond the Auction: Beyond the excitement of the auction block, the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction has a broader impact on the automotive community. It serves as a barometer for market trends, reflecting the current demand for certain types of vehicles. Additionally, successful sales often contribute to charitable causes, as Barrett-Jackson is known for its commitment to supporting various philanthropic initiatives.

The 2024 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction is poised to be a captivating celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, and passion. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time attendee, or simply an admirer of beautiful cars, this event offers an unforgettable experience!

1/20/2024 – 1/28/2024

Westworld of Scottsdale
16601 North Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Trick-Or-Treating Safety Tips

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Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday, but it’s also important to prioritize safety, especially for children and families. By taking these precautions to heart, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve done your part to make it a safe and memorable holiday for all. So, put on your costumes, light up those pumpkins, and enjoy a spooktacular Halloween!
Costume Safety:
      • Choose costumes that are flame-resistant and not too long to prevent tripping.
      • Ensure costumes are visible in the dark by using reflective tape or stickers.
      • Opt for face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct vision.
Trick-or-Treating Safety:
      • Always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult or in a group.
      • Stick to well-lit areas and use flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility.
      • Stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks when crossing streets.
      • Teach kids to look both ways before crossing the street and to never dart out into traffic.
Candy Safety:
      • Inspect all candy and treats before consuming. Discard any opened or tampered items.
      • Be cautious about food allergies, and be aware of what ingredients are in the candy.
Home Safety:
      • Keep your home well-lit to help prevent accidents for trick-or-treaters.
      • Clear your yard and walkways of any tripping hazards.
      • Ensure pets are securely confined and away from the front door to avoid frightening or injuring visitors.
Pumpkin Carving Safety:
      • Consider using battery-operated LED lights or glow sticks inside pumpkins instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire.
      • If you do use candles, keep pumpkins away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Halloween Decorations:
      • Ensure that decorations do not block pathways or become tripping hazards.
      • Avoid using candles in jack-o’-lanterns, or if you do use them, place them away from decorations and flammable materials.
Emergency Contact Information:
      • Make sure your child has your contact information or an ID card in case you get separated.

 

The Best Local Pumpkin Patches

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Each fall, farms across Greater Phoenix extend a warm invitation for you to embrace the spirit of the season. They offer an array of festivities, spanning from corn mazes to picturesque pumpkin patches, ensuring delightful experiences for the entire family. Here are a few of the best local farms to choose a pumpkin, ride a hay bale, get lost in a corn maze, and pick up some seasonal treats!

  • Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert – A one-stop shop for all your seasonal needs. From pumpkins that proudly range from 1 ounce to 500 pounds to fall decorations for sale at Maneau’s Market. Admission includes a pumpkin, a hayride, access to Alexander’s Adventure Maze, the spider web crawl, and an opportunity to feed the petting zoo animals. www.mothernaturesfarm.com/pumpkinpatch
  • Vertuccio Farms, Mesa -Explore the 5-acre corn maze, hit the mini golf links, paint a pumpkin, check out the farm animals and visit the farmers market for seasonal produce and flowers (there are even corn stalks and hay bales for sale). Sound like fun? That’s just the beginning. There’s pumpkin bowling, a zip line, and a variety of farm-inspired obstacles to climb, slide, and bounce your way through. www.vertucciofarms.com/events/fall-festival/
  • MacDonald’s Ranch Annual Pumpkin Patch in Scottsdale – MacDonald’s Ranch first opened to the public in 1970 and, in the years since, has become a community staple, offering both a taste of the Wild, Wild West and interactive farm experiences. This north Scottsdale hidden gem celebrates the fall season with its annual Pumpkin Patch festivities, including a petting zoo, a panning for gold experience, a hay-bale maze, a pedal car track, and a variety of lawn games. www.macdonaldsranch.com/pumpkin-patch
  • Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale – This four-generation family farm in Glendale becomes a family-friendly playground each autumn. Pack up the crew and head out to the Pumpkin Days celebration, where plenty of fresh air and space for social distancing await you. In addition to selecting a gorgeous gourd, you’ll want to stick around for the petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid, corn box, pedal cart track, and bounce house. Another must for the season is the 6-acre family corn maze that’s created around a new theme each year. There’s also a mini corn maze — perfect for the little ones — and a haunted corn maze for the thrill seekers. www.tolmachoff-farms.com/new/pumpkin-days/Rocker
  • 7 Farm Patch in Buckeye -Looking for a fall experience beyond the pumpkin patch? You’re in luck. This year, the Rocker 7 Brand announced that its Farm Patch location will open its sunflower field! For the safety of all guests, the Sunflower field schedule includes appointment-only time slots, and reservations can be made online in advance. www.rocker7farmpatch.com/sunflower-field/

Exploring the Ghostly Charm of Jerome, AZ: A Day Trip into Haunting History

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Nestled high in the hills of northern Arizona, Jerome is a picturesque town with a rich history and an eerie reputation. Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill, overlooking the breathtaking Verde Valley, Jerome has earned a place in the annals of time as one of the most haunted towns in America. Join us as we embark on a day trip to this fascinating destination, where the echoes of the past intertwine with ghostly tales, creating an unforgettable experience.

A Journey through Time

As you wind your way up the narrow roads leading to Jerome, it’s hard not to be struck by the town’s intriguing past. Founded in the late 19th century, Jerome began as a bustling mining camp, attracting a diverse group of miners, gamblers, and entrepreneurs seeking to strike it rich in the copper mines that once defined the town. The town’s fortunes ebbed and flowed over the decades, facing fires, floods, and economic shifts that led to its rise and fall.

Haunting Histories

It’s not just Jerome’s history that makes it a captivating destination, but also the numerous ghost stories and paranormal encounters that have been passed down through generations. One of the most famous tales revolves around the Grand Hotel, where guests and staff alike have reported inexplicable occurrences – from flickering lights and unexplained noises to apparitions that seem to vanish into thin air. Visitors can take guided ghost tours that delve into these spine-tingling stories, offering a glimpse into the supernatural side of Jerome.

The Jerome Grand Hotel: A Portal to the Past

Once the United Verde Hospital, the Jerome Grand Hotel stands as a silent witness to the town’s history and hauntings. Its imposing presence atop the hill adds an air of mystery to the skyline. Some say the spirits of patients who passed away within its walls still roam the halls, leaving behind a lingering energy that is palpable to those who dare to step inside. Even if you’re not a believer in the paranormal, the hotel’s unique history and architecture are worth exploring.

Exploring the Town

Beyond its haunted reputation, Jerome offers a quaint and charming atmosphere that draws visitors in with its art galleries, antique shops, and local eateries. The town’s narrow streets and historic buildings are a testament to its past, and wandering through its alleys feels like stepping back in time. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Jerome State Historic Park, which features well-preserved mining artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the town’s mining heyday.

Cultural Resilience

Despite its tumultuous history, Jerome has managed to reinvent itself as an artistic hub and a hub for tourism. The town’s unique blend of history, artistic flair, and ghostly allure has made it a magnet for those seeking an out-of-the-ordinary experience. The annual Jerome Ghost Walk and Spirit Walk events draw enthusiasts and curiosity seekers alike, fostering a sense of community and shared fascination with the supernatural.

A day trip to Jerome, AZ, offers a captivating blend of history, art, and the unexplainable. Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a unique adventure, this town has something to offer. From its haunted tales to its charming streets, Jerome invites you to step into its past and explore the mysteries that continue to linger among its hills and buildings. So, pack your curiosity, your sense of wonder, and a camera to capture the essence of this eerie yet enchanting destination.

Summer Concert Series at McCormick-Stillman Park

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Rock and roll at McCormick-Stillman Park in Scottsdale is back on track for 2023! Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening with a variety of local bands. Recently recognized as one of the best live music venues in Arizona by Best of American Towns, Sundays at The Railroad Park are the place to be in Scottsdale this May. With Motown, Disco, Rhythm and Blues and Retro 90’s, we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Pack a picnic or enjoy something tasteful from Hartley’s General Store or one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

The park’s iconic steam engines pull the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. Train and Carousel rides are $3. Children two and under ride free with a paying adult.

Summer 2023 schedule:

 

Summer Concert Series - 2023

AZ Bike Week at WestWorld of Scottsdale

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Save the date – Arizona Bike Week is back at Westworld of Scottsdale from March 29th-April 2nd! There are two main areas. The RockYard, sets the stage for nightly concerts and is located in the great expo hall at WestWorld. The outdoor PowerYard encompasses the rest of the rally, including exciting two, three, and four-wheeled adventures, with more off-road and other outdoor recreation vendors participating at this year’s event.

In addition to new features, there will be many of the beloved staples of ABW: Vendor Village offering everything from motorcycle parts to custom jewelry, bike shows, factory demo trucks, freestyle motorcycle stunt jumpers, and stunt riders in the intense Motordome, all in the PowerYard.

For additional event details, visit: azbikeweek.com

70th Annual Rodeo Scottsdale

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The 70th annual Rodeo Scottsdale will be March 9th-12th, 2023 at the Westworld of Scottsdale Equidome Arena.

The Rodeo Scottsdale, also known as the Parada Del Sol Rodeo, is a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo event in the West’s Most Western Town for four days each year.

The rodeo performances are at 7:00pm Thursday-Saturday, and at 2:00pm on Sunday. The gates open two hours prior to each performance. It is recommended to get to the arena at least one hour early so parking and seating can be situated without missing any of this great rodeo action!

Rodeo Scottsdale is known to sell out performances every single year, so buy your tickets now at rodeoscottsdale.com!

 

Sun and Sounds at the Scottsdale Civic Center

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Free Sunday concerts return in 2023 to the newly renovated outdoor spaces at Scottsdale Civic Center in Old Town Scottsdale! Experience the best local music in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by unique artist vendors, hot food off the grill, cold drinks at the bar, and plenty of good company. Bring your pup and lawn chair for some fun in the sun!

March 5th, 2023

Remi Goode & Gabe Lehrer — noon to 1:30pm: Remi Goode has collaborated and performed with Gabe Lehrer since they were 13. They are both singer-songwriters and guitarists, working as guest artists on each other’s albums and releasing music together. Goode and Lehrer perform folk and pop covers in addition to their originals, utilizing acoustic guitar and their similar vocal ranges to create close vocal harmonies and a uniquely connected sound. Both artists are in the process of recording solo albums.

Hot House Orchids — 2 to 4pm: The blend of talent that formed the Hot House Orchids has its roots in one of downtown Phoenix’s most iconic haunts, the original Welcome Diner at 10th Street and Roosevelt. It was here, at an after-hours Thanksgiving night jam, organized by the diner’s founder Michael Babcock, that three of the four band members made music together for the first time. Fusing elements of rock, soul, and pop, the band’s songs transcend musical mores to create a style all its own. Their self-titled album is available at all online music stores and streaming platforms.

March 12th, 2023

Tatiana Crespo — noon to 1:30pm: Tatiana Crespo is a Costa Rican singer-songwriter living in Phoenix. Her music is a rich medley of Latin styles, blending and blurring the lines between Cumbia, reggaeton, waltzes, bossa nova, and more. Through her bilingual interpretations and fun, cross-cultural stage banter, she never loses the spontaneity of a tropical bird in our arid desert. Having recently returned from a visit to her homeland, she is eager to share her fresh new songs full of loving, healing energy and added instrumentation to her usual blend of accordion and guitar. You may have seen her fronting the local, all-female, Latin music supergroup Las Chollas Peligrosas, and her solo work is every bit as engaging.

Carlos Arzarte and the Kind Souls — 2:30 to 4pm: Tucson native Carlos Arzate has been a standout member of the Arizona music community since the ’90s, first known for leading bands like Innisfail and American Android with his huge voice. While those bands were known for their loud, confrontational sound and message, he nurtured a deep love of soul, folk, norteño, and Americana, influences that finally found a home in his solo project, Carlos Arzate and The Kind Souls. The voice is still huge, but these songs also make space for a quiet, yearning, and—at times—sweet side, delivering passionate stories about social inequity, border realities, family, struggle, and triumph.

March 19th, 2023

Japhar Pullen — noon to 1:30pm: Japhar Pullen is a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona. Influenced by many great dancers, R&B, pop and soul performers, he brings passion and energy every time he is on stage. In 2019, Pullen was the winning solo artist in Alice Cooper’s annual Proof is in the Pudding music competition. He was recently invited to sing backing vocals in the recording studio for an upcoming Sister Sledge release.

Gabriel Bey & Friends — 2:30 to 4pm: Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Gabriel Bey, aka Spooky Kool, has played trumpet since 1960 and performed across the globe, from Thailand to Amsterdam and South Carolina to California. Bey has played with many of the Motown artists who made their way to the Cleveland scene, and he developed many performing and touring groups who started their careers playing his original compositions. You’ll hear the music of Miles, the songs of Kenny Garrett, and the groove of Roy Hargrove—even a little Prince, as defined by Herbie Hancock.

March 26th, 2023

Cisco and The Racecars — noon to 1:30pm: Cisco and The Racecars specialize in bluegrass, folk, and old-time Americana music. Their energetic style, diverse arrangements, and instrumentation create a unique blend of old and new. Under the management and vision of Francisco Briseno, Cisco and The Racecars have taken their place as one of the premier bluegrass bands in the Southwest.

Kim Weston — 2:30 to 4pm: Kim Weston is a vocalist, violinist, band leader, songwriter, poet, and recording artist. She released nine singles in 2021 with an eclectic group of musicians and producers, including Aaron Sterling, Adam Armijo, Brian Chartrand, Clarke Rigsby, Shea Marshall, and more. Her appreciation for jazz is obvious in the production, and poetry is the medium in which her lyrics come to life. Weston’s unabashed perspectives and elegance in lyrical writing are timeless and refreshing, speaking to the human condition from someone who has reflected on the lovely and difficult moments of life. Her jazz band consists of incredible musicians, the top talent in Phoenix, who perform Weston’s originals and put a seductive spin on jazz standards, crowd favorites, and favorite artists, such as Melody Gardot, Norah Jones, Stacey Kent, Esperanza Spalding, Joni Mitchell, and Édith Piaf.

For additional information, visit: scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Scottsdale Western Week

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