Goodbye 2021 – Hello 2022

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It’s time to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022! Here are a few of our favorite places to safely celebrate across the valley:

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse

Ring in the new year with some Asian fusion and sushi at Kasai. Seating begins at 3 to 10:45pm, and reservations are required. They are open on New Year’s Day at 3pm. They will be serving a special menu, including a grilled veal chop for $49, among other items. Daily happy hour is from 3 to 6pm and includes $2 off all beer and wine, $3 off all cocktails, $2 off all appetizers. Teppan happy hour is offered from 3 to 5pm.
Where: 14344 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale

Mirrorball New Year’s Eve Party at Talking Stick Resort

What better way to start 2022 than with a party? This year, you find just that at Talking Stick Resort. The resort has a Bruno Mars tribute show and a Prince tribute show as well. Plenty of other music and drinks are on top for the evening, as well as the champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, of course!
Where: Talking Stick Resort at 9800 E Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale
When: December 31st 9:30pm to 1am
Cost: Starts at $135

The Mexicano New Year’s Eve Party

You can enjoy a mariachi band, fire dancers, a live DJ, and much more at The Mexicano’s New Year’s Eve party this year. There will be plenty of great food and drinks to enjoy as well. And there will be a special toast at midnight!
Where: 4801 E Cactus Road in Scottsdale
When: Starts December 31st at 7pm

ComicX New Year’s Day Character Meet-And-Greet

Want a unique and pretty cool way to start 2022? You sure can at ComicX. You can enjoy their comic-booked-themed restaurant, bar, and store, but on New Year’s, there will be life-sized superhero figurines, video games, and more without any additional cost.
Where: 21001 N Tatum Blvd #95 in Phoenix
When: New Year’s Day from 5pm to 7pm

New Year’s Eve celebration at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Jade Bar at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain this year. There will be a special four-course meal, a bottle of Krug Grand Cuvee Brut, and of course, some New Year’s Eve party favors.
Where: 5700 East McDonald Drive in Paradise Valley
When: December 31st
Cost: $1,500 plus tax for four people, $2,400 for six, varied parties are $300 per person. Reservations are required.

Snow week at the Arizona Science Center

The kiddos can learn all about snow at the Arizona Science Center on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. There will be fun demonstrations, penguin skating, building a snowpal, and other fun activities.
Where: 600 E Washington Street in Phoenix
When: 10:30am to 4pm on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Cost: General admission for adults is $19.95 and $14.95 for kids between the ages of 3 and 17. Children under 3 are free.

New Year’s Eve at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails

Enjoy a tasty five course menu on New Year’s Eve at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails. Dishes include Dungeness crab, organic chicken roulade, roasted prime beef loin, and much more.
Where: 2 East Jefferson Street in Phoenix
When: First seating – 6 to 6:30pm, second seating 8:30 to 9pm.
Cost: $100 to $125 per person

Christmas at the Princess in Scottsdale

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Discover the magic of Christmas this winter at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess as the resort transforms into an enchanting holiday wonderland with festive decorations and over 6 million sparkling LED lights!

Savor the splendor of the season and discover the place where Christmas cheer lives all season long. Go ice skating and watch colorful light shows in the Enchanted Plaza. In addition to a real ice skating rink, there’s a slippery slide and a classic carousel. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores together. Get your picture taken with Santa Claus and meet our cute holiday characters. With kid-friendly activities and entertainment all season long, it’s the perfect destination to make magical memories before the year comes to a close.

For ticket information, visit: www.scottsdaleprincess.com

Scottsdale Canal Convergence – 2021

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The Canal Convergence returns to the Scottsdale Waterfront with a mix of artwork and performances designed to highlight the intersection of water, art, and light! The theme for 2021 is Art and Technology.

The public artworks are installed along the Arizona Canal and the Scottsdale Waterfront between Camelback Road and Goldwater Boulevard with a concert stage on Soleri Plaza near Scottsdale and Camelback roads. There’s a Community Roundabout on the bridge and plaza at Marshall Way, where you’ll find an information booth and merchandise. Paved pathways line both sides of the Arizona Canal, making the entire event wheelchair accessible. The art installations span a distance of approximately three quarters of a mile.

There will be a beer and wine garden at Soleri Plaza, where you’ll also find assorted food trucks on the weekends. Look for The Chicken Coop November 5th-7th. Food truck options for November 12th-14th include Hibotchibot, Lulu’s Italian Ice, and Mustache Pretzels.

When: November 5th-14th, 2021, 6-9pm

Where: Scottsdale Waterfront – approximate address for the Community Roundabout is 7025 East Via Soleri Drive, Scottsdale

Parking: There are parking garages and parking spaces in the area. Organizers recommend using the address 7025 East Via Soleri Drive for rideshare drop off and pickup, then entering Canal Convergence at Marshall Way. You’ll find bike racks on the northwest side of the Community Roundabout on Marshall Way. In addition, there are buses and trolleys that cover the area.

Pumpkin Patches Across the Valley – Halloween 2021

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Now that the weather is finally cooling off, its a perfect time to head out to a pumpkin patch! There are a variety of places in Arizona to pick a perfect pumpkin and enjoy other attractions such as corn mazes and hayrides. Here are six of our favorite pumpkin patches in Phoenix and throughout Arizona to visit this fall:

Justice Brothers Pumpkin Patch and Farm Stand
Follow the signs to Justice Brothers’ farm stand on Peoria Avenue west of Bullard Avenue in the West Valley. Select an Arizona-grown pumpkin, then visit the free pumpkin decorating station. Snap a selfie or other pic at the variety of photo ops throughout the pumpkin patch.
Details: Noon-5 pm Mondays and Fridays; 8am-2pm Saturdays and Sundays (closed Tuesdays-Thursdays), 14629 W. Peoria Ave., Waddell. Admission is free; pumpkins cost $2-$13. 602-463-8469, www.justicebrothersupick.com.

MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch
Old MacDonald has a pumpkin patch, plus activities including a petting zoo, panning for gold, hay-bale maze, pedal car and track for the kids, lawn games and photo areas. Additional activities for an extra cost include pony rides for children 10 and younger, the Main Train and pumpkins.
Details: 9am-5pm (closed Tuesdays), 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $12 on Saturdays and Sundays; $10 on weekdays; free for age 23 months and younger. Check website for information on discounts and discount days. 480-585-0239, www.macdonaldsranch.com.

Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze at Mortimer Family Farms
Whether you want to walk through the custom-designed corn maze or gather pumpkins, this attraction near Prescott has plenty of options to pick from. Admission includes the corn maze, farm-inspired rides, ropes course, pillow jump, zip lines and more. Fridays through Sundays, enjoy shows and entertainment, Grain Train, Barrel Train and hayrides.
Details: Check website for current hours and pricing. 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey. www.mortimerfarmsaz.com.

Mother Nature’s Farm Halloween Pumpkin Patch
Spend the day with the family at the 47-acre Mother Nature’s Farm. The pumpkin patch is stocked daily with fresh pumpkins that range from 1 ounce to 500 pounds. Admission to the pumpkin patch includes a hayride, spider web crawl, feeding the animals and Alexander’s Adventure Maze. Bring a lunch and hang out at the picnic tables or grassy fields; food and fall decorations are also available to purchase at Maneau’s Munchies.
Details: 9am-9pm through October 31st. 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert. $10. 480-892-5874, www.mothernaturesfarm.com.

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party
Enjoy the fresh farm air during Schnepf Farms’ annual Pumpkin and Chili Party. Families can enjoy hayrides, bonfires, a roller coaster, super slide, zip lines, petting zoo, a 4-acre and 10-acre maze and more. Train rides, haunted bus, food and pumpkins are extra.
Details: Thursdays-Sundays through October 31st. Check website for hours and themed dates. 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $23.95, free for ages 2 and younger. Discounts and season passes are available. 480-987-3100, www.pumpkinandchiliparty.com.

Tolmachoff Farms Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze
Tolmachoff Farms features a fun 6-acre family corn maze, mini corn maze for little ones and a haunted corn maze, as well as a petting zoo, hay pyramid, jumping pillow and more. And be sure to pick out some pumpkins while you’re there.
Details: Hours vary by day, check the website. 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. $15, free for ages 2 and younger. Additional costs for pumpkins, train ride, food and tomato cannon. 602-999-3276, www.tolmachoff-farms.com.

Once you have picked the perfect PUMPKIN, let us help you find the perfect NEW HOME! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

pumpkins

Scottsdale Polo Classic 2021

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The Scottsdale Polo Classic returns to Westworld of Scottsdale on October 23rd for its 10th Anniversary with some amazing new elements! Last year the Scottsdale Polo Championships attracted the largest crowd in the country for a polo event with over 13,000 fans, enjoying the four-match showdown at the annual Polo Party.

There’s much more to the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Horses & Horsepower than just polo! From The Canine Couture to The World’s “Longest” Catwalk Fashion Show, there is truly something for everyone. This year attendees will also enjoy a sneak preview of the 2021 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and see some serious horsepower with a preview of the world-famous Barrett-Jackson 2021 Collector Car Auction along with local Ferrari and Lamborghini car clubs lining the field.

It’s America’s most interesting polo event, where all feel welcome!

Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 from 9:45am – 6pm

Westworld of Scottsdale’s Polo Field

scottsdale polo

Fall Foliage in Arizona

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Many people in the Valley of the Sun rate autumn as their favorite season as we look forward to cooler weather as summer ends! Yet, the valley desert mostly lacks the fall foliage that marks the change of seasons elsewhere. To enjoy vibrant fall colors, you’ll need to plan a road trip. Here are a few of our favorite places to see Arizona’s vibrant fall:

Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood

Dead Horse Ranch in the heart of Cottonwood is a state park sitting on the banks of the Verde River where the cottonwoods, willows and alders turn to yellow and orange along the river. The thin woodlands are also filled with colorful vines, shrubs, leggy grasses, and wildflowers before winter comes.

Dead Horse Ranch has something for everyone. Bring your fishing poles because the lagoons and river are stocked with rainbow trout from fall through spring. Dead Horse Ranch admission is $7 per vehicle.

Sedona

West Fork Trail in Sedona may be the closet place in Arizona to experiencing a New England fall foliage display. West Fork is typically packed on weekends and there can be a wait for a parking space, but it is worth the wait! Parking is $11 per vehicle, cash or check only.

You can enjoy a little more solitude at other Sedona trails. The Huckaby Trail emerges along an elevated ridge, overlooking the multi-hued ribbon of Oak Creek before descending to the stream banks past a colorful collection of vines, shrubs and trees. Secret Canyon Trail leads through a forested ravine and some red rock narrows. Most of the vibrant leaves surround the canyon bottom that often shelter a few pools of water.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior

The Main Trail at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a 1.5-mile loop beneath a canopy of honey locust, soapberry, canyon hackberry, black walnut and Arizona sycamore. You’ll also pass by Ayer Lake, with additional pathways exploring various desert gardens. The trail then circles Magma Ridge with gnarled and crumpled outcroppings, and curves through a grove of burgundy red Chinese pistachio trees framed by golden hedges of pomegranate.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum admission is $15 ($5 for ages 5-12).

Rim Road in Payson

Fall brings splashes of yellow and orange to the forests of the Mogollon Rim east of Payson. Take a scenic drive along Forest Road 300, also known as the Rim Road, between State Routes 260 and 87 to see vivid colors and panoramic views. Past Woods Canyon, the paved road becomes dirt, but can be safely driven in a sedan.

fall leaves

 

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11, 2001. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. The individual tributes not only remember the sacrifice of a FDNY firefighter, but symbolically completes their heroic  journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation it is possible to ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget.

The Stair Climbs fund the programs provided by the NFFF to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit.

WHERE: Salt River Fields, 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

WHEN: Saturday, September 11th  5pm – 9pm

TIMELINE:

Onsite Registration: 5:00pm

Opening Ceremony: 6:30pm

Climb Start: 7:00pm

Climb End: 9:00pm

For additional information, please visit: nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/saltriver

Flagstaff Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride

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There is more to Snowbowl than winter snow skiing, they also offer activities for the entire family to enjoy in the summer!

Gondola Rides

The new scenic Gondola ride opens to the public this summer for guests to experience incredible views as you travel from 9,500 ft to 11,500 feet at the top of the San Francisco Peaks.

Summer Tubing

Hit the slopes with no snow! Experience the thrill of speeding down the mountain in summer on the tubing hill. The dual lane tubing slope is the perfect track for guests of ages 4+ to race each other down the hill.

Bungee Trampoline

Jump, flip and bounce as you soar above Agassiz Lodge on the bungee trampoline.

Treasure Panning

There’s treasure in the mountains to be found! This hands on experience is a favorite activity for young explorers.

Barrel Rolling

Practice your adventure skills as you balance, footwork, and focus as you spin inside the rotating barrel.

Agassiz Restaurant & Bar

After all that fun, kick back and relax while you enjoy delicious new menu items at Arizona’s highest elevation full-service restaurant inside the historic Agassiz Lodge. The full bar features handcrafted cocktails, wine and local craft beers.

For hours and ticket prices, visit: snowbowl.ski

Beat the Heat Water Bottle Drive

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Extreme temperatures affect the most vulnerable in our communities who don’t have refuge or resources.

Help Us Help Others…

Help prevent respite from the heat for homeless veterans, seniors, men, women, youth, and children. Central Arizona Shelter Services distributes over 150,000 bottles of water from May – October.

Chris & Cheryl Park, along with the The Sibbach Team, are hosting a water bottle drive to help the Central Arizona Shelter Services provide heat relief during the summer months.

About Our Partner…

Central Arizona Shelter Services logoCentral Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is the largest emergency homeless shelter provider in the state, including a Downtown Phoenix single adult shelter and Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter in Sunnyslope. Each year, CASS serves over 5,500 homeless individuals and families.

Why You Should Donate…

Dehydration can lead to organ failure, seizures, and death. Individuals who are experiencing homelessness are at great risk for heat-related illness. Last year, there were 172 heat-related deaths in Arizona. So join us, and help save a homeless person’s life.

How You Can Help…

Drop off cases of bottled water (preferably standard 16.9-ounce bottles) to the Sibbach Team offices at 14301 N 87th Street, Suite 215, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We’ll be accepting water donations through the end of August, Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Don’t Forget To…

  • Check-in on neighbors that might be at risk of dehydration or heat-related health issues.
  • Get your friends, family, or neighbors involved by sharing this page with them.

Not able to make it to our offices?

You can also make a monetary donation by visiting this link. All proceeds go directly to the Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) and are tax-deductible. Monetary donations help provide bottled water, sunscreen, flip flops, hats, cool-weather clothing, air conditioning costs at the CASS shelters, financial assistance and eviction prevention for their clients, and other summer-related expenses.

Make a Monetary Donation

One water bottle makes a BIG difference.

beat the heat water drive

4th of July Celebrations 2021

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Let’s get ready to celebrate the Red, White and Blue in Greater Phoenix! Classic Fourth of July gatherings with food trucks, fireworks, and air shows are back for 2021! Check out our list of fun things to do for the Fourth of July in the Valley!

Celebrate America 2021 – Lake Pleasant Fireworks Show

Located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, conveniently adjacent to the Phoenix Metro area, Pleasant Harbor hosts this annual fireworks show, as well as food trucks, free kids activities, including water slides, bounce houses and live music. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and activities running through 10:30 p.m.

Pleasant Harbor Marina (Southeastern Shore of Lake Pleasant) – 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria

4th of July Fireworks at Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

Enjoy a brilliant 15-minute fireworks show from Reserved Fire Pits, Reserved Patio Seating, the Oasis Water Park, or from the patio of your guaranteed view suite, available exclusively to resort guests. The Fireworks show will be accompanied by a DJ and Willie’s Taco Truck will be offering delicious eats.

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa – 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix

Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at Westworld

This Scottsdale patriotic celebration features food, fun, and live entertainment and delivers a fireworks show twice the size as 2020, in fact now one of Arizona’s largest fireworks displays. There are three ways to celebrate: VIP Backyard Barbecue ($41 adults, $21 children; Premier Polo Field Parking ($41 per carload); and General Admission Parking ($26 per carload). VIP Backyard Barbecue ticketholders will enjoy free parking, access to the air-conditioned North Hall featuring tables, a buffet-style barbecue, live music by Some Like it Yacht, Brock Pro Patriots Quartet, and Grant Brothers Country Music Duo. For the youngsters, fun activities such as a “snow day in July” with a giant snow slide, face painters, balloon artists, and more are in store. Those with Premier Polo Field Parking tickets can BYOP (bring your own party), watching fireworks in a larger area surrounding their vehicle with room for tailgating. Those with General Admission Parking can also BYOP and view the fireworks from reserved lots north of the North Hall.

WestWorld of Scottsdale – 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

A Star-Spangled 4th of July Celebration

Join Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch for the weekend to celebrate our nation’s birthday, complete with the resort’s signature Red, White and Boom Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday, July 4.  During the day guests can splash into a 2.5 acre water playground with 10 pools, zip down a 30’ high-speed waterslide or hit the sandy beach. The beachside Fun Zone features a putting green, ping-pong, giant chess and giant Connect Four. There are poolside cabanas and daybeds for relaxing and H2Oasis, the poolside restaurant, to fuel and recharge. Continue the fun with a cornhole tournament, watermelon eating contest, slide races, themed crafts and more. And then after dark, enjoy the beauty and tradition of the annual fireworks display.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch – 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale

fireworks