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68th Annual Parada del Sol Parade

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It’s time again to put on your western attire, grab your lawn chairs, and family to head out to the 68th Annual Parada del Sol Parade! The parade and Trail’s End Festival is coming to Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, February 5th, 2022.

The Parada del Sol Parade has been a Scottsdale, AZ tradition since 1953. The streets of Old Town Scottsdale welcome over 30,000 spectators and nearly 150 Parade entries marching down Scottsdale Road. The parade provides an opportunity to showcase the history of Scottsdale, local school groups, bands, live musical entertainment, and great shopping. Plan on a fun-filled day in Old Town Scottsdale with your family and friends to experience Arizona’s old west entertainment. Groups and bus tours are welcome and there is plenty of parking for large vehicles. Immediately after the Parade is the Trail’s End Festival – a huge block party for all ages, featuring live concerts, food, and fun!

For more information, visit: scottsdaleparade.com

Barrett-Jackson Celebrates 50 Years

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Barrett-Jackson, one of the most recognizable names in the automotive world, is counting on strong demand from a car buying public tired of being cooped up inside to power its 50th-anniversary auction, taking place this week in Scottsdale, Arizona. Though 2022 is technically Barrett-Jackson’s 51st anniversary, the pandemic put a damper on festivities in 2021.

Barrett-Jackson was established in 1971 and is headquartered in Scottsdale. Company CEO Craig Jackson has been integral in building the auction events we see today, with a heavy television presence and a variety of big-name cars, including first production units auctioned off for charity. The focus this year may be on an anniversary event, but Jackson knows better than anyone that folks tune in for the cars over everything else. To that end, the Scottsdale auction will be one of Barrett-Jackson’s most eventful to date, with over 1850 cars to cross the block, all of which feature no reserve. Jackson notes that 2022’s auction will be televised as usual but says that the planned 38 hours of live coverage is unprecedented. The History Channel will run coverage of the event, and the most anticipated cars will be auctioned off in primetime.

The event runs from Saturday, January 22, through Sunday, January 30. The anniversary festivities will include special video memories and other throwback segments throughout the event. Additionally, automakers and other sponsors will be on hand with vehicle experiences, product demonstrations, thrill rides, and live music.

WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE
16601 N. Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

January 22nd-30th, 2022

For tickets, visit: barrett-jackson.com

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Comes to Scottsdale

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From creators of the blockbuster exhibit seen by over 2 million visitors in Paris and after a sold-out run in Toronto, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit makes its mark at a super-secret location in the heart of Scottsdale!

The breathtakingly imaginative experience is presented in astonishing scale that allows you to experience Van Gogh’s art in a completely new and unforgettable way. Lose yourself in 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s art. 

The digital art experience, originating in France from creative director and Italian producer Massimiliano Siccardi, brings to life the works of Van Gogh using moving projections to put you into the center of every piece. You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.

The art installation will be in Scottsdale now through March 13th, 2022, with tickets starting at $40 each.  www.vangoghphx.com

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

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