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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

McCormick-Stillman Park Summer Concert Series 2021

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Rock and roll at the Railroad Park is back on track for Summer 2021! Enjoy 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 summer. With Classic Rock, Retro ’80s, Country, Rhythm and Blues and Retro ’90s, there is a little something for everyone. Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Pack a picnic or enjoy something tasteful from one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

Due to COVID-19 and public health recommendations, the structure of this year’s event is changed to provide a safe and socially distanced environment. The Summer Concerts may look different than it has in previous years, but is intend to create a safe and memorable experience for you and your family. All guests are asked to understand and adhere to all public health protocols.

  • The event will feature a limited capacity of 750 people.
  • 120 8’x8′  marked spaces all distanced 6′ apart that can fit up to 6 people.
  • You are asked to remain within your space during the concert unless you are using the restrooms or purchasing food.
  • Masks will be required for anyone six years and older.
  • Multiple hand sanitizing stations will be available at the rides and throughout the event area.
  • All areas and attractions with potential lines will have social distancing stickers in place.

Gates will open at 5 pm. Wristbands will be given to all attendees. The event area will only be accessible to those who have purchased tickets for that specific concert.

Concert Schedule: 

  • May 30 | Mogollon
  • June 6| Rock Lobster
  • June 13 | People Who Could Fly
  • June 20 | Abba Fab
  • June 27 | Piano Men: Generations
  • July 4 | The JJ’s Band
MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
ADMISSION
$30 – 8×8 Space. Includes admission for up to 6 people.  Beer & Wine Permit-$15 (no glass bottles please). For additional information, visit:www.therailroadpark.com
drums

Summer Nights at the Royal Palms Resort

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As the sun sets in the desert, the nighttime energy comes alive at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood. Mark your calendars for a themed experience all summer long. Join us on the last Friday of the month, May-August, for an evening filled with specialized menu creations and live music to complete the vibes.

Friday, May 28 – Latin Night

6:30 pm Doors Open

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Live Music from La Dignidad

Friday, June 25 – Reggae Summer Nights

6:30 pm Doors Open

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Live Music from Hourglass Cats

Friday, July 30 – Blues Brews & BBQ

6:30 pm Doors Open

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Live Music from The Sugar Thieves

Friday, August 27 – Jazz Under the Stars

6:00 pm Doors Open

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Live Music from House of Stairs

Admission is $40 per person, inclusive of live music and tapas. No reservations required, tickets are sold at the door the night of each event. Specialty beverages will be available for purchase.

cello

Spread Random Acts of Kindness

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balloonsThe past year has brought challenges that many of us never imagined we would ever have to face. Yet, through it all, we continue to persevere. For us, one of the most important things that have kept us going is the kindness of not only friends and family, but also strangers during these challenging times. I’ve also noticed more how when I practice random acts of kindness it lifts my mood too. Challenge yourself this year and see how many random acts of kindness you can spread!

Open the door for someone.

Give balloons to the neighborhood kids.

Smile at the people you meet on the sidewalk.

Help carry groceries to a car.

Drop off a toy/game at a homeless shelter.

Offer to walk your elderly neighbor’s dog.

Rake a yard for fun.

Pick up trash in the park.

Host a movie night.

Mail a handwritten letter.

Send a small package to surprise someone.

Bring flowers to a friend.

Recycle old electronics.

Place flowers at a grave.

Bring flowers to a nursing home.

Call your parents.

Volunteer at a shelter.

Strike up a conversation with the person in line behind you.

Thank the cashier for bagging your groceries.

Run an errand for someone.

Pick up trash in your neighborhood.

Donate blood.

Give up your seat for someone else.

Leave a basket of goodies on a porch.

Cook a meal for someone.

Give encouragement to someone.

Donate food cards to a local shelter.

Pray for a family member.

Adopt a family who needs help.

Arrive on time for your appointments.

Be a safe driver.

Donate dog or cat food/supplies to a local animal shelter

Pick up litter at the park.

Buy extra school supplies and donate them to your local school.

Donate warm gloves, mittens, and scarves to a shelter.

Collect food for a food bank.

Text someone just to say hello.

Give an unexpected gift.

Help someone with a garage sale.

Bring donuts in to work to share.

Hold the door open.

Be patient waiting in line.

Use kind words.

Donate coloring pads and crayons to the Children’s Hospital.

Make someone laugh.

Mentor someone.

Be mindful and use good manners.

Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Visit someone who is sick.

Bring a treat to work.

Let the person merge in front of you in traffic.

Let someone go in front of you while waiting in line.

Take a shopping cart back to the store.

Buy lemonade from a child.

Run an errand for someone.

Bake cookies and hand them out.

Donate $1 to every tip jar you see in 1 day.

Tell your postal delivery worker how much you appreciate them.

Tell a joke to make someone laugh.

Give away clothing no longer needed.

Shop at a book sale and donate books to a shelter.

Bring someone a coffee just because.

Buy a lottery ticket and hand it away.

Deliver cookies to your local fire station.

Participate in a charity run or walk.

Volunteer at an animal shelter.

Participate in a Christmas Angel program.

Tutor a student.

Bring in a neighbor’s trash cans.

Give someone a gift card you don’t intend to use.

Tip your waiter generously.

Tell someone you love them.

Invite someone to lunch and listen to them talk.

Leave quarters in a kiddie ride.

Leave quarters in a washing machine/dryer at a laundromat.

Keep bottled water in your car and hand it out on a hot day.

Leave a good book in a cafe.

Pick up the tab for a friend’s meal.

Buy a good book and then pass it on.

Compliment the stressed-out mom with little children in line.

Buy your waiter/waitress a dessert.

Say please and thank you.

Compliment when you receive good service.

Leave a sticky note for your kids to find telling them how much you love them.

Plant a tree.

Write letters to soldiers

Thank a teacher.

Use a reusable water bottle.

Leave a dollar taped to a vending machine.

Respect others.

Donate new stuffed animals to a local children’s hospital.

Spread encouragement.

Make a freezer meal and drop it off to a friend.

Wash an elderly person’s car.

Write thank you cards and drop them at the local police station.

Make a meal for a new family in your neighborhood.

Remind someone that they matter every day.

Smile.

Valley Christmas Light Displays 2020

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christmas lightsThe COVID-19 pandemic has canceled some events, but not all! Everyone who eagerly looks forward to Christmas light displays will continue to get their wish this year! Here are a few of this year’s holiday lights displays around the valley.

World of Illumination

The World of Illumination drive-thru parks are located in Glendale and Tempe. They each feature almost 2 million lights that you can enjoy from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Both shows promise to be bigger and better than ever this year and include great tunes you can listen to as you drive along the routes.

The mile-long Glendale park’s theme is “World of Illumination’s Rockin’ Christmas.” In Tempe, people can enjoy “World of Illumination’s Arctic Adventure,” featuring the 32-foot tall Sunny the Snowman and his pals.

Details: Both locations are open 6-10pm daily through Sunday, January 3rd. 6797 N. 93rd Ave., Glendale, and 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe. Weekday tickets are $29 plus taxes and fees per vehicle; weekend and holiday tickets are $39 plus taxes and fees per vehicle. worldofillumination.com.

Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields

Celebrate the season with a sparkling 1.2-mile drive-thru experience at Salt River Fields. The attraction features more than 5 million lights that will dance to music you can enjoy from your car, thanks to a designated FM radio signal, or on an electric carriage.

Details: 5:45-10pm daily through Thursday, December 31st. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale. Ticket prices vary depending on day, type of vehicle and in-car or carriage option; check website for details. 480-656-9940, holidaylightssrf.com.

ZooLights

ZooLights is offering two options this holiday season for people to enjoy the millions of lights, animal sculptures and Wildlife Lantern Safari with 66 creatures including peacocks and polar bears: Cruise ZooLights and ZooLights Walk-Thru. Expanded trails and new sights and sounds are featured at the event, and holiday treats like kettle corn and cocoa are available for purchase. The ZooLights Walk-Thru option will be closed to foot traffic on the drive-thru Cruise ZooLights nights.

Details: 5:30-10:30pm through Sunday, January 31st. Check website for which days you can walk and which are drive-thru. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. Cruise ZooLights is $75 per car; Zoo Lights Walk-Thru is $20 per person. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.

Glendale Glitters

The popular annual display has been scaled back this year, but there still will be plenty of festive lights to help get you into the holiday spirit. Sixteen blocks in downtown Glendale are decorated with 1.7 million lights. The lights will twinkle every night throughout the holiday season and will include some new designs. Most merchants and restaurants will be open.

Details: 5-10pm daily through Saturday, January 9th. Downtown Glendale, 58th and Glendale avenues. Free. glendaleaz.com.

We wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! -Chris & Cheryl

Christmas Drive-In Movies

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Movie-going has without a doubt changed this year, but don’t let COVID-19 restrictions limit your holiday movie spirit! Enjoy your favorite classic Christmas movies at the “Moonlight Christmas Movie Nights” drive-in at Sonora Village at 15515 N Hayden Road in Scottsdale. Tickets are $20 to $30 per car.

Elf – December 5 at 6:30pm
Scrooged – December 5 at 8:30pm
The Grinch – December 6 at 6:30pm
Eight Crazy Nights – December 10 at 6:30pm
Home Alone – December 11 at 6:30pm
The Polar Express – December 12 at 6:30pm
A Christmas Story – December 13 6:30pm
Christmas Vacation – December 19 at 6:30pm
The Grinch Stole Christmas – December 20 at 6:30pm

drive in movie

Hike Camelback Mountain

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Camelback MountainCamelback Mountain is a world-famous icon that defines the northeast horizon of Phoenix. Camelback Mountain takes the shape of a giant camel that gently lays and touches the borders of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley. At its base is a blend of luxury homes, resorts, and golf courses. For those who want more than to admire Camelback Mountain from afar, there are two trails to challenge yourself. It’s a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers, and tourists alike with over 300,000 people hiking the mountain every year. Both trails reach the 2,704 feet summit. Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are rated “strenuous” for good reasons, so be prepared. There are about 200 annual search and rescue efforts in Phoenix, with the majority of those happening at Camelback Mountain. My family and I hike the Echo Canyon trail at least once a year, although we have never witnessed anyone being rescued, we have a friend who works for the Phoenix Fire Department who can talk all day and night about the rescues he has done on Camelback Mountain. Following the signs, knowing your limits and staying hydrated are the keys to staying safe on Camelback Mountain, as well as any hiking trail.

Echo Canyon Trail
Enter Echo Canyon Parkway east of Tatum Blvd. off of McDonald Drive. Parking is often limited. The trail ascends through spectacular sandstone rock formations with views from the summit into Greater Phoenix. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles each way with an elevation gain of 1,264 feet.

Cholla Trail
There is no trailhead parking, street parking limited at Invergordon and 64th Street. Hikers must walk up the south side of Cholla Lane. Cholla Trail is only recommended for experienced hikers because of its steep, rocky sections with drop-offs on both sides of the trail. The Cholla Trail is 1.5 miles each way with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.

Have you hiked Camelback Mountain? What’s your favorite trail?

 

Guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches

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This Halloween will be looking different than years past, but Valley pumpkin patches are open to keep the Halloween spirit alive! Here is your guide for everything you need to know about the best local pumpkin patches, but we suggest calling each Pumpkin Patch for hours and admission prices before planning your trip because as we have learned this year, things can change quickly!

MacDonald’s Ranch
Annual Pumpkin Festival

26540 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-585-0239
Open October 3rd – November 1st

A longtime North Valley favorite, this patch is located in North Scottsdale. Take a train or hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick your pumpkins and enjoy the activities.

Pioneer Living History Museum
All Hallows’ Eve Trick-or-Treat

3901 W. Pioneer Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85086
623-465-1052
Open October 24th

Enjoy spooky Halloween fun at Pioneer Living History Museum. Trick-or-treat in the decorated village, take a haunted trolley ride, and so much more!

Vertuccio Farms
Corn Maze and Fall Festival

4011 S. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85212
480-882-1482
Open October 1st – November 1st
With a 7-acre corn maze, duck races, train rides, a petting zoo, giant jump pad, and much more, there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained.

Schnepf Farms
Pumpkin and Chili Party

24610 S. Rittenhouse Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-987-3100
Open Every Thursday – Sunday in October

Throughout October, Schnepf Farms will offer fun fall activities such as hayrides, a 4-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, pig races and, of course, chili. Fireworks light up the sky Friday and Saturday nights.

Mother Nature’s Farm
Halloween Pumpkin Patch

1663 E. Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233
480-892-5874
Open September 26th – October 31st

A pumpkin with every child’s admission at this family-owned farm! After decorating their pumpkin, kids can enjoy the air bounce, a hayride, straw bounce, feeding the animals, and Alexander’s Adventure Maze. You are also able to bring in your own picnic lunch if you don’t wish to purchase food.

Tolmachoff Farms
Corn Maze & Pumpkin Days

5726 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85303
602-999-3276
Open October 1st – November 1st

This West Valley farm has something for the whole family. Admission includes a family & mini maze, petting zoo, play areas, jumping pillow, bounce house and optional train rides.

Rocker 7 Farms
Farm Patch Fun

19601 W. Broadway Rd. Buckeye, AZ 85326
623-208-8676
Open October 9th – October 31st

This family-owned pumpkin patch boasts a crop maze, sunflower field, hay wagon ride, an educational barn and a kid-friendly activity area.  Enjoy a day of not only playing in a pumpkin patch but learn all about farming and agriculture!

4th of July at the Scottsdale Princess

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fireworksThe Fairmont Scottsdale Princess continues its annual Freedom Fest for July 4th while complying with Arizona’s coronavirus safety precautions. The 10th Annual Freedom Fest will take place July 2nd through the 4th.

To help keep guests and staff healthy, additional safety precautions will be in effect:



Capacities – The resort has limited the capacity of guestrooms available and occupancy of restaurants and pools to ensure physical distancing is adhered to. Dining parties will be limited to ten or fewer per table to adhere with all orders.

Physical distancing during the fireworks – The resort is painting eight foot circles spread six feet apart to clearly and easily allow guests to physically distance on the resort’s lawns while enjoying fireworks and movies.


Face coverings – The resort will comply with the City of Scottsdale’s emergency order requiring the wearing of face coverings while in public, when physical distancing is not able to be reasonably practiced.

Pools – The resort pools will remain open at a controlled capacity, and will comply with CDC, state and local mandates. Dive-in movies will continue as planned, with increased security to enforce distancing.

Dip Your Toes in the Greater Phoenix Lakes

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The Greater Phoenix lakes are beatiful location to enjoy Arizona’s beautiful desert and dip your toes in the water to cool off in the summer heat!

canyon lake

Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is a beautiful spot for spending a day on the boat. Located 40 miles east of downtown Phoenix past Fountain Hills, Saguaro Lake is a great Arizona lake for water-skiers and wakeboarders or those looking for a relaxing day of fishing. No boat? No problem! Leave the captaining to Desert Belle paddle boat for a guided tour of the lake.

Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake is just 45 miles from downtown Phoenix and east of Carefree, it is the second-largest lake in the Tonto National Forest. No worries if you don’t have a boat, Bartlett Lake offers aqua lodge rentals and a party yacht that accommodates up to 20 guests.

Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant is located north of Glendale in the north west valley about 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix. The 10,000-acre lake is always busy with a variety of water sports such as windsurfers, boaters, sailors, water and jet skiers, and fishermen. Lake Pleasant Regional Park also offers camping and trails for mountain biking and hiking.

Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake is about 80 miles northeast of Phoenix and is the largest of the lakes just outside the Greater Phoenix region. Like other lakes in the Greater Phoenix area, Roosevelt Lake provides plenty of space for a variety of watersports and boating activity. There is also 110 miles of shoreline with peaceful coves for those wishing to find a quiet spot to spend a day.

Canyon Lake

Located past Mesa in the Superstition Wilderness of Tonto National Forest, Canyon Lake (pictured) is about 50 miles east of Phoenix. The 950-acre lake is a great place for a variety of watersports, as well as camping and hiking. Boat rentals are available and the lake has a popular day-use campground with a large grass area, ramadas and a swimming-only section of the lake.

Apache Lake

Apache Lake is also located in the Tonto National Forest and is a good lake for boating, fishing and the scenic canyon walls that surround parts of the lake. Boat rentals are available and for those looking to explore the lake.