Fourth of July Weekend Events

Links of interest! :)

http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2010/06/03/20100603gilbert-july-events.html

http://www.hotelsgilbertarizona.com/media/july4th.pdf

Peaches and Apricots

The Schnepf farm has Upick orchards again this year.
http://www.schnepffarms.com/

For Memorial day weekend their website has a special deal to print off.
Current season (delayed from last year because of the cooler weather) is Peaches and Apricots

UPDATE from Saturday:
Peaches are in multiple orchards. They have one orchard where the peaches are $1/lb and a second - the one with the first five pounds are free - are $1.75/lb
Apricots are ripe also, when you drive up to their section of the orchard, go past them and walk down the dirt road on their east side all the way to the back (north). There are fewer bugs and more ripe fruit; but the whole apricot orchard is full of tall weeds, apricot picking - at least this year- is not for the faint of heart. I still itch, but it was worth it.

Adventure of the Week

So I haven't done this Adventure for the Week in a looong time, and I don't know if anyone has missed them to be quite frank, but I do,, and I mostly do this for myself anyways so they are coming back!

Here's a load of events that are coming in October. I try to do free or nearly free events but as you can see I'm starting off with the ...

Arizona State Fair- October 16th - November 8 2009 closed Mondays
Adults $21, children and seniors $11
go to azstatefair.com/discounts for big bargains!

Fall-festival Activities and Games at Harmony Farm! - Zoo
Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25 9 am- 4 pm
Free with regular paid admission

Greater Phoenix Greek Festival- Fri Oct 9th 5-10pm & Sat 11am-10 pm
$2 for adults, under 12 free
A great learning opportunity check it out at www.holytrinityphx.org

Safety Safari- October 10th 10 am-1 pm
Home, outdoor and water saftey showcase. Music, games, and prizes
Free! go to www.fultonranchshopping.com

Fall Rhythm Festival- Saturday, October 17th 5:30-9:30
Live entertainment, food vendors, children activities, and fireworks
Free at Tumbleweed Park

Family Day- Saturday October 17th 10 am - 4 pm
All ages, gold panning, krock and mineral identification, metal detecting, jewelery making, demonstrations and more.
Free at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
www.admmr.state.az.us

Frys Free Weekend- Saturday 24th 10am-5pm
All ages. Explore all the exhibits the Arizona Science Center has to offer
Free

Sports Explosion- Saturday, October 24th All ages 8am-2pm
Free
Professional athlete appearances/autographs and clinics, sports demonstrations, interactive games, information booths and live entertainment.
www.phoenix.gov/parks

There is obviously so much more out there, but here are a few enjoy your October

Adventure of the Week

Diamondbacks (May 8) vs. WSH 6:40pm. $5 & up. Chase Field, 401 E Jefferson St.
602-514-8400 or diamondbacks.mlb.com.

Saturday, May 9thFree Lacrosse Playday. Grades K-9 (girls only). Learn how to play lacrosse from top Arizona coaches and high school players. 10am-noon (9:30am registration). Free. Scottsdale Sports Complex, 8081 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale. 602-315-4481 or azgl.com.

Arizona Science Center for FREE- Adventure of the Week

Fry's FREE Weekend. All ages.

Explore all the exhibits the Science Center has to offer.

10am-5pm. Free; fees apply for planetarium and IMAX shows.

Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org.

Adventure of the Week- Eater Pageant

The Mesa Temple Easter Pageant begins
Apr 1-2 & 7-11 for their English performances
All ages.
"Jesus the Christ," a live performance with a cast of more than 400 reenacting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ through music, dance, and drama.
8pm. Free.
North lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center, 525 E Main St, Mesa.
480-964-7164 or
easterpageant.org.

St Patricks Day Celebration - Adventure of the Week

The Town of Fountain Hills Present the St. Patrick's Day Celebrtion on

March 17th, 2009

11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Fountain Park

A few of us will be meeting at 11:30 near the plagyground at Fountain Hills Park. Come join us for a picnic.

Watch as the Fountain turns emerald green...TWICE! The Fountain will be dyed emerald green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day at the traditional 12:00 noon and again at 6:00 p.m. Come out to see the World’s Tallest GREEN Fountain! A special thank you to Loving Family Dental for their ongoing sponsorship of this tradition that dates back to the early 1980s.

Entertainment
The performance pad will be the place to be to see and hear some great music on St. Paddy’s Day. Enjoy the Irish music as it echoes throughout the park during the celebration.
The Phoenix Scottish Pipe Band 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Brid Dower Band 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Oceans Apart 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BOOYA 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Kids Activities
Enjoy Irish arts and crafts being coordinated by the Four Peaks Branch of the Boys and Girls Club, along with bouncers for all ages, a climbing wall, and a petting zoo. Watch for the "Loving Leprechaun" to give away lots of "lucky charms" to the wee folk from her pot o’ gold.

Food
Phil’s Filling Station will be serving up traditional corned beef, cabbage and green potatoes. For those that aren’t into Irish fare, Pink Pepper Thai Cuisine will offer Thai food, fries, and dipped chocolate fruit; and Orange Place will offer fruit drinks, hamburgers and fries.

Ostrich Festival Parade- Adventure of the Week

Ostrich Festival Parade -All ages.
More than 100 entries including antique cars, horses, high school marching bands and floats. 10am. Free.
Parade starts at Ray Rd & Arizona Ave, then proceeds south on Arizona Ave to Chicago St, Chandler. 866-993-2477 or ostrichfestival.com.


Here are some of the attractions coming to the 2009 Ostrich Festival.
There is something for everyone.
Whether your a kid or just a kid at heart, the 2009 Ostrich festival has something to keep you entertained. For a great family outing, visit us this year and have a blast!

Live Ostrich display
Muscle Car Show
Petting Zoo
Kids Zone
Pg Races
Firetruck Display
Ostrich Races
Medieval Jousting
Jest in Time Circus
Sea Lion Show
Stunt and Thrill Show
Amateur/professional boxing
Demoliton Derby


Adult
$9 Available at Food City & Bashas' & the festival!
Seniors
$8
Youth
(5 to 12 years of age) $7
Children
(4 and under) Free

Arizona Agricuture Day- Adventure of the Week

March 7th

Saturday 9am-3pm

Head on over to Superstition Farm to celebrate Arizona AG day's 29t year!

Meet your local famers, discover technique use in modern agriculture and play learning games a Arizona AG Day!

• Tractor display
• Agriculture Education
• Farm Petting Zoo
• Live Entertainment
• $1 Farmer's Share lunch
• Hayrides and Hay maze
• Dairy tour ad More!

Admission:

$2.00 per person or donate 3 cans of food

Kid 12 and under are FREE

3440 S. Hawes Rd. Mesa A 85212

www.superstitionfarm.com
www.azagday.com

Pick your Adventure

Zachary Z Packrat Exhibit (through Mar 28).

Original art, sketches and inspiration from the children's picture book Zachary Z Packrat and His Amazing Collections.
9am-9pm Mon-Thur, 9am-6pm Fri-Sat, noon-6pm Sun. Free.
Burton Barr Library, 1221 N Central Ave.
602-262-4636 or phxlib.org.


Rummage Sale. All ages.

The state's largest garage sale including furniture, sporting goods, electronics, clothing, art, jewelry, housewares, books and baby items.
Presented by the Junior League of Phoenix.
8am-noon and 1-4pm. 8am-noon ($4, ages 12 & under free)
and 1-4pm (free).
Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W McDowell Rd.
602-234-3388 or jlp.org.



Matsuri: A Festival of Japan. All ages.
Japanese exhibits, demonstrations, arts & crafts, children's activities, food and live entertainment.
10:30am-4:30pm. Free.
Heritage & Science Park, 115 N 6th St.
602-262-5071 or azmatsuri.org.

Native Trails. All ages.

Music, dance, art and traditional Native American foods. Noon-1:30pm.
Free. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 2nd St & Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale.
480-421-1004 or scottsdalenativetrails.com.



Great Fair. All ages.

More than 450 artists, food booths, live entertainment and a hot air balloon rally on Sunday morning. 10am-5pm. Free.
Avenue of the Fountains and Fountain Park, 12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills.
480-837-1654 or fountainhillschamber.com

Cupid's Night Out

• Thursday Feb 12th only!
  at 3-8 pm are fun
  Family Events at Fry's grocery store!
  on Pecos and Higley
  
  Free picture for your Valentine
  
• Cookie Decoration
• Create a card for Mom and Dad
• Sampling throughout the store...and more!

Plus for 8 hours only between the hours of 3-11pm there will be great deals on food such as Ben and Jerry's or Haagen Dazs ice cream for $1.88, Hershey's Valentine Kisses or miniatures for $1.00, Mott's apple juice for 97 cents, 3 lb bag of Fuji apples for 99 cents and a whole more grat deals.

Going Green - Adventure of the Week

Saturday, February 21, 2009
10 AM – 2 PM
Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Meet Curious George!

Play & learn with water, wind, and soil
And More!

For Free when you ....

RSVP and download your free Generation Eight exploration kit at azpbs.org/family.

Here's a New Adventure for you, Divas!

This week, your incredible adventure destination is

Peru!

Just kidding.

It's really

The Renaissance Festival.

(Or, as I lovingly renamed it, The Cleavage Festival... as much of the costumery is quite... er... bountifully, bustierfully filled. Thought you should be warned.)

The friendly, wandering RenFaire Staff, often had free wit for the adults, and free little goodies for the kidlins.

There seemed to be a theme with the talent.

Even though there was a lot of juggling, each performer doubled as a hilarious comedian.

It wouldn't be a true Festival de Renaissance without a bit of

a chainsaw-cutting, apple-eating, tight-rope-unicycling acrobat,

a giant rocking horse,

a double flute playing faerie,

elephant, llama (no, we didn't really go to Peru), and camel rides,

and, of course, the

The food was pretty good, and pretty reasonably priced (not Disneylandesque, by any means), but no outside food or drink is allowed inside, so budget accordingly.

What's not to love about a place where

and people juggling flaming torches atop ladders are commonplace?

If you plan to go, know that it isn't the type of event that you pay admission and then just worry about the food...

every ride costs additional cash. Pack some greenbacks, you'll need them.

Another thing to know is that most rides have a minimum height or weight requisite. But for the little ones, there is a free backyard-size playground, and the butterfly ride (the only free-of-charge ride there).

All of the shows are free and include much juggling, belly dancing, comedy, bird of prey education, and jousting to name a few. There is also a free petting zoo where you might meet this fellow.

The hit of the day for me, was watching my kids on the bungee trampolines.

I got a kick out of it, but I'm not so sure about the kids... they seemed a little shaken up when they were back on the ground.

Have the kids bring their piggy banks if you they want to bring home souvenirs. Our kids each took $10 and only brought home these

and this.

Overall, we had a wonderful time, albeit we were a little surprised at the spendiness of this venture. It was definitely fun and, without a doubt, we'll be going again next year.

The Renaissance Festival is only here weekends through March 29, so

Make Haste,

Make Plans,

Make Medieval Merriment!

Pick your Adventure- Adventure of the Week

World Champion Blacksmiths Competition
(Thur-Sat Jan 29-31).
Competitors show off their skills in metalworking. 8
am-noon clinics, 1pm competitions.
Free.
Quail Park Rodeo Grounds, Wilcox.
worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com.


Native Trails
All ages.
Music, dance, art and traditional Native American foods. Noon-1:30pm.
Free.
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 2nd St & Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale. 480-421-1004 or scottsdalenativetrails.com.


MACFest
All ages.
Festival with local artists, food and activities.
10am-4pm.
Free.
Downtown Mesa, Main & Center Sts.
480-644-6500 or macfestmesa.com.

Adventure of the Week

Come Celebrate Channel Eight's Birthday!

Join Generation Eight and two of your Sesame Street friends as we celebrate Eight's 48th Birthday

The event is pretty much an open house at the Tempe broadcast studios from 10 AM to 2 PM. The following link has a map of the location, including parking.

http://www.azpbs.org/maptoeight.pdf

They will have a behind the scenes tour on a working TV set, some arts and crafts activities, storytelling, an appearance by Grover and Elmo, birthday cake and more.

Everyone in attendance will also be registered to win tickets to the upcoming Sesame Street Live show.

The event is free all day, so come for an hour or stay the whole time. Please invite your family, friends and neighbors to join us as well.

RSVP to
GenerationEight@asu.edu

15th Anniversary Party at CrackerJax

All ages. Prize drawings, contests, live entertainment, amusement rides, golf and more. 10am-midnight. $1.50 rides, $15 unlimited ride wristbands.

CrackerJax, 16001 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale.
480-998-2800 or crackerjax.com.

Take a Ride on the Light Rail - Adventure of the Week

Riding the new Metro Light Rail with kids

By Mary L. Holden© 2009 Raising Arizona Kids

The Valley’s new Metro Light Rail system is up and running, offering easy access to many destinations for family outings.

Some quick facts about the Metro Light Rail system:
Fares begin at $1.25 for adults and 60 cents for kids.
Each train car can carry up to 200 people.
It takes 57 minutes to travel the entire route one way.
This is the longest stretch of starter line light rail in the United States.
An all-day pass must be purchased for a ride-the-entire-line, on-off experience. Otherwise, a new fare is needed for each stop destination.

For more information, visit Metro Light Rail or call 602-254-RAIL (7245).

Take an Adventure with your kids on the Light Rail by first going to this website (https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/index.php?page=article_view&ar_id=682) to print information for all 28 stations along the light rail route, and find fun worksheets for your kids!

See what Phoenix has available at each stop for you and your kids.

Annual Flagg Gem & Mineral Show

Does your child have an interest in collecting neat rocks or do you want your child to become more interested in science and the world around them?

That is a goal the Rock and Mineral Show offers to increase the interest of children in rocks, minerals, geology, and science. Children can become interested in science through minerals, crystals, and fossils, and their hope is to encourage their interest. Several groups including the MCC Geology Club will have free samples for children and for teachers. MCC geology faculty and students will have activities for children, such as "build a volcano". The Arizona Leaverites have a large collection of labeled rock and mineral samples, and 12 samples can be purchased for one dollar. Other clubs will have special activities for children.

Sounds like fun doesn't it? What's even better its FREE!!

The 37th Annual Flagg Gem and Mineral Show will be held Friday, January 9, 2009 to Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 9 am to 5 pm. The show will be located at Mesa Community College in the West parking lot which is on Dobson Road between Southern Avenue and the Superstition Freeway (US60). A rare public display of the Peralta Stones will be featured along with other special exhibits. Parking and admission is free, and there will be free activities for children along with free samples for children and teachers.

Finish a Marathon...Kid Style!

"One of the best lessons a child can learn is that exercise can be fun. Teach that, and you've laid the foundation for a lifetime of healthy living. Laying that foundation is what 'Kids Rock' is all about. Make a difference in a child's life today - generously contribute to the Phoenix Children's Hospital. (see online entry for details)

Finish a Marathon...Kid Style!
Saturday, January 17, 2009 - Tempe, AZ
Finishing a marathon is child's play with the Phoenix Children's Hospital Kids Rock -

a one-mile fun run for children in grades K - 6. This non-competitive, non-timed event is all about having fun and making it to the finish line.
Participants can become full marathon finishers by completing a 25.2-mile training program prior to January 17th, or they can just run, walk or jog the one-mile course on race day. Every child is a winner and will be rewarded with an official race number, T-shirt, goodie bag, free headliner concert and medal - just for finishing!

Christmas Festivities Outside the East Valley-Adventure of the Week

There are many events to do outside of the East Valley. So if you've got the time check them out, so here they are to name a few:

Glendale

Carols From Around the World (Dec 15 & 19-21). The Phoenix Boys Choir performs traditional classics and seasonal favorites. $10-$30. 6:30pm Dec 15 at American Lutheran Church of Sun City; 7:30pm Dec 19 at Mesa Arts Center; 7:30pm Dec 20 at Orpheum Theater; 5pm Dec 21 at Chaparral Christian Church. 602-264-5328 or boyschoir.org.

Celebration of Lights (through Jan 4). 2-mile journey through the state's largest drive-through light display. 6-9pm Mon-Thur, 6-10pm Fri-Sun. $10/vehicle Mon-Thur, $12/vehicle Fri-Sun; $2 discount per vehicle with donation of 3 cans of food. Community Church of Joy, 21000 N 75th Ave, Glendale. 623-561-0500 or joyonline.org.

Flagstaff

Holiday Lights Display (through Jan 31). More than one million lights throughout the resort. 6:30pm nightly. Free. Little America Hotel, 2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff. 800-435-2493 or littleamerica.com/flagstaff.

Holiday Skies Program (Dec 12, 15, 17, 19, 20 & 22). Learn about the mythology and science of the winter sky, including a discussion of the Star of Bethlehem. 7pm. $6 adults, $5 students/seniors, $3 ages 5-17. Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff. 928-233-3210 or lowell.edu.

Sedona

Red Rock Fantasy (through Jan 3). More than a million lights, kids activities, concerts, carriage rides and special events. Proceeds benefit local charities. 5-9pm Sun-Thur, 5-10pm Fri-Sat (weather permitting). $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 ages 4-12, 3 & under free. Los Abrigados Resort and Spa, Sedona. 928-282-1777, 800-521-3131 or redrockfantasy.com.

Prescott

World’s Largest Gingerbread Village (through Dec 28). More than 100 gingerbread structures in a winter wonderland that includes an electric train. Free. Prescott Resort Hotel lobby, 1500 Hwy 69, Prescott. 800-96PINES or prescottresort.com.

Phoenix

A Christmas Celebration (Thur Dec 18). Ages 6 & up. Chandler Children's Choir performs holiday favorites. 7:30pm. $10 ($8 is purchased in advance). Phoenix Camelback Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5902 E Camelback Rd. chandlerchildrenschoir.com.

What's going on in OUR town- Adventure of the Week

Tree Lighting Kicks off Nights of Lights




"Celebrate the season with a free night of singing, Santa and holiday cheer at the first annual Gilbert's Holiday Nights of Lights. The month-long display of lights begins with a lighting ceremony on December 4 on the lawn of Gilbert Town Hall. Visitors will wee the lighting of a 28 foot-tall tree that is surrounded by other lighted holiday displays. The vent will feature entertainment and music from local school groups. Food and beverages will also be for sale. Bring the entire family out for a night of holiday cheer."

New Year's Eve party is a Fun Family Event




"The family-oriented Mayor's New Year's Eve party held on December 31st is an annual event that includes live entertainment and many fun events and activities for people of all ages.

This year's party will be held from 8 pm until midnight at McQueen Park Activity Center. Admission is only $5.00 per family or $2.00 a person and includes entertainment for all ages and an official countdown at midnight with a balloon drop.

Its a fun safe way for families to welcome the new year. "

Luminaria at the Lake

"Usher in the holiday season with the annual Luminaria at the Lake, a free event at the Riparian Reserve that features hundreds of Lights "
Saturday, December 6, 6:30to 8:30

Breakfast with Santa

"Santa is in Town for a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts and to meet kids for photos."
Saturday, December 6, 9 to 10:30 am.