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

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.

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.

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!

Zoo Lights-Adventure of the Week

"The 17th annual ZooLights is going ape with orangutans! A larger than life lighted orangutan will greet you at the entrance while other primate light displays swing through the trees above your head! When the sun goes down and the animals go to sleep, the Phoenix Zoo transforms into one of the largest holiday lighting events in the southwest with 2.5 million lights and more than 400 light sculptures from small stars to life size giraffe, elephants and orangutans."

November 27 – January 11, 2009,
6 – 10 p.m. nightly
Phoenix Zoo Member's Nights: November 24, 25 & 26

ZooLights will be brighter this year with the addition of several new features:
• "Music in Motion" Dancing Tree Show has new music and all LED energy-saving lights
• Additional LED lighting along pathways for more vibrant, cost-effective color
• Photo opportunity with orangutan art• And more!Don't miss:
• Jengo the talking giraffe• Carousel, wagon and camel rides (separate fees apply)
• Stingray Bay presented by Bank of America (separate fee applies)
• Animal presentations Thursday thru Sunday

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.

Polar Express - Adventure of the Week

"Experience the magic of The Polar Express™, the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs the Williams Depot for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the "North Pole." Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children's faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift. Make this a family holiday tradition. Call today to make your reservations because space is limited to those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas!"

Check the website out for Polar Express Packages!
www.thetrain.com/polarexpress/

Tickets:
Adults $26
Child (2-12) $14

The train leaves each night at 6:30 p.m. Most evenings have a second departure time at 8:00 p.m.

Polar Express Tickets Go Fast!
The trains to the North Pole sell out every year. Call 1-800-THE-TRAIN now to reserve your Polar Express seat!

Winter Events in the East Valley -Adventure of the Week

Grab your family and check out something new and exciting this coming month, you'll be glad you did!

Please share if there are any events that I've missed.

Chandler
The first of the Home for the Holidays events will be on Saturday, November 22, 2008, with a day of skating, crafts and cookie decorating, beginning with a singing performance by Dickens Carolers at 1 p.m. Santa will also be on site from 4-6 p.m.

But, the day’s main attraction is a synthetic skating rink that will be set up outdoors within Dr. A.J. Chandler Park from 1 to 9 p.m. Chandler families can enjoy this unique skating experience, and children can also make holiday crafts and decorate cookies. Visitors will first want to stop by the skating rink to receive their free ticket for an assigned skate time. Skates will be provided for all participants. While all of these activities are free participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation.

The second Home for the Holidays event is a visit by Santa and a double-feature movie in the park on Saturday, November 29.

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to Dr. A.J. Chandler Park and relax under the stars for a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” staring Jim Carrey at 5 p.m., followed by the Jimmy Stewart classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Santa will be on site from 3-5 p.m.

Finally, the biggest Home for the Holidays events of all take place from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, with the annual Parade of Lights and the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities include a variety of musical performances, more craft activities for kids, and pictures with Santa.

Details on all these events are online at www.chandleraz.gov/special-events

Gilbert

Gilbert’s Holiday Nights of Lights

Get in the holiday spirit and join us for Nights of Lights. Be there for the lighting of our Town’s first 28 foot tree and experience ground displays, community entertainment, sweet treats and a visit from Santa. The tree and light displays will remain lit through January 4th. Bring your family and friends and be a part of this inaugural event.

For more information, please call (480) 503-6224.
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008 Time: 6-8:30pm The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6:30pm. Location: Gilbert Civic Center North Campus, 50 E Civic Center Drive

Mesa

Arizona Mormon Temple Holiday Lighting 600,000 twinkling lights decorate the Temple grounds
November-December 525 E. Main St
http://www.lds.org/

Scottsdale

Holiday Lights
December 12th,through January 3rd, excluding Dec. 24th, 25th & 31st .
The event runs from 6:30pm – 9:00pm each night.

Arizona’s most unique holiday event, take a train ride through more than 100,000 lights and featuring a variety of holiday displays turning the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Opening night festivities will begin at 6:30pm and includes a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Santa will be at the park through December 23rd. Train rides are $2.00 each and carousel $1.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult.

Scottsdale Festival of Greece - Adventure of the Week

Greeks are known for their love of life, whether it's food, music, dance, or lively conversation. Explore the many facets of life in a Greek village...

"Greece has been called the 'Cradle of Western Civilization' because much of the western world's philosophy and art was born in ancient Greece. Greece also was the first democracy in the ancient civilized world. The popular features of Greek culture in food, music, and dance, reflect the cultural development of over five thousand years, and we're delighted to share it with you!

For Free!
• Live Greek music
• Greek food, pastries and more!
• Greek folk dancers
• Readings, mini-lectures, discussion
• Greek cooking demonstrations
• Greek films
• Orthodox bookstore
• Various vendors and exhibits
• Children's Olympic Fun Zone

Check their website for the music and dance schedule, their menu, venues and a lot more!
azgreekfest.com

For more information about Greek culture and history, please visit the following sites:

Greece: Cradle of Western Civilization
http://www.mrdowling.com/701greece.html

Get travel information from the Greek Tourism Organization
http://www.gnto.gr/?langID=2

Join us at Scottsdale Civic Mall:

Friday, November 7 (11am-10pm)
Saturday, November 8 (11am-10pm)
Sunday, November 9 (11am-7pm)
The Festival will be held at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall at

7380 E. 2nd St Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Eastward from Brown Avenue to 75th Street
Southward from 1st Avenue to 2nd Street.

Public parking for Scottsdale Festival of Greece is available in the public parking garage located to the west of the Center for the Arts building and directly behind Los Olivos Restaurant on Wells Fargo Ave.

Additional parking is available at the library parking garage located on Drinkwater Blvd., south of Indian School Rd and just east of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Just a reminder.

As a reminder playgroup in the park IS still going on every Friday at the Train Park near the elementary school. I haven't been able to attend these last two weeks but I do know other mom have gone in past. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get to know other women. If you are interested we would Love to see you there.

Organ Stop - Adventure of the Week

Organ Stop Pizza is home to The Mighty Wurlitzer.

Organ Stop's Mighty Wurlitzer is one of the largest and finest theater organs in the world today. Its nearly 6000 pipes, numerous percussions, and countless traps are masterfully presented by the Musical Staff who are world class musicians.

It surely is a sight to see and hear.

I have to admit the pizza is not so great but the environment cannot be beat! so it makes it worth it.

1149 E Southern Ave.
480-813-5700
http://www.organstoppizza.com/

Go to the website: for more and great information about the history of the restaurant, the organ and the menu.

Hours: Thanksgiving -Mid April, Sun- Thurs 4:00pm-9:00pm, Fri and Sat. 4:00pm-10:00pm, Mid April -Thanksgiving Sun - Thurs 5:00-9:00pm, Fri and Sat 5:00-10:00pm

Prices: Pizzas range from $4.69-$15.59

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition - Adventure of the Week

If you and your children liked the C.S. Lewis children's book series- The Chronicles of Narnia you will for sure like the Arizona Science Center premiere of the Chronicles of Narnia Exhibition.

"It is a state-of-the-art educational exhibition based on the film series and C.S. Lewis’ beloved fictional books. The excitement of the stories is brought to life in immersive scenes that feature authentic costumes, props and set dressings from the films portraying the wonderful world of Narnia. The exhibition explores the science and natural history behind the mythical world of Narnia and stewardship for our own environment.
The journey begins in a recreation of C.S. Lewis’ personal study, featuring real artifacts from Lewis himself. Visitors then step into the famous attic wardrobe that transports them to the wintry world of Narnia featured in the first film, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” complete with falling snow, cold wind and the White Witch’s ice palace.
A sampling of interactive elements include:

Replica of the Witch’s Throne from “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” – sit on the iconic, icy throne and feel the chill.
King Miraz’s Castle from “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” – build an arch, learn about the strategy involved in castle design and use a working catapult.
The Telmarine camp from “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” – lift and feel the tremendous weight of a real chain mail suit of armor and swords from the film."

Admission: $18 adults $12 for seniors and students ages 3-17 (includes general admission).

It is the FINAL WEEKS - which means REDUCED PRICING
Discounted pricing not valid online
Add Walt Disney pictures and Walden media present The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition General admission required

Hours: 10 am - 5 pm

Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington St. 602-716-2028

Check out their website azscience.org for great resources and links such as;

• a teacher/educational guide
• Insiders Guide to the Exhibition
• C.S. Lewis website
• Official movie site and fan site and much more

Arizona Capitol Museum - Adventure of the Week

"The Arizona Capitol Museum brings history to life every day through exhibitions, special events, and tours. More than 20 exhibits tell Arizona's story from territorial days to the present."

Current Exhibits:

Arizona's State Symbols
Fifteen state symbols represent Arizona's environment, society and economy. Since the Great Seal was chosen in 1911, the state legislature has recognized everything from a state flower to a state fossil. The latest symbol to be added was the state butterfly in 2001.

Historical Figures from Arizona's Past
Diverse peoples forged this multi-faceted landscape we call Arizona. Learn about contributions to the settlement and establishment of Arizona through six life-size historic figures that represent diverse people in Arizona's history.

The Gratitude Train
The Gratitude Train was an expression of thanks from the people of France for American generosity after World War II. The personal items exhibited are from the boxcar filled with gifts delivered to Arizona in 1949.

Flagship of the Fleet: Life and Death of the USS Arizona
The most common image of the Arizona is of the ship in flames at Pearl Harbor. This exhibit tells the rest of the story, its focus is personal. Using rare artifacts and photographs, it tells the story of the men. The exhibit brings the history of the ship up to date with film footage documenting the research that has been conducted on the ship since the 1980s.

Nature's Mirror: Images & Artifacts from the Edward S. Curtis Collection
The exhibit focuses on items located in the Capitol Museum’s collection obtained by the State of Arizona from Edward Curtis in the early to mid 1900s. A sample of these priceless baskets, some of which are seen in Curtis’ photographs, are on display.

FREE Admission

http://www.lib.az.us/museum/
Hours (except State holidays)
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday11:00 am - 4:00 pm

1700 W. Washington St. Phoenix, Az

602-542-4675

Park free at Wesley Bolin Plaza east of 17th Avenue and top off your day with a visit to the award winning museum store.

Movie

Has anyone seen Walle? I was going to take my girls to see it, or maybe kung-fu panda at about 1:00 tomorrow (fri.). Anyone want to come?

San Tan Mall Kids Club

Our new San Tan mall has this great avtivity 2 days each month & I just wanted to share it with everyone! Now that it is cooling off the outdoor playground @ the mall is a great place to go after kids club!

Here's the info:

Now through Wednesday, November 12, 200810am - 11am
Join Persephone and Webster the Warthog for Kids Club, every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 10a.m. - 11a.m. in the Food Court!This free event is an interactive community program designed to educate and entertain children in a safe and happy place. Members learn about a new topic each show along with music, dancing and reading. The program is ran by entertainer, Persephone along with Webster the Warthog, the Westcor Kids Club mascot. Our next show will be all about colors and animals. Stride Rite will be our special guest!

To become a member, click the link below and signup online. webinquiry.net/macerich/kidsclub

Dance Class

If anyone is interested in a toddler dance class Misty Trendler fron ST1 ward is teaching dance once a week. The classes are 1 hour long and the fee is $25 per month. Misty can be reached at 988-4249. Spaces are limited.