Maracay's Community Corner
July-August 2009

Yes! Even when the thermometer hits 110 degrees- and counting! – there’s a lot to do around Arizona. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Summer Space Camps
Challenger Space Center
From kindergarten through eighth grade, children can enjoy weeklong half or full day adventures in aviation, living in space or on Mercury or Gemini, ice worlds and other planets.  They’ll “explore” the moon, space and under the sea, search for astronomical discoveries.  Call for times and prices.

Through July 31
21170 N. 83rd Ave.
Peoria
623-322-2001
www.azchallenger.org

High School Musical
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
This popular Disney show stars a high school basketball star and a shy new girl at school who’s a geeky “intellectual.”  Together, though, they sing wonderful music.  Dinner and show beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, Sundays at 5:30 p.m.  Lunch and a matinee from 11:45 a.m.  Evenings $51 and $54; matinees $45.  Children under 12, $22.  Show only $28.

Through August 1
5247 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa
480-325-6700
www.broadwaypalmwest.com

Starry Safari
Phoenix Zoo
Fun at the zoo, with inflatables, water play, a special toddler play area and very cool animal presentations.  Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. til 9 p.m. $5.

Through August 8
455 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix
602-273-1341
www.phoenixzoo.org

Flashlight Discovery Tour
Desert Botanical Garden
A magical twilight adventure in the desert night, complete with nighthawks, tortoises, insects and night-blooming flowers.  Don’t forget your flashlight.  Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Free with garden admission.

Through August 29
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix
480-481-8188
www.dbg.org

The Taffetas
Arizona Broadway Theatre
Four lovely young ladies from Muncie, Ind., make their debut on national television one Sunday evening in the early 1950’s, with sparkling banter and a diverse selection of popular tunes.  Doors open for matinees at noon, evenings at
5 p.m. Shows start at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  $61.50 - $84.50.

Through Sept. 20
7701 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria
623-776-8400
www.azbroadwaytheatre.com

Goldilocks
Great Arizona Puppet Theatre
Find out whether Goldilocks finally gets her comeuppance in this clever and very funny retelling of the classic tale.  Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.; Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.  Adults, $8; children, $6. 

July 8 – 25
302 W. Latham St.
Phoenix
602-262-2050
www.azpuppets.org

Beauty and the Beast
Hale Centre Theatre
Disney’s classic musical about a beautiful princess held captive in a castle by a horrendous monster.  Evenings at 7:30 p.m.; matinees at 3 p.m.  Thursdays and Saturday matinees at $23; other evenings $25.

July 8 – August 29
50 W. Page Ave.
Gilbert
480-497-1181
www.haletheatrearizona.com

Titan Moonlight Madness
Titan Missile Museum
An Arizona Historic Landmark, the Titan Missile Museum presents a seven-story rocket with lights on, seltzer rocket launchings, visits to rocket launch control, space food samples, astronaut tests – and several official Mad Scientists.  Reservations needed. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  $7 for adults; free for children under 12.

July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12
1580 N. Duval Mine Rd.
Sahuarita
520-625-7736
www.titanmissilemuseum.org

Prescott Indian Market
Sharlot Hall Museum
Painters, potters, weavers and jewelers, along with arts and crafts demonstrations and musical performances will be found throughout the gardens at this historic site.  Saturday from 9 a.m. til 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. til 4 p.m.  Adults, $5; children are free.  

July 11 – 12
405 W. Gurley St.
Prescott
928-445-3122
www.sharlot.org

Concerts at Kierland
Kierland Commons
Great performances from great Valley bands, including Instant Classics, Otis & the Beat, and the Hamptons.  Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Free.

July 11 – 25
Scottsdale Rd. and Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale
480-348-1577
www.kierlandcommons.com

Hot Pipes Showcase and Foothills Food Bank Drive
El Pedregal
A local talent competition for singing talent every Saturday evening all summer long (except for July 4 and Labor Day weekends). Grand finals set for Sept. 26.  Monetary and food donations will be collected in cooperation with the Foothills Food Bank, present on July 11.  6 p.m. until 10 p.m.  Free admission to the Showcase, with food and cash bar available.

Through Sept. 12
The Boulders, North Scottsdale
480-488-1072
www.elpedregal.com

AZ District 2 Junior and Senior Little League Tournament
Peoria Sports Complex
Senior and Junior Division All-Star teams from Arizona District 2 slug it out for the State Championships.  5:30 p.m.  Free.

July 9 – 11 and 14, 15
16101 N. 83rd Ave.
Peoria
602-622-8846
www.eteamzaz.com/azdistrict2

Southwestern Arts and Crafts Summer Camp
Palm Valley Elementary
A weeklong camp exploring Native cultural arts from the Navajo, Hopi and Apache peoples of Arizona, as well as some arts from Mexico. Participants will work on shrine making, tinwork, mask making and painting.  Creative imaginations must be brought along, as well as a sack lunch and a snack.  For ages 9 through 14;
9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day. $100.

July 13 – 17
2801 N. 135th Ave.
Goodyear
623-935-6384
www.wetvalleyarts.org

Latin Rhythms at Kokopelli Winery
Kokopelli Winery & Bistro
Enjoy Latin music, Latin foods and unique Latin drinks made with wine! Salsa dance competition Saturday at 7:30 pm.  Live music all weekend. Friday, 5 p.m. til 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. til 6 p.m.  Tastings are $7.

July 18 – 20
35 W. Boston St.
Chandler
480-792-6927
www.kokopelliwinery.com

Film and Arts Festival
Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Festival
The fourth annual festival in Cave Creek celebrates the arts with the prestigious Coyote Awards in film, visual arts, short story, poetry, photography, original sing and choreography.  Showcases run July 9 through 13 throughout Cave Creek.  Call for schedule. Festival and awards from 5 p.m. til 6:30 p.m. Free, $10 donation requested and reservations required for the award ceremony. 

July 18
33606 N. 60th St.
Scottsdale
480-298-9432
www.cavecreekfilmandartsfestival.com

Suns Overnight Camp
Pine Summit Camp
Young basketball stars and fans can learn about the game from every level, beginner to advanced.  Hands-on instruction and visits from Steve Kerr, Mark West, Cedric Ceballos and other Suns and Mercury coaches and stars.  Transportation is not included. Camp starts Friday at 2 p.m.  $495 covers everything.

July 24 – 28
800 E. Wolf Creek Rd.
Prescott
602-594-2267
www.nba.com/suns/jrsuns/overnight_camp

All Things Cowboy
Old Town Superior and Florence
Saddle up and ride off to Pinal County’s National Day of the Cowboy celebration.  There’s a parade, golf and poker tournaments, cowboy dinners, dancing, fast-draw competitions, a moustache contest and mine tours.  Yee-ha!  Friday, 6 p.m. til 1 a.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. til 1a.m.  Call for ticket prices and exact event locations.

July 24 – 25
Gold Canyon, Apache Junction
Superior, Florence
480-982-3141
www.goldcanyontoday.com

Tucson International Children's Film Festival
The Loft Cinema
Fun and fascinating, a nine-day cinematic children's festival of vintage animated classic films and cartoons, sing-a-longs, and new animated features, presented by The Glassman Foundation and Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's Toys  See everything from the classics (Gulliver’s Travels and The Wizard of Oz) to new animation (Egon and Donc, Azur and Asmar). Finish off with a Mary Poppins sing-a-long 10 a.m. each day.  Free.

July 25 – August 2
3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson
520-322-5638
www.loftcinema.com

70 Years of Making Movies
Old Tucson Studios
Making movies since 1939, Tucson Studios commemorates its beginnings with a special exhibit of never-before-seen production stills from the very first shoot through today.  10 a.m. til 4 p.m. Adults, $16.95; children under 12, $10.95.

July 25
201 S. Kinney Rd.
Tucson
520-883-0100
www.oldtucson.com

Shootout on Whiskey Row
Whiskey Row
For the fourth year, it’s the wild, Wild West again as the Prescott Regulators and their Shady Ladies sally out to take a stroll – and show the town how the West was really won.  Costume contests, gunfights, performances and vendors.  9 a.m. til 5 p.m.  Free.

July 25 and 26
Montezuma St.
Prescott
928-771-2161
www.prescottregulators.org

Chances for Children Triathlon
Kiwanis Park
Raising funds to fight childhood obesity through introduction to and education about a healthy, fun and competitive lifestyle through exercise.  Children ages 5 through 12 are invited to swim, bike and run.  6 a.m. until 11 a.m.  Sponsors needed for all participants.

July 26
6111 S. All American Way
Tempe
602-708-2740
www.chancesforchildrenaz.com

The Wiggles Go Bananas!
Dodge Theatre
As the Wiggles have it, “monkey see, monkey do!  The Wiggles Tour is coming to you!”  Extravagant fun for children, great amusement for their folks.  Shows at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  Tickets $21 - $38.

July 27
400 W. Washington St
Phoenix
602-379-2800
www.thewiggles.com

Saltimbanco by Cirque du Soleil
Jobing.com Arena
To invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world, this is Cirque du Soleil's mission. Since its creation in 1984, close to 60 million people worldwide have applauded Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil produces live shows that combine, in an innovative way, acrobatics, theatre, dance and music.  Matinees, 3:30 p.m.; evening shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets from $45.25 to $100.25.

July 29 – August 2
Loop 101 & Glendale Avenue
Glendale
623-772-3245
www.jobingarena.com

Peter Pan III: The Night of Nights
Greater Arizona Puppet Theater
In this final episode of the Peter Pan trilogy, the pirates kidnap the Darling children and the Lost Boys and Peter must battle the evil Captain Hook to save them! Wednesday through Friday only at 10 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $6 for children age 2 & up. $8 for adults.

July 29 – August 16
302 W. Latham St.
Phoenix
602.262.2050
www.azpuppets.org

14th Annual Aloha Summer Strut
University of Phoenix Stadium
Grab a pal and hula on over for a morning of fun and fitness, with entertainment by the Nani Komohana Tutus, Hawaiian dancers and Manuel Dorantes.  Check-in at 6:30 a.m., walk at 7 a.m., refreshments at 8.  $15.

July 29
Loop 101 and Glendale Ave.
Glendale
623-773-7436
www.glendaleaz.com

Padres and Mariners Summer Rookie League
Peoria Sports Complex
A look at up and coming talent in the Minor League.  A chance to see who’s good, who’s not – and who’s coming right along.  All games in the main stadium.  7 p.m.  Free admission and parking.

August 1 – 29
16101 N. 83rd Ave.
Peoria
623-773-8700
www.minorleaguebaseball.com

Clown Day
Rawhide
It’s National Clown Week and Rawhide hoses the 16th annual Clown Day Celebration, the largest clown gathering in the Southwest.  More than 100 clowns on hand for a hay wagon full of fun.  There’ll be free face painting, the red nose revue and general silliness all day long, capped with the Clown Day Parade all through town.  5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.  Free.

August 1
5700 W. North Loop Rd.
Chandler
480-502-5600
www.rawhide.com

Artfare Block Kickoff Celebration
Artfare Block
Music, dance, food, a beer garden and Native American and Hispanic heritage entertainment along with many special guests – it’s the grand opening for a midnight.  Free.

August 1
55 through 31 N. 6th Avenue
Tucson
520-903-0918
www.artfare.org

Plant it!
Heard Museum
For adults and children alike, a creative exploration of the multitude of ways plants and flowers have been used by Native Peoples for food, basketry and more.  Demonstration by Navajo basket weaver Christopher Black. 10:30 a.m. til 3 p.m. Free.

August 1
2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix
602-252-8848
www.heard.org

Southwest Wings, Birding and Nature Festival
Windemere Hotel
Some of the most famous birding sights in all the United States are right here in southeastern Arizona.  There’s a rich diversity of birds, butterflies, insects, mammals, reptiles and around 1,000 species of plants.  Tour and excursion times vary, as do fees.  Registration is $15.

August 5 – 9
2047 South Highway 92
Sierra Vista
520-678-8207
www.swwings.org

Vigilante Days
Allen Street
Commemorating Tombstone’s unique history, there’s a 10K run, street entertainment, gunfight competitions, reenactments and even a couple of hangings.  Feel free to enter the big chili cook-off – or just come to vote!  Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Free.

August 7 – 9
Historic Town Center
Tombstone
520-457-3495
www.tombstonevigilantes.com

West Valley Maricopa County Home Show
University of Phoenix Stadium
One-stop home improvement shopping at the West Valley’s largest home show with more than 1,000 exhibits offering great home and garden deals. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Adults, $8, children over 3, $4; $1 admission for all military personnel (all day) and seniors (until noon) Friday. 

August 7 – 9
Loop 101 and Glendale Ave.
Glendale
602-485-1691
www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com

Dragonfly and Butterfly Walk
Riparian Preserve
It’s the time of the year to spot an amazing array of winged creatures around damp and wet areas.  Take a stroll with an experienced winged-creature spotter to learn how to identify some of these mysterious fliers for yourself.  7 a.m. for all ages.  $5 donation.

2nd Saturday Every Month Through October
2757 E. Guadalupe Rd.
Gilbert
480-503-6744
www.riparianinstitute.org

Queen of Hope International Pageant
Tempe Center for the Arts
Formerly the Worldwide Pageant, this pageant is dedicated to the philosophy that everyone has a personal sense of style and beauty. This competition celebrates unique and special qualities. 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Adults, $8, children $5.

August 21
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
480-350-2822
www.worldwidepageant.net

Rendezvous of Gunfighters
OK Corral
Gunfighter groups from around the country arrive to participate in gunfights, ambushes, costume contests and a parade.  Shows throughout each day at the corral; parade and costume contest at noon on Sunday.  Free.

Sept. 4 – 7
326 W. Allen St.
Tombstone
520-457-3548
www.tombstonewildbunch.org

Top Choice Baseball Labor Day Classic Youth Tournament
Peoria Sports Complex
A World Series qualifier weekend for USSSA teams throughout the Valley; teams earn double points in this weekend competition.  Game times vary.  Free.

Sept. 5 – 7
16101 N. 83rd Ave.
Peoria
520-405-2880
www.topchoicebaseball.com

Phoenix Cooks!
Westin Kierland
An action-packed event for all regional “foodies, promising fun, education specialty kitchen retailers.  More than 50 of the Valley’s best restaurants are scheduled to participate in this benefit for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 
10 a.m. til 3 p.m.  $75 and $90.

Sept. 5
6902 W. Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale
602-374-6000
www.phoenixcooks.com

Faire on the Square
Courthouse Square
More than 200 artists, craftspeople and specialty food vendors celebrate the holiday weekend.  There’s plenty of music and entertainment throughout the streets, too.  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  No charge to stroll and appreciate the art and mountain views.

Sept. 5 – 7
Cortez Street
Prescott
925-445-2000
www.prescott.org

Brewery Gulch Daze
Brewery Gulch
The Gulch was once considered the wildest street in North America.  That was 129 years ago, and for the 44th year, Bisbee recaptures the past.  Start with a pancake breakfast, see the parade and Miz Old Biz competition, end with an evening concert. 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.  Free, with appropriate charges for food and drink.

Sept. 5
Brewery Ave. and downtown
Bisbee
520-432-3554
www.discoverbisbee.com