BEYOND ARIZONA
FUR AND FEATHER ANIMAL ASSISTANCE, INC.: Ongoing — A permanent residential facility for dogs and cats designed for comfort, well being, and CARE for LIFE. Where Every “One” Deserves a Chance, PO Box 555 Pie Town, NM 87827, e-mail to furandfeatheranimalassistance@gmail.com .
BOATING
14 TEMPE: 20th Annual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade – Tempe Town Lake. 50 decorated and lighted boats of all sizes and makes, a thousand lights illuminate the sidewalks and paths of Tempe Beach Park. The event kicks off at 4 pm with live music, selfies with Santa, food trucks and more! Come early, get your spot, a bite to eat and listen to some music. The parade launches at 7 pm and fireworks at 8 pm. Free.
LEARN TO SAIL: Current — If you know someone who would like to learn to sail, turn them on to the Arizona Sailing Foundation’s Adult Beginning Sailing class.
AZ YACHT CLUB MEETINGS: Second Tuesday of every month 7 p.m. — in the Caddy Shack at Rolling Hills Golf Course, 1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe.
US SAILING/ RED CROSS ONLINE TRAINING: Ongoing — To make it easier for prospective US SAILING-certified instructors to fulfill course requirements for CPR and First Aid certification, US SAILING teams up with the American Red Cross to provide an online training program. Participants can sign up by visiting www.ussailing.org/training and clicking on the Red Cross Online Training button (towards the bottom of the page).
CAMPING/RVING/AZ OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
7 GLENDALE: Jingle Bell Hike to Santa – Thunderbird Conservation Park. Children can take part in a hands-on jingle bell craft so they can jingle their way up the trail. Parents and kids will make their way along to find Santa Claus at the end of the hike! Water provided at the trailhead, plus a light snack afterward. All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the hike. This is a moderate hike; trail/hiking guidelines are available on our website. Bring your camera to take photos with Santa. Free. 9 am.
19 SIERRA VISTA: Patterson Observatory Public Night – weather permitting, the public is invited to observe the night skies through the 20-inch Patterson telescope and with other instruments, you might see craters of the crescent moon, gas giant planets, Uranus, Neptune, double stars, star clusters, nebula, planetary nebula and distant galaxies. Free. 6 pm. 520-417-6960.
CLASSES/SEMINARS
AZGFD, CG AUXILIARY, PHOENIX POWER SQUADRON BOATING CLASSES: Ongoing (See page 3 of this issue.)
COMMUNITY AND SEASONAL
6 SEDONA: Sedona’s Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Visit – Tlaquepaque. Live entertainment, activities and refreshments available from 5-7 pm with the 20′ holiday tree. Hear holiday favorites from musical and performing groups and let your youngsters tell Santa all their hopes and dreams, free family event presented by Sedona Main Street Program with Sedona Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sedona. 5 pm.
7 PHOENIX: 33rd Annual APS Electric Light Parade: Walking in a Desert Wonderland – The APS Electric Light Parade has long been an event where families, neighborhood groups and businesses from across the city come together and spread the joy of the holidays to more than 100,000 spectators. The parade begins on Central Avenue & Montebello and ends at 7th Street and Indian School. All entries lined with electric lights, from floats, to marching bands, performance groups, car groups and families. Free. 7 pm. 602-262-6437.
7 QUEEN CREEK: 37th Annual Queen Creek Holiday Festival &Parade – Features carnival rides, live entertainment, food and beverage stations, commercial vendors, free photos with Santa, a tree lighting ceremony and of course the community parade.
13-23 PHOENIX: Phoenix Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Orpheum Theatre. Join Phoenix Ballet and internationally recognized dance stars along with top students from the acclaimed Master Ballet Academy as they present Slawomir Wozniak’s magical holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Let the professional dancers awe you with their skill while they dance alongside renowned students who have brought home top awards and honors at major competitions. $25-90. 602-262-7272.
14 SEDONA: 46th Annual Festival of Lights – Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. A cherished tradition which involves the lighting of six thousand luminarias in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways at 5 pm, entertainment abounds with carolers, choirs and musicians, specially designated Luminarias honoring cancer survivors can be purchased in advance. Free. 3-8 pm. 928-282-4838.
21 PHOENIX: The Klezmatics: A Happy Joyous Hanukkah – The MIM Music Theater. Holiday. $43.50-48.50. 7:30 pm.
26 MESA: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis – Mesa Arts Center. In 1984, Mannheim Steamroller released Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that changed the sounds of Christmas and resulted in a runaway hit. Mannheim Steamroller went on to become the biggest selling Christmas music artist in history. The group’s Christmas tour has become a holiday tradition right along with decorating the tree. 3& 7:30 pm. $36-81. 480-644-650.
Through 12/24FLAGSTAFF: North Pole Experience – Little America. A family-focused holiday attraction that takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes adventure at Santa’s Workshop, children and their parents build toys with Santa and the elves and meet Santa and read stories and craft with Mrs. Claus.
31 PRESCOTT: 2019 Boot Drop – The Palace Restaurant & Saloon. Whiskey Row becomes a street party as we ring in the New Year. Watch as a 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot is lowered down The Palace building’s flag pole. Two drops: 10 pm and midnight. 928-776-0234.
31 SHOW LOW: Deuce of Clubs Drop – Festival Marketplace. Countdown to midnight, ushers in the new year giant electrified Deuce of Clubs (playing card) dropped from a crane, free photo booth, cocoa & popcorn available, free noisemakers & party items, and fire pits to keep you toasty, the evening comes to a climax with a giant fireworks show immediately following the dropping of the Deuce of Clubs. 11 pm – midnight. 928-532-4140.
31 TEMPE: New Year’s Eve on Mill Avenue – Merry-makers welcoming the new decade will once again fill the streets of Downtown Tempe and its famed Mill Avenue as tradition dictates this season. Downtown Tempe’s eclectic mix of bars and restaurants offer unlimited allure with merchants opening their doors for an unforgettable night of epic celebrations — each with their own entry fees and special offerings. Be sure to stop by the two-story tall ‘2020 Selfie Station’ to snap shots for the ‘gram as you ring in the new year, Downtown Tempe-style.
EXPOS/SHOWS
6-8 SCOTTSDALE: International Off-Road & UTV Expo – WestWorld of Scottsdale. Arizona’s original and largest Off-Road & UTV Expo featuring over 200 exhibitors, demos, seminars, and industry leaders from around the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Showcase of toy haulers, travel trailers, and trailers, and a new Overland section. This show has something for everyone that loves the outdoors, off-roading, camping, going to the dunes, overloading, or just wants to see amazing off-road displays, and vehicles. Kids under 12 are always free. $20. 480-899-6458.
FISHING
SRT BASS PHOENIX CHAPTER MEETINGS: Ongoing — Shake, Rattle & Troll BASS Club; volunteers needed; new members (boaters and non-boaters), families, children, friends are welcome; (623) 221-7655
SHOOTING SPORTS/ARCHERY
3 YUMA: Military Tours – Behind the Big Guns – Go behind YPG’s gates to learn about the installation’s history and modern-day mission. Base personnel meet the tour and share facts, figures and details. Learn what it’s like with tanks ripping around and giant booms going off daily.
28 PHOENIX: The Arizona Gunslingers – Pioneer Living History Museum. The Arizona Gunslingers take aim at mechanical targets to see who is the fastest draw in the West! Quick draw competitions are open to the public and participants love to answer questions. Museum Admission $10/adults $8/Senior or military $8/children, 5 and under are free. Includes Pioneer Village and the Telephone Museum. 623-465-1052.
WATERSPORTS/WATER-RELATED
Ongoing — SAGUARO DIVING & SPORTS: Ongoing — Learn to Scuba Dive, Open Water Certification Dives, Private Class & Pool, Private Lake.
Frozen
Ongoing — Learn To Curl lessons: learntocurl@coyotescurling.com
6 MARICOPA: Merry Copa Holiday Festival – Copper Sky Regional Park. Merry Copa: Let It Snow!Enjoy sledding in 50 tons of snow, ice skating, interactive DJ, Shoppes, hot air balloon glow, local talent and caroling, and, of course, our annual tradition of having our very own Mayor Christian Price lead our Christmas Tree lighting countdown. We will also have a very special visitor stop by and complete the evening with a fireworks performance. It’s certainly a can’t-miss event for the community! 6-9 pm. 520-316-6848.
6 SIERRA VISTA: Annual Tree Lighting: A Light to Remember – There is much “Claus” for celebration. We have added a holiday-themed obstacle course, games, snow, and a skating rink! A magical time for children of all ages with holiday entertainment courtesy of the Sierra Vista Community Band, a special appearance by Santa Claus himself immediately following the tree lighting! Santa will have a gift for the children (while supplies last). Cookies and hot chocolate will warm as the lights and community fellowship warm our spirits.
14 DOUGLAS: Douglas on Ice – Raul Castor Park. Come meet Santa and ice skate in the middle of Downtown G. Enjoy games, food vendors, craft vendors, movies, and more! This is a free and fun event for all ages. 10 am – 8 pm. 520-417-7340
WILDLIFE/ ANIMAL-RELATED
6-28 CLARKDALE: The Magical Christmas Journey – Verde Canyon Railroad. Children with eagle wings soar through the miniature Bird’s-Eye Village. Holiday lights, music, and refreshments. Train ride through a magic tunnel to the North Pole and back. Santa boards the train at the whimsical North Pole Village with gifts for all of the children. Meet Flurry, a real bald eagle and Princess Noel, characters from The Magical Christmas Journey™ book. $23-45. 5:30 & 7 pm Thursdays-Sundays. 800-293-7245.
7-8 MESA: 27th Annual “It’s Feline a Lot Like Christmas” – Mesa Convention Center. All breed championship/ household pet/Feline agility. There are usual 200+ cats competing and 50 cats for adoption through our rescue. Lots of vendors, fun contests and awesome new family members to adopt. Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 9 am – 4 pm. 623-217-4205.
7-8 STANFIELD: Annual “Joy to the Herd” – Shamrock Farms. Guided tour, 15 tons of snow, holiday crafts, face painting, Santa and the spokescow – Roxie and more. Reservations and pre-payment required. $15 for adults and children. Children under 2 year old are free. Lunch available for an additional cost. 9 am – 3 pm. 602-477-2462.
14 GILBERT: 11th Annual 12K’s of Christmas® & Santa’s Pet Village – Freestone District Park. A unique family celebration, features Christmas carolers at every K and in the park, a 12K and 6K run and a 1.2K for families and kids fun run/walk, a Christmas Bazaar with hand-made items, Santa’s Pet Village with pet adoptions, inflatables. A portion of the proceeds support participating animal rescues. 7:30 am – 12:30 pm. 480-609-3978
14-15 APACHE JUNCTION: Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Barn Holiday Boutique – Get into the holiday mood by celebrating an “Old-Fashioned Christmas” in our specially decorated Apacheland Barn and grounds. The perfect opportunity for last-minute shopping featuring artists and crafters displaying and selling their unique handmade items. Bring dog and cat food or toys to benefit the Apache Junction Paws and Claws Center. Admission and parking are free. 9 am to 4 pm. 480-983-4888.
27-31 PHOENIX: 72nd Annual Arizona National Livestock Show – Arizona State Fairgrounds. Livestock shows and sales, Cowboy Classics Western Art & Gear show, working ranch horse competition, ranch rodeo, Farm Experience interactive area for children.
EMPTY PET FOOD BANK IN TEMPE: Ongoing — A unique food bank that serves cats and dogs needs your help. Lost Our Home Pet Foundation has been providing food and pet supplies to the pets of families in need since 2009, all through community donations. Donations can be made at the shelter location at 2323 S. Hardy Dr. Tempe, AZ 85282; Jodi Polanski, Jodi@lostourhome.org .
.Editor’s Note: Please submit announcements for AZBW/WOT’s calendar of events —-“Downstream” — to editor@azbw.com. To guarantee placement, as room allows, items must be received by the tenth (10th) of the month prior to publication. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy, but we assume no responsibility for print errors or omissions. We also reserve the right to edit each item. Please include the name of the event, the date and time, the location, the organization, and contact information. You may also submit your event individually at http://www.westernoutdoortimes.com/classifieds.
