Dec. 12 Holiday at Sahuaro Ranch, Glendale AZ

Sahuaro Ranch will host a hometown holiday, with family activities and tours of historic buildings from 5 - 8 p.m.

This beautiful site was once one of the largest ranches in the Valley of the Sun. It has been preserved as a park, but retains some of its farming and ranching charm. Check out the rosebeds and peacocks!

The ranch was started in 1886 when William Henry Barlett and his brother homesteaded land northwest of Phoenix for citrus groves, ranching and farming. Eventually, Bartlett controlled over 2,000 acres of farmland. The family's garden has hundreds of rose bushes, towering palms and specimen plants. Today, visitors can have picnics on the gracious lawns, use the playgrounds, play ball and tour the well-built homes.
www.glendaleaz.com/ParksandRecreation/SahuaroRanchPark.cfm

Photos copyrighted by Bonita Photos

Starting Nov. 20, 2009 - SANTA FE FOUND Fragments of Time Exhibit

The archaeological and historic roots of America’s oldest capital city



New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors
Nov 20, 2009 - May 21, 2011, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Santa Fe, one of America's oldest cities, was just getting started 400 years ago. This new exhibition, at the Palace of the Governors, displays artifacts from this time before the Spanish arrived. The history displays continue through colonization and Santa Fe's first century as the capital of New Mexico. More than 160 pieces from four archeological sites tell of the intermingling of cultures.
Accompanying the exhibit are a symposium and lecture series. Co-curated by Josef Diaz of the New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors and Stephen Post of the DCA/Office of Archaeological Studies. http://www.palaceofthegovernors.org/

Nov. 19 "Go Green - Live Green" Discussion at ASU

Last of a three part series of presentations that address sustainable living

The ASU Alumni Association teams up with the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University to discuss sustainability as it relates to the whole community, including the effects of development.
7:30 - 9 a.m.; includes breakfast.Registration opens at 7 a.m.
At: ASU Art Museum, Mill Ave. & 10th St.,Tempe, AZ
Alumni: $20; non-alumni: $25
www.alumniconnections.com

Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving Morning - 5K Turkey Trot

5K Run & Fitness Walk

Burn some calories and make room for turkey. Run, trot or stroll for the 19th Annual Turkey Trot in Fountain Hills. All participants receive t-shirts. Top three receive awards. Begins at 7:30 a.m.

Visit www.fh.az.gov/parks-recreation/turkey-trot/ for registration and race info.

Nov. 26 - Only Thanksgiving Parade West of the Mississippi

What to do while the turkey is cooking . . .

Come out to Fountain Hills, Arizona, for this parade with small-town flavor and enthusiasm. It is a perfect way to entertain your guests or grandchildren until the turkey is done! Floats and entries are by local schools, churches, organizations and businesses. This year's theme is "Holidays sparkle through the eyes of a child."

The parade starts at 9 a.m. at El Lago and Saguaro Boulevards. The route follows Sagauro Boulevard north past the World's Highest Fountain.* It proceeds west on Palisades Boulevard and turns south on LaMontana. Bring your chairs, coffee and cameras.

*according to the Guiness Book of Records

Nov. 22 - Ford Ironman Triathlon - Tempe, Salt River Pima Res.

Swim 2.4 miles •Bike 112 miles • Run 26.2 miles
The Ford Ironman Arizona has become a favorite of the world's best triathletes. Now in its third year, it is a top-rated event that attracts the best-of-the-best with challenging but enjoyable courses, spectacular scenery, easy access and pleasant temperatures.
The swim and much of the run take place at Tempe Town Lake. The bike ride's three scenic loops take riders out on route 87, across the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to the base of Red Mountain and the border of Fountain Hills and back.
www.ironmanarizona.com

Nov. 22 - 1st Annual AZ Wine Growers Festival, Farm at South Mountain

Yes, Arizona has wine growers - and fine wine! Meet the grape farmers and taste their product in a picturesque setting south of Phoenix. Nearly all of the state's dozens of wine growers be present. Besides viewing exhibits, attending seminars, tasting and voting on various wines, visitors can listen to live music by local musicians,The Ironwood Duo, while awaiting the results of the tasting awards ceremony.

General Admission Event - Tickets $65: 1 - 5 p.m.
Exclusive Awards Dinner - Tickets $125: 5 - 9 p.m.
http://www.azwinefestivalatthefarm.com/about.php

Nov. 21 - 9th Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Flagstaff

Riding the Rim

Poets from around Arizona will stir up the air with poetry, song, and open range entertainment.

Attending poets are:

Mary Abbott, Bill Burke, Phil Ellsworth, Audrey Hankins, Suzi Killman, Nika Nordbrock, Frank Rodrigues, Tom Weathers, and more. Also, passages from Jerry Pinkney’s book, Black Cowboy Wild Horses, will be read. It is a true story of former slave and Texas cowboy Bob Leammons, whose tracking ability of wild mustangs was legendary.

1–3 p.m. at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Photo by Sue Bennett

Through Jan. 10 "Trappings of the American West" at the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff

“Trappings connects visitors to this country’s very real history of the rural culture of the West, a culture rooted in the principles of tradition, family, integrity, and hard work, ” states DCAF Executive Director Linda Stedman.
Exhibit visitors will be able to view and purchase the work of 90 juried artists, from fourteen Western states and Canada. Their art preserves time-honored traditions of craftsmanship including saddles, tooled leather, bits and spurs, boots, hats, knives, engraving, hitched horsehair, braided rawhide, musical instruments, painting, bronze sculpture and photography. Knife and spur maker Larry Fuegen remarked, “The fascinating thing is that we are all self-taught. There are no schools to learn these trades. They are passed from one generation to the next, and these art forms are really one generation away from being lost.”

A Sampling of Trappings Artists:
- Bill Burke, Luthier, from Flagstaff, AZ—Burke makes one-of-a-kind stringed instruments—mandolins, guitars, and banjos.
- Larry Fuegen, Knives/Bits and Spurs Maker, from Prescott, AZ—In addition to his legendary work as a knife maker, Fuegen is also a master bit and spur maker. “Over the years, I’ve remained true to the original concept of ‘handmade.'
- Jennifer Inge, Horsehair Braider, Creede, CO— A horsehair braider who is fascinated by the centuries-old Asian, Moroccan, and Spanish art form, she uses ancient braid patterns in her horsehair jewelry.
- Susan Kliewer, Bronze Sculptor, Sedona, AZ—Kliewer was the first woman to work at Buffalo Bronze Works Foundry in Sedona. Her sculptures capture portraits of Navajo families, intrepid cowgirls, majestic horses, and steely horsemen.
- Thomas Lorimer, Painter, from Sedona, AZ— He tells stories with his paintings, primarily Western landscapes with a figure somewhere, which “is what engages people," he says.
- Bob McLean, Boot Maker, from El Paso, TX—McLean has worked with Mexican boot makers, who make their needles and thread by hand. “Boot making demands enormous patience, a meticulous nature, strong and agile hands, an artistic flair, and the ability to transform a customer’s idea into a comfortable and functional product,” he says.
http://www.musnaz.org/

Nov. 13-15 FOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CRAFTS

Beautiful art, lovely music and delicious food in one of the most spectacular settings of the entire Southwest - and the admission is FREE. Even the parking.

Come stroll the Avenue of the Fountains and visit the booths of nearly 500 artists and craftsmen. You'll find some of the nation's finest artists plus new and creative products - perfect for your home, your fashion wardrobe and even your pet. It's a great place to get a start on your Christmas shopping and there is no better way to make a direct and undiluted infusion of cash into the local economy.
Live music, a variety of food choices and pleasant places to sit and relax make for pleasant interludes. You'll want to spend the day. Afterwards, check out the fine fare at local restaurants such as Sapori D'Italia (480-816-9535) and The Vu Cafe (480-368-0087). Stay the night and check out the River of Time Museum and the attractions at Fort McDowell the next day. Comfort Inn of Fountain Hills has special rates of just $79 (Mention VISTA Magazine) 480-837-5343.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Directions to Fountain Hills:
From the Southeast Valley, take Route 87 - (Country Club Drive) north to Shea Blvd. (it's 10 miles from McDowell Rd.), turn left at Shea Blvd. At the first traffic light, turn right on to Saguaro Blvd. Continue 2 miles on Saguaro Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking.
From the Southwest Valley, take Route 10 east to Route 202 East. Exit 202 at Route 87 - (Country Club Drive). Turn left at exit, heading North. (see directions above.)
From the Northwest: Take 101 South. Exit at Shea Blvd. Go east on Shea Blvd. for approximately 8 miles. Turn left on Palisades Blvd. Continue about 3 miles on Palisades Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking. Official Sponsor: Fort McDowell Casino

Nov. 28 -Aldo Leopold Portrayed at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Patagonia, AZ

Aldo Leopold Centennial Event
Kim Stone will be portraying Aldo Leopold at this event. Plus, author David Brown will be on hand for a book signing.

Go out for a unique canoe/kayak trip on Patagonia Lake. Enjoy kids activities, a guided horse back ride with readings from Leopold and nature walks with readings from Leopold.

Call the park to reserve your spot for the backpack trip, canoe outing or the guided horse back ride. Please register in advance for all activities.

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (520) 287-2791.

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Nov. 13 - 15 Cave Creek Mountain Bike Festival - McDowell Mountain Park

The Town of Cave Creek is engaged in a momumental effort to preserve pristine Sonoran Desert lands north of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Go out November 13, 14 and 15, 2009 for a weekend of fun, discovery, athletic endeavor, good food and good company.
Rather than a single bicycle ride, the organizers envisioned a weekend-long festival celebrating the active lifestyle opportunities which exist in the the surrounding Tonto National Forest, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and Cave Creek Regional Park. With the addition of the 4,000 acres being purchased by the Town, Cave Creek will encompass nearly 10,000 acres of land available for outdoor activities - more open space per capita than any other city or town in Arizona.

Nov. 20-22 - 28th Annual Orme Dam Victory Days — Celebrating “The dam that never was”

The 28th Annual Orme Dam Victory Days will celebrate the social and economic gains made by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the 27 years since Interior Secretary James Lee Watt announced the decision to not build Orme Dam. The dam would have destroyed the culture and reservation of Yavapai People and its land. In the early 1970s, Arizona officials and the federal government sought to construct Orme Dam, which would give Phoenix more water but flood two-thirds of the 24,000 acre Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Reservation.

www.ftmcdowell.org/communityevents/ormedam09/ormedamgeneralflyer09.html

First Saturdays - Guided Tours of Fountain Hills Public Art

Every first Saturday of the month through April 3, guided tours will be offered of the nearly 70 pieces of public art in the lovely community of Fountain Hills, Ariz. The tours will feature sculptures located at the Fountain Hills Community Center, along the Avenue of the Fountains, and at Fountain Park. This collection of public art is valued at over $1,000,000 and includes works by internationally renowned artists.
Volunteer docents will lead two tours and provide information about each work of art, the artist, and the inspiration behind the creation. Registration is required for the tours. The cost is $5 for each tour, which will include a souvenir porcelain mug for registrants to take home.

Registration for tours: On-line at http://www.fh.az.gov/recreation, or in person at the Community Center and Town Hall. You may also register on site the day of the art walk if space is available. Please allow approximately 15 minutes prior to the beginning of each art-walk tour for same day on-site registration.

First tour: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. , will visit artwork along the Avenue of the Fountains and in Fountain Park. The tour starts at the Sip and Splash sculpture at Avenue of the Fountains and Verde River Drive in Fountain Hills. (pre-registration required.)

Second tour: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., covers the Sculpture Garden area, plus art in the Fountain Hills Community Center, library, parking lot and near Town Hall. It starts at the Town of Fountain Hills Community Center Entrance at 13001 N. La Montana Drive in Fountain Hills. (pre-registration required.)

Contact Information: Town of Fountain Hills: http://www.fh.az.gov/recreation
Tel: 480-816-5100 Fax: 480-837-3145
Address: 16705 E. Ave. of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 - Map
Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.

Arizona's Christmas Gift to the U.S. Capitol

You are invited to the Cutting Ceremony
of the Capitol Christmas Tree 2009

Saturday, November 7, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
8:30 a.m. musical entertainment begins

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Near Alpine, Arizona

This year, the Capitol Christmas Tree is from Arizona - an 85-foot blue spruce from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The 8-story-tall tree will be cut on Saturday, November 7, 2009. It will then be taken on a meandering through the state for ten days so Arizonans can see it before it starts its journey to Washington, D.C.

THE TREE'S ROUTE THROUGH ARIZONA & THE UNITED STATES

Arizona Tour Route/Stops/Overnights

Saturday, November 7 Tree Cutting Ceremony
Saturday, November 7 Round Valley Send Off Celebration Eagar
Tuesday, November 10 Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, Snowflake, Payson
Wednesday, November 11 Fountain Hills, Prescott Valley, Prescott
Thursday, November 12 Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix
Friday, November 13 Apache Junction, Florence, Oro Valley, Tucson
Saturday, November 14 Tucson, Bisbee, Douglas, Benson
Sunday, November 15 Gila Bend, Yuma
Monday, November 16 Lake Havasu City, Kingman
Tuesday, November 17 Williams, Grand Canyon Park, Flagstaff
Wednesday, November 18 Winslow, Holbrook

Thursday, November 19 Second Mesa, Window Rock Navajo Nation
Friday, November 20 In-State Tour Ends

National Tour Route Stops

Saturday, November 21 Amarillo, TX
Sunday, November 22 Tulsa, OK
Monday, November 23 Branson, MO
Tuesday, November 24 Nashville, TN
Wednesday, November 25 Roanoke, VA
Thursday, November 26 Thanksgiving
Friday, November 27 Chevy Chase, MD
Monday, November 30 Tree Presented to United States Congress

For a map and directions to this event, and information about Arizona’s Gift to the United States Congress, please visit the official website:www.CapitolChristmasTree2009.org

Nov. 27 APS Fantasy of Lights Parade - Tempe, AZ

Tens of thousands of spectators will gather to celebrate the parade which this year features special Grand Marshals Bert & Ernie of public television's Sesame Street fame, who will lead the parade. Santa Claus finishes the parade with his official arrival.

The parade includes floats, balloons, novelty units, marching units, and brightly decorated cars carrying community dignitaries.The parade relies on dozens of community members from across the Valley who traditionally join in the fun, including families, neighborhoods, organizations, companies, service groups, and individuals who want to prepare a festive presentation and appear in the parade. The result is a festive, hometown parade to ring-in the holidays.

The Parade officially steps off on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27th, at 6:30 p.m.

This year's parade begins at 3rd Street, and snakes its way south on Mill Avenue to 7th Street, where it heads west through Centerpoint Plaza, the site of the District's official 50-foot tall holiday tree. Then proceeding north on Maple Street, the parade ends at 5th and Maple.

The parade is open free to the public for viewing on Friday night. Mill Avenue is well known for its tree-lined sidewalks, which take on the enchantment of lighting during the holidays.

The APS Fantasy of Lights Parade is an enterprise of Downtown Tempe Foundation, Inc. APS Fantasy of Lights Opening Night sponsors include APS, the City of Tempe, The Arizona Republic, Earnhardt Ford, KAET 8 - Arizona Public Television, KMLE Country 108, KOOL 94.5, Tempe South Rotary, Centerpoint On Mill, and Kiwanis Club of Tempe.

Nov. 29 - Garrison Keillor Speaks in Mesa

Discussion and Book Signing
Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance
and A Christmas Blizzard

Garrison Keillor is an American treasure. Mixing music, storytelling and humor, Keillor, best known for his weekly radio show A Prairie Home Companion, offers us a lighthearted, but deeply felt, reflection of ourselves. He's written more than 20 books, as well as columns, and with more than 4 million regular listeners, he is credited with single-handedly reviving the virtually lost art of live radio entertainment in America. Keillor will discuss and sign his two latest novels, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance and A Christmas Blizzard.

During the signing portion of the event, enjoy a musical performance by The Close Enough String Band.

Sunday, November 29 at 3p.m. Doors open at 2p.m.

Dobson High School Auditorium
1501 W. Guadalupe Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202

Tickets are only available at Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 S. McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283. Seating is limited, please call 480.730.0205 or stop in.

Tickets are just $5 with the purchase of one copy of either Pilgrims or A Christmas Blizzard. Up to two (2) $5 tickets can be purchased with each book.

Sat., Nov. 7 - A Gathering of Navajo Weavers

More than 60 Navajo weavers are expected to gather to show and sell their textiles on Saturday, November 7 at the Gathering of Weavers: Navajo Weavers Marketplace at the Heard Museum. The event takes place in the enchanting Central Courtyard from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Book signings, a film, lectures and demonstrations are all part of this second annual event.

For many Navajo weavers, weaving is not only a source of livelihood, but a way to participate in traditional Navajo culture and community. Techniques and tools are passed from one generation to the next. Many weavers use wool from their own sheep, shearing, cleaning and spinning it by hand. Using natural wool colors, vegetal dyes or brighter commercial yarns, weavers vary their designs and make each rug a unique creation characterized by both beauty and durability.

Nov. 5 - Southwest Cultures Club

Come for an interesting and educational presentation by Marie Witter. Marie works at the Heard Museum and is an expert on Native American jewelry. She will be sharing her knowledge about jewelry, and the differences between Zuni, Hopi, and Dine' styles of jewelry making. It is certain to be an interesting evening. There is a $3.00 charge for non members. 7:00 p.m. at the Fountain Hills Community Center For more information call Jane at(480)837-3391

Through Nov. 22 - The Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s international award-winning phenomenon directed by Harold Prince has woven its magical spell over standing room audiences in more than 100 cities worldwide. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest running show in Broadway history, now returns to ASU Gammage to take your breath away. It’s a timeless story of seduction and despair and the one show The London Sunday Times called “God’s gift to the musical theatre.”

Bring Your Family to PHANTOM and Save!

Join us for “PHANTOM Family Night” every Wednesday during the run of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Oct. 28-Nov. 22, and save on tickets! Purchase a minimum of four tickets to a Wednesday evening performance and save $10 on each ticket*. Use promotional code PHAMILY to receive your discount.

*Excludes balcony. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with any other offer.

Nov. 14 - Give A Care Monthly Benefit Concert at Modified Arts

Give A Care Monthly benefit concerts at Modified Arts

Opeeo Entertainment presents the next in a series of monthly benefit shows at 6pm on November 14 at Modified Arts (407 E. Roosevelt, Phoenix). This month's Give A Care takes place during the Modifest Music Festival. Proceeds from Give A Care and the three-day Modifest will be donated to the Phoenix Public Library Foundation for the support of music and art programs at Teen Central, the 5,000-square-foot space devoted to kids ages 12-18 at Burton Barr Central Library. Designed for and by teens, Teen Central is a safe, engaging environment where teens can study, learn and socialize.

Bands include What Laura Says, Stellaluna, Farewell Review, Yellow Minute, Matthew Reveles and So & So. Admission gets each lucky audience member a wristband for an entire evening with the best in budding local talent.

Give A Care unites not only a handful of great musicians, but also incorporates neighboring businesses. Lost Leaf, Carly's Bistro, Pasta Bar, and Moira Sushi Bar and other businesses within walking distance will offer discounts to those with Give A Care wristbands on the night of the event to show their support. Give A Care hopes to shape a new realm of possibilities for the Phoenix music scene mainly because a portion of each monthís proceeds will be donated to a different local charity or organization, giving musicians, business owners, and music lovers a chance to "give a care" about their community.

Scottsdale ArtWalk Goes Green

Part celebration, part art exhibit, part music and beer festival, and all environmentally friendly, Green Street Scottsdale is going to be a unique night on the town! It will be held in the downtown Arts District and the adjacent SouthBridge/Waterfront neighborhood on Thurs., Nov. 12 from 7-10pm. The event was conceived in honor of the 2009 Greenbuild International Conference & Expo being held that same week.

Activities in the Arts District will include the Green Street ArtWalk, with artist demonstrations and live music staged throughout the area. The lineup includes Grant Ferguson Fusion, Watershade and many others. There also will be a live jazz concert produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts that will give you a peak at the city's first Latin Jazz Festival debuting Nov. 13-15, 2009.

Exhibits will include the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban preserve in the nation; talks by local architects; and a photo gallery of all LEED-certified projects in the city.

Food and drinks will be flowing all evening with select restaurants offering special promotions to event attendees at SouthBridge and the Scottsdale Waterfront. Plus, taste delicious dishes served up by La Vida Locavore and an organic beer garden from DRAFT Magazine previewing The Big Pour event, which is coming Nov. 13-15 to downtown Scottsdale.