With summer fast approaching, the city of Scottsdale is encouraging Valley residents to “Re-Discover Downtown Scottsdale.”
In the past five years downtown Scottsdale has experienced a cumulative private investment of $1.9 billion, and $66 million in public investment.
The new face of Scottsdale’s downtown is in part due to the more than 60 private investment projects and 14 public projects that include refinements to the canal banks to include pedestrian paths, shade trees, fountains, and access to outdoor patios, café’s and restaurants.
In May, Scottsdale’s downtown is host to a wide variety of family oriented events.
Valley residents are encouraged to re-discover this bustling area through a unique series of events and activities from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 throughout downtown Scottsdale.
The Going Downtown event kicks off with an invitation to hop onboard the “Trolley Theater” to view a progressive three-act play about Scottsdale’s early days.
During the day, attendees can jump on and off the Trolley Theater to see the free, three-act play.
Performers from the Arizona Women’s Theatre Company will dress in historic garb to bring to life Una Mason’s play, Trolley Theater: Early Scottsdale. In 15-minute performances (taking place each hour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.), a three-act play unfolds at three sites throughout Downtown Scottsdale.
Act One is at Main St. Plaza
(Main St. and Goldwater Blvd.); Act Two
is at Kiva Center
(Corner of Craftsman Ct. and Fifth Ave.); and Act Three is at Civic Center Plaza (Brown St. and Main St.)
The Trolley Theater is free. People can park around the Main St. Plaza to see Act One, and then catch the trolley to the next site.
More fun
At sunset, the Valley-wide search for the best karaoke singer ends during the Downtown Idol competition.
Downtown Idol
Conducting a Valley-wide search for its best karaoke singer, Phoenix-area nightclubs organized competitions for their city’s best karaoke singer through April.
Now, singers will perform on May 10 to compete for the Downtown Idol title.
Similar to American Idol’s set up, a local celebrity panel will whittle down the 10 contestants to the final three, who will perform an encore song.
The audience votes for their favorite of the three finalists.
Top three contestants will win cash prizes and gift certificates. Attendees can enjoy wine and raffled prizes. A percentage of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hope Center, a recreation facility for underprivileged youth being built in Phoenix. The event is at Main St. Plaza at Main Street and Goldwater Boulevard.
People can buy tickets at downtown Scottsdale businesses and host clubs throughout the Valley or at the event.
The general admission ticket price is $20, which includes entertainment, two drink coupons and one raffle ticket.
For more information on Scottsdale’s Downtown, including maps, trolley routes, and a directory of businesses, visit: http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/
Wearing pink OK at Hardt Memorial Rodeo
The 2008 Gary Hardt Memorial Spring Rodeo is May 15-17 at the Payson Event Center.
This event is coordinated by the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee, led by Bill Armstrong.
The Women’s Cactus Series Barrel Racing is Thursday, May 15. The events for the PRCA Rodeo start at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Friday night is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” to support the Breast Cancer Association.
Cowboys wearing pink will have $3 donated by the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee. Patrons wearing pink will have $1 donated.
“Last year we donated about $7,000,” Armstrong said.
Admission is free with a canned food for the Payson Food Bank.
A parade down Main Street starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17.
Tickets for the rodeo are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors.
Children 8 to 12 are $8 and Children 7 and under are free.
Mutton Busting is at the Chapman Auto Center for 50 lbs and under.
Entry fee is $10.
Riders wear crash helmets like the professional bull riders and receive a buckle and bandana for participating.
The winner receives a gift certificate for Justin boots.
A variety of vendors have food, drinks and souvenirs for this event.
Treat mom to lunch with Esteban
Celebrate Mother’s Day on May 11 at the Desert Botanical Garden for the Mother’s Day Concert and Lunch with Estéban.
For the sixth year, Desert Botanical Garden presents two Mother’s Day concerts featuring guitarist Estéban.
Performing in concert more than 300 days a year, Estéban is a passionate guitarist who moves his audience in both his live performances and his recordings.
Estéban carries the coveted personal endorsement of the great Andres Segovia of Spain, an honor of few.
He has made national appearances on Entertainment Tonight and PBS, and has successfully toured the world with his band and as a solo-virtuoso guitarist.
Desert Botanical Garden’s first show is at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., doors open at 10 a.m.
The second show is at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., doors open at 3 p.m.
Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events provides lunch for an additional cost.
The catered lunch includes Southwestern chicken salad, shrimp and orzo pasta, and watermelon and chevre cheese salad for entrées.
Lemon bars, raspberry bars, everything bars and brownies satisfy any sweet tooth.
Beverages include Prickly Pear iced tea, chilled water and lemonade.
A cash bar is also available.
Tickets are $45 for the concert only and $65 for the concert and the catered lunch.
Tickets are limited.
For tickets call (480) 481-8188 or visit the admission’s box office 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
For more information about this event visit www.dbg.org or call (480) 941-1225, Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.
Rubber duckies help raise money for non-profits
The Arizona Lucky Ducky Derby is invading the waters of downtown Scottsdale May 17.
Up to 40,000 rubber ducks are expected to splash down in the SRP Canal Scottsdale Waterfront Canal in beautiful downtown Scottsdale.
The SRP canal is a unique setting surrounded by new business, development including up-scale restaurants and retail centers, yet it is nestled in the heart of old town charm where 5th Ave merchants have been long standing for many years.
The event will benefit local Valley non-profit organizations through the adoption of ducks via Quack Packs.
Sponsored by the Valley Kiwanis, the Arizona Lucky Ducky Derby raises funds for non-profit organizations through sunglass wearing rubber duck adoptions.
Winning ducks will win great prizes for their adoptive parents.
This fund raiser originated in Phoenix in 1988. The event is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SRP canal between Camelback Road and Goldwater Blvd.
For more information visit www.duckrace.com/arizona
Enjoy day of aviation at Payson Aero Day
Honor the military on Armed Forces Day and enjoy a day of aviation at the Payson Aero Fair from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 17.
The Payson Pilots Association is serving pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee for only $7 starting at 7:30 a.m.
Breakfast is free for any active military personnel in uniform.
This year’s theme is Honoring Our Military.
Scenic aircraft rides are provided by the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Aircraft rides are $25 for single-engine and $30 for multi-engine.
Learn about planes from the pilots and view their various aircrafts displayed at the airport.
Vintage and classic cars are also displayed.
A variety of craft vendors, community clubs and local organizations are participating in this event.
Music is provided all day by Fred the DJ.
Admission is free.
This is a family-fun event.
Visit www.paysonairport.com for more information.