4th of July in the valley of the Sun, Arizona

Thanks to my awesome coupon instructor who put together this list of events  happening throught Arizona for this 4th of July holiday weekend.

Fourth of July events 2010

After last-minute donations, Ahwatukee's July 3 fireworks show is a go.

Plus, there's Tempe Town Lake's Fourth of July Festival, Fabulous Phoenix Fourth held in the heart of the city, Rawhides's Star Spangled Shoot Out, Schnepf Farms' celebration, and much more.

Anthem: Anthem Independence Day Celebration: 6 p.m. July 3. The Anthem Independence Day Celebration event is held on the ballparks of the Anthem Community Park. The celebration kicks off with the singing of the National Anthem and is followed by additional live entertainment including a DJ and the band Persephone. A Color Guard presentation and an F-16 flyover rounds out the rest of the patriotic events. The event also includes temporary patriotic tattoos, bounce houses and food, beverages and souvenir booths. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 3500 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. Free. 623-879-3000.

Apache Junction: Fourth of July Celebration: 6 p.m. July 4. The Apache Junction Fourth of July Celebration features kids activities, game booths and bicycle-, wagon- and tricycle-decorating contests. Free watermelon slices are available until 6 p.m. Live musical entertainment is offered from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring Jann and the Moondoggs. The night concludes with a fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood, Apache Junction. Free. 480-982-1110. www.ajcity.net.

Awatukee: After last-minute donations, Ahwatukee's July 3 fireworks show is a go. Contact Chamber of Commerce for details. Also, Red, White and Boom: 9 p.m. July 3. The Red, White and Boom event features a fireworks display. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The Ahwatukee Country Club offers dinner inside and refreshments and grilling outside. Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St., Phoenix. Free. 480-893-9772.


Carefree: Carefree Fireworks Extravaganza: 4 p.m. July 2. The Carefree Fireworks Extravaganza features a cowboy-style barbecue cookout and beverages available for purchase. Attendees can also browse through the Market Place Shops in the Mesquite Room or listen to live music and dance in the Opera House. A fireworks display begins at dusk. Carefree Resort and Villas, 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree. $5 per vehicle. 480-488-5300. www.carefree-resort.com.

Cave Creek: Fireworks Extravaganza: 6 p.m. July 3. Cave Creek Families enjoy a Fourth of July celebration with a barbecue, live music, kid-friendly activities and a fireworks display. Enjoy face painting, drink specials and performances from country/pop band, Young Country as well as local rock band, EastonAshe. The evening concludes with a colorful explosion of fireworks. Reservations required. Harold's Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Free. 480-488-1906. www.haroldscorral.com. Also, Cave Creek Fireworks: 8:45 p.m. July 4. The Cave Creek Fireworks event at the Silver Spur Saloon features a dunk tank and music from the country band, Tumbling Dice. The fireworks display begins at 8:45 p.m. Silver Spur Saloon, 6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Free. 480-488-3317. www.silverspursaloon.com.


Chandler: Fourth of July Celebration: Chandler 11 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. The celebration includes barbecue dishes and drink specials plus a bounce house just for kids. Then take a free trolley ride to Tumbleweed Park for the festive fireworks show. Red, White & Brew, 4850 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler. Menu prices vary. 480-305-6993. www.rwbaz.com/. 7UP Fireworks Spectacular: Chandler Tumbleweed Park 4 p.m. July 4. The 7UP Fireworks Spectacular features a free kids carnival, a bike parade, food and beverage vendors, plus a 35-foot water slide, rock-climbing wall and dunk tank. The Arizona Veteran Rodders Club displays more than 100 classic cars. The Cactus Bike Push, Pull, Peddle Bike Parade is held at 6 p.m. and features decorated bikes. The participant with the best decorated bike wins a Harro children's bike. Live music is played by Plastic Gladys at 6:30 p.m. and Panhead Ronnie at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler. $5 per vehicle. www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=162.

Gilbert: Old Fashioned Fourth of July – Gilbert Posted - Monday, June 07, 2010 Gilbert's Old Fashioned 4th of July
When: Sunday, July 4th 6p.m.
Where: Big League Dreams, 4536 East Elliot Road More info TBA
Fourth of July Special: Gilbert Polar Ice 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4. Celebrate Fourth of July without breaking the bank. The first 100 skaters receive admission for $4. Admission does not include skate rental. All ages welcome. Polar Ice Gilbert, 2305 E. Knox Road, Gilbert. $8; $4 if one of first 100 skaters; $3.25 skate rental. 480-503-7080. www.polaricegilbert.com.

Goodyear: Goodyear's Star Spangled Fourth: 6-10 p.m. July 4. Goodyear's Star Spangled Fourth features balloon twisters, airbrush tattoos, food and beverage vendors, a "Cool Zone," with beer and margaritas and an F-16 flyover. Rides and bouncers are available for $5 for five rides or $10 for unlimited ride wristbands. Live music is provided by Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns and Capt'n Henry and the Rum Runners. The APS Fireworks Spectacular begins at 9:35 p.m. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Free admission and parking. 623-882-3120. www.goodyearaz.gov/ballpark.

Litchfield Park: "Community Spirit, National Pride": Litchfield Park 7-10 p.m. July 4. The "Community Spirit, National Pride" Fourth of July event features a DJ with music, a salute to America with an F16 flyover from Luke Air Force Base, food and beverages for sale plus glow-in-the-dark necklaces. The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Chairs and blankets are allowed but alcohol and glass containers are not permitted. Litchfield Park, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Free. 623-935-5033. www.litchfield-park.org. Splash Bash: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4. The Splash Bash 4th of July celebration at Litchfield Park Recreation Center Swimming Pool features diving for coins, relay races, biggest splash contest, greased watermelon chase and a watermelon seed-spitting contest. A snack bar sells hot dogs, sodas and Hawaiian shaved ice. Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. $2. 623-935-9040. www.litchfield-park.org/. Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebration: Litchfield Park 4 p.m. July 4. The Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebration includes a free Great American Picnic from 4-9 p.m. and features activities like hayrides, folk guitar music, history tours of the Old West, children's arts and craft activities, fireside s'mores, storytelling and a live DJ spinning American classics. The event also features a display of the latest military vehicles and equipment from the 944 Reserve Wing stationed at Luke Air Force Base plus an F-16 flyover. A barbecue is available from 5-9 p.m. at $15 for adults and $9 for children 10 and under. The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Free. 623-935-3811. www.wigwamresort.com.

Peoria: Fourth of July All-American Festival: Peoria 5-10 p.m. July 4. Sure the fireworks are great, but check out what else is happening at this event. Attractions include food, entertainment and water zones, live music, an F-16 fly-over and plenty of vendors. Gates open at 5 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and grab your spot on the lawn early. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. $5 for 13 and older; free parking. 623-773-7110. www.peoriaaz.gov/specialevents.

Phoenix: Fabulous Phoenix Fourth: 6-8 p.m. July 4. The Fabulous Phoenix Fourth features local entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. including a giant misting area, inflatable rides, a kid's world stage, a classic car exhibit and a fireworks display plus plenty of food and beverage vendors. The Phoenix Fire Department is on-site to cool people down in the water spray zone. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. 602-262-6412. http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/parks.html#S.

Fiesta of Independence: Phoenix 10 a.m. July 4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and South Mountain Community College welcome more than 200 Valley residents as new U.S. citizens at the annual Fourth of July naturalization ceremony. Held in the gym. South Mountain Community College, 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix. Free. 949-360-3000. www.southmountaincc.edu. Light Up the Sky: 7-9 p.m. July 3. The Light Up the Sky event held at Maryvale Baseball Park features games and contests, food, beverages and information booths. The night concludes with a grand fireworks display. Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix. Free admission. 602-262-6575. phoenix.gov/SPORTS/complexs.html.

Queen Creek: Fourth of July Celebration: 5 p.m. July 4. The Fourth of July Celebration at Schnepf Farms features arts and crafts, children's booths, a rock-climbing wall and inflatables. Ride wristbands are $10. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek, an organization that raises money for local children's charities. Schnepf Farms, 24810 Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $10 per carload. 480-987-3100. www.schnepffarms.com.

Rawhide: A Star Spangled Shoot Out: 5:30 p.m. July 4. A Star Spangled Shoot Out at Rawhide features a night of celebration including live music, face painting, a "best dressed" cowboy and cowgirl costume contest, action packed performances by Rawhide's own Rough Riders, seasonal food items at the Steakhouse and Saloon and an aerial fireworks finale. Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. $10 per person for ages 5 and up. Parking is Free. 480-502-5600. www.rawhide.com.

Scottsdale: Scottsdale Fourth of July Parade: 7:30 a.m. July 4. Scottsdale's Fourth of July Parade includes decorated bikes, roller blades, skateboards, horses and dogs all making a processional through Mescal Park to celebrate Independence Day. The event also features a bubblegum-blowing contest and water balloon toss for prizes. A drop site is available for packages for troops. Mescal Park, 11015 N. 68th St., Scottsdale. Free. 480-312-2771. www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Parks/neighborhood/mescal.asp.

Red, White and Beautiful: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. July 2. Scottsdale's hot spot offers an East Coast-style Fourth of July party inspired by the Hamptons. Don an all-white outfit and celebrate America with a DJ, a champagne campaign and a bikini fashion display. Party the night away with Independence Day favors and signature cocktails. Stone Rose Lounge, Fairmont Scottsdale 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. Free admission; $10 champagne campaign. 480-585-4848. www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.

Surprise: Fourth of July Celebration: Surprise 5-8:30 p.m. July 4. The Fourth of July Celebration features a Rookie League baseball game where the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago Cubs. Kids can have fun in the Kid Zone for $2 that includes giant slides, obstacle courses, face painters and balloon twisters. Food and beverages are also available for purchase at concession stands. The evening concludes with a 20-minute fireworks show set to patriotic music. Space is limited. Surprise Recreation Campus, 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. Free with canned food donation. 623-266-4500. www.surpriseaz.com.

Tempe: Fourth of July Festival: 4-11 p.m. July 4. Tempe Town Lake's annual Fourth of July Festival features a Fantastic Family Fest with a free inflatable village for all ages plus a variety of rides and rock climbing walls. The event also includes kid's entertainment, face painters, relay races and live entertainment from the bands Telescope, Lil Debbie and Blue Plate Special, the Joey Arroyo Band and Calumet. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and last an hour. Attendees can bring one gallon of sealed water per person, blankets, portable chairs, personal cameras and umbrellas up to 48 inches. Pets are not permitted. Military admitted free with ID. Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. $15 for two at gate; $8 for individual at gate; $6 in advance; free for children 12 and under. 480-350-8625. www.tempe4th.com.

Interfaith Celebration of Prayer: Tempe 7-9 p.m. July 4. Celebrate our nation, its citizens and the world with chanting, music, movement and prayer through the Dances of Universal Peace. Learn sacred mantras, phrases and traditions step-by-step. The attire is casual and comfortable. Refreshments are served and art is displayed following the dance. Space is also provided to view a nearby fireworks display. Shrine of Holy Wisdom, 4625 S. Ash Ave., Suite J-19, Tempe. $10 suggested love donation. 480-219-9633. www.tinyurl.com/qyyu2w.

Tolleson: Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration: Tolleson 5-10 p.m. July 4. Commemorate American independence with free water slides and a fireworks spectacular. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and sit on the grass for the Luke Air Force Base F-16 flyover or get a bite to eat from the many food vendors, including free watermelon. Fireworks start at dark, and free parking and shuttle service are available from the Star Nursery and Tolleson City Hall. Tolleson Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson. Free. 623-936-2705. tollesonaz.org.

Tubac: Old Fashioned Fourth of July: 10 a.m. July 4. Tubac's Old Fashioned Fourth of July features free games for kids from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Games include cake-walks, water balloon toss, hula hoops, face painting and crafts. Hot dogs and watermelon are provided free for children. Evening events begin at 4 p.m. at the Tubac Golf Resort and feature food vendors, face painting and a DJ. The fireworks display begins at 8:45 p.m. Blankets and chairs are permitted but coolers are not permitted. Donations are requested and benefit the Amado Food Bank. VIP packages are available for $35 for adults and $15 for kids and include a Ranch style barbecue plus special parking and seating for fireworks. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, 1 Burrel St., Tubac. $7 per vehicle. 520-398-3545. www.tubacaz.com.

Wickenburg: Fireworks and Family Fun: 7-9:30 p.m. July 3. Wickenburg's annual Fireworks and Family Fun event features games, races, vendor and club booths and a fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted. Coolers and alcohol are not permitted. Sunset Park, Highway 60 West and Sunset Park Road, Wickenburg. Free. 800-942-5242. www.outwickenburgway.com.

OUT OF TOWN JULY 4 EVENTS

Celebrating Americanism: Globe 9 a.m. July 4. The Celebrating Americanism event kicks off with a patriotic parade at 9 a.m. and includes demonstrations from local police, fire and K-9 units, an American flag motorcade, bagpipe music, patriotic speeches, local dance performances and barbecue food. Free swimming is available at the Miami Hostetler Pool. A fireworks display closes the night. Downtown Globe, Broad Street, Globe. Free. 928-425-4495.


Prescott Frontier Days World's Oldest Rodeo: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, June 29 through July 5. Prescott explodes with old western hospitality and charm during Frontier Days week. Enjoy "Everybody's Hometown," telling Prescott's rich history and cowboy culture. Rodeo festivities include eight thrilling rodeo performances, Arizona's largest rodeo parade, a kiddie parade, an arts and crafts show, rodeo and street dances and a Fourth of July celebration. Two rodeo showings will be held both Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 828 Rodeo Drive, Prescott. $12-$22; prices vary depending on seat level. 866-407-6336. www.worldsoldestrodeo.com.

Independence Day Celebration: 5 p.m. July 4. Celebrate the Fourth of July in the cool air of Lyman Lake State Park. The Independence Day Celebration features rubber duck races and fireworks booming against canyon walls around Lyman Lake. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Duck race proceeds go to local charities. Make the most of the trip and camp at one of the 61 sites available and equipped with shade ramadas, picnic tables and grills. Camping fees are extra. Lyman Lake State Park, 11 miles south of St. Johns on U.S. 191, St. Johns. $5 per vehicle. 928-337-4441. www.azparks.gov/Parks/parkhtml/lyman.html.

Fourth of July Celebration: 8 a.m. July 4. Go back in time and head down route 66 to the Fourth of July Celebration at the historic Seligman sundries. Salute America's birthday with complimentary coffee, guest speakers and a flag raising, then hit some of the oldest antique and sundries shops where vintage memorabilia adorns the walls and aisles. Historic Seligman Sundries, 22405 Historic Route 66, Seligman. Free. 928-853-0051. www.route66patriot.com.

Aloha~ Makalani ~LIfe is Good~