Holiday Archives - Page 3 of 7 - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy

Merry Christmas

December 24, 2009 By Jay Thompson

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas.

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas songs. All quite different, all by very talented musicians. I hope you enjoy them.

Phoenix New Year’s Eve 2009 Festivities: Ringing in 2010!

December 22, 2009 By Jay Thompson

PLEASE NOTE! If you are looking for Phoenix New Year’s Eve events for New Years 2011 / 2012, please click here!

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve 2009? Want to ring in 2010 with a bang (so to speak)? Here’s a list of all sorts of things to do for New Year’s Eve across the Phoenix Valley.

The Epic Parties:

Fiesta Bowl Block Party 2009 / 2010
Dec 31 5:00pm ”“ 12:30am
Tempe Beach Park and Mill Avenue, Downtown Tempe
Tickets: $20 (Look for discounts at Fry’s Food Stores)
This is the big one. Consistently named one of the Top 10 places in the nation to celebrate New Year’s. Multiple stages, multiple activities for all ages. 150,000+ are expected. Avoid the traffic, take the Light Rail ”“ it will run until 2:00am.

New Year’s Eve Phantastic Masquerade Ball
W Scottsdale ”“ 7277 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$150 per couple, significantly more if you want to stay the night at the W.
Two hour hosted cocktail reception, live entertainment, Champagne toast and a “signature WOW moment at midnight”.

Atrium Party at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Hyatt Regency Hotel. 122 North 2nd Street, Phoenix
Dec 31, 8:30pm – 1:30am
$89 in advance per person, $99 at the door per person
Four complimentary drink tickets, champagne toast at midnight, light hors d’oeuvres, party favors and balloon drop. Entertainment by The Groove Merchants. Overnight packages available. Party is 21+ only.

Westgate Rocks New Year’s Eve Party
Westgate City Center, Glendale
Dec 31. 7pm – 2am
$10 in advance, $20 at the door, $30 package includes a ticket to the Coyotes game.
Featuring Rock Lobster & Metalhead. 21+ only. You can even crash the wedding that’s being held for the couple that met at last year’s bash.
Family-friendly events at Westgate’s Fountain Park start at 6 p.m. and include live music, games, arts and crafts, and more.

Rawhide’s New Year’s Eve Bash 2009 / 2010
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Dec 31. 9pm – 1am
Adults $40. Kids $20 (12 & under)
Ring in the New Year Western Style at Rawhide’s Steakhouse. Enjoy a delicious buffet menu, live music, dancing, party favors and a sparkling beverage to toast the New Year.
Enjoy the fireworks display at midnight to ring in the New Year!

Kazimierz Motown New Year’s Eve 2009
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
7137 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale
9:30pm – 12:30am
Reserved seating includes Antipasto platter, half bottle(s) of bubbly, outrageous live entertainment, Champagne toast at midnight, hats & noisemakers. Featuring Dennis Rowland & the Jazz Experience with Tommy Holloway & the Blackberries. Table for 2: $110; table for 4: $200; sofa seating $300-$750. Without reserved seating $20 per guest, includes entertainment and midnight toast.

Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party
Craftsman Court, Downtown Scottsdale
Live music, access to Acme Bar & Grill, Dos Gringos and Upper Deck. Fireworks. VIP ticket opportunities. 21+ only.

Family Oriented Fun

Noon Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo 2009 / 2010
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix
9am – noon
TONS & TONS of snow including a separate snow area for toddlers. Music, games and prizes with Radio Disney. Snowball target areas. Fun and interactive snow activities. Special cider toast at noon for the kids.

Farrelli’s Cinema Supper Club
14202 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
Movies on New Year’s Eve with the last showing at around 9:45. Movie tickets are $8.50 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Guests can order from the full service menu and bar. Also available, the Farrelli’s New Year’s Eve Special Package includes a movie ticket; salad selection; any entrÃ©e; dessert; soda, coffee, lemonade or iced tea; one glass of Champagne for $35 per person.

Charity Events

New Year’s Eve Rock & Roll Charity Bash
Venue of Scottsdale
Dec 31. Doors open at 7:30pm
$25 and up.
Blue Culture Rock presents the party benefiting the Luekemia Foundation of Arizona with E Bomb, The Tommy Gibbons Project, The Beatnik Bombers and The Unity Band. All ages.

Concerts

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix
Show at 9pm
$40 and up per ticket.

New Years with Louis CK
Tempe Improv, Tempe
7pm
$60 per ticket includes a Champagne toast, balloon drop, countdown to midnight, party favors.

Phoenix Symphony New Year’s Eve Concert
Symphony Hall, Phoenix
7 p.m.
Tickets: $26 and up.
Musical favorites. Sing Auld Lang Syne. Your ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne.

EastonAshe New Year’s Bash
Carefree Resort and Villas
Doors at 8pm show at 10pm
$50
Performance by EastonAshe, a midnight countdown, champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors. Room and dining packages available.

Dinner Theatre

National Comedy Theatre’s New Years Eve Comedy Spectacular
National Comedy Theatre, 1111 Longmore Rd., Mesa
Tickets: $49 per person
A special improv comedy performance, followed by a party with the cast of the show and catered buffet. Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, noise makers, balloons. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or by phone.

Dave & Busters Mystery Theatre New Years Eve Bash
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy at Tempe Marketplace
Appetizers, Italian style dinner, dessert, soft drinks/coffee/tea. $15 Power Card for game play, DJ and dancing, show, Champagne toast at midnight. Advance reservations required. $64.24++ per person.

Unclassifiable

Midnight Madness Three-mile Run & Walk
Rose Mofford Sports Complex, Phoenix
9pm registration, all ages.
Entry fee: $20 – $30

And. . .

We’re still in prime resort season. Just about every local resort and casino will be having some sort of New Year’s Eve party / event.

Remember. . .

I have compiled this list from various sources. I can not guarantee it’s accuracy! PLEASE don’t pin all your New Year’s plans on me! CONFIRM EVERYTHING long before you leave home.

And whatever you do, please don’t drink and drive. Call a cab (some offer free rides), take the light rail, use a designated driver. Just don’t drink and drive. Nothing is worth the potential ramifications.

Happy Thanksgiving from Phoenix Real Estate Guy!

November 26, 2009 By Jay Thompson

What are you doing reading a real estate blog on Thanksgiving?

Go watch some football, eat some turkey, loosen those pants, nap and spend time with your family and/or friends. Ponder all you have to be thankful for.

I’m thankful for my family and friends and those that have placed their trust in us to help them buy or sell a home. And you too, oh avid reader. I’d love to be able to thank each and every reader of this blog in person, but that’s not possible. Rest assured, you are greatly appreciated ”“ more than you probably realize.

Photo Credit: Underwood & Underwood (War Dept.) c. 1918. U.S. Public Domain

Veterans Day 2009

November 11, 2009 By Jay Thompson

For my Dad, Chaplain (COL) Jim Thompson, USA, Ret. and all who have ever served.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.
”“ Author unknown

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ”“ JosÃ© Narosky

I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot. ”“ Gary Hart

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. ”“ G.K. Chesterton

America’s veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world. ”“ John Doolittle

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ”“Elmer Davis

Phoenix Fireworks 2009: July 4th Fireworks shows around the Valley ”“Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe and more!

June 27, 2009 By Jay Thompson

IMPORTANT! Click here if you are looking for a more recent list of Phoenix fireworks shows.

4th of July fireworks shows will happen all across the Valley of the Sun. Here is a compilation of July 4th events I could find. Be aware, some Phoenix area cities that had fireworks in the past are not having them this year. Also, some cities are having their fireworks celebrations on July 3, not July 4.

In alphabetical order:

Ahwatukee Fireworks ”“ July 3

Two events, the Ahwatukee Star Spangled Festival & Bicycle Parade and the Red, White and Boom, a Fireworks Celebration.

Where: The Ahwatukee Star Spangled Festival & Bicycle Parade will be held at the Ahwatukee Community Center at 4700 E. Warner Rd. in Phoenix.

The Red, White and Boom, a Fireworks Celebration will be held at Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th Street (just north of Warner Rd).

These two venues are within walking distance of one another.

When: Friday, July 3, 2009. The Ahwatukee Star Spangled Festival & Bicycle Parade is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Red, White and Boom, a Fireworks Celebration starts at 9 p.m., with gates opening at 6.

Cost: Free. There is a charge for rides and activities.

More info on Ahwatukee fireworks: Red, White and Boom. Ahwatukee Star Spangled Festival & Bicycle Parade event.

Anthem Fireworks ”“ July 3

Where: Anthem Community Park ball fields

When: Friday, July 3rd. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.

Cost: Free admission and parking.

More info on Anthem fireworks.

Apache Junction Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Apache Junction High School.

When: Saturday, July 4, 2009. Gates open at 6:00pm. Live bands 7 ”“ 9pm with fireworks afterwards.

Cost: Free admission and parking (parking is limited)

Avondale Fireworks ”“ None scheduled.

Buckeye Fireworks ”“ None Scheduled.

Chandler Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Tumbleweed Park, on the Southwest corner of Germann & McQueen roads.

When: Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 4:00pm. Fireworks at 9:30pm.

Cost: Free admission. Parking $5.

Gilbert Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Mesquite High School located at 500 S. McQueen Road in Gilbert.

When: Saturday, July 4th from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

Cost: Free admission and parking. Fees for rides, amusements and refreshments.

More info on Gilbert fireworks.

Glendale Fireworks ”“ None scheduled.

Goodyear Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way.

When: Saturday, July 4, 2009 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Cost: Free admission and parking. Fees for rides and refreshments.

Litchfield Park Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Old Litchfield Road and Honeysuckle Street.

When: Saturday, July 4, 2009 from 7:00pm ”“ 10:00pm.

Cost: Free admission and parking. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Maricopa Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Pacana Park located on Porter Road, approximately ¼ mile south of Honeycutt Road. About 2.5 miles east of City Hall (located just off of John Wayne Parkway).

When: Saturday, July 4th from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Cost: Free admission and parking. Food and beverages available for purchase.

More info on Maricopa fireworks.

Mesa Fireworks ”“ None Scheduled

Mesa cancels an almost 50 year tradition due to lack of funds.

Peoria Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Peoria Sports Complex, Mariners Practice Field, 16101 N. 83rd Ave.

When: Saturday, July 4, 2009. Gates open at 5:00pm, fireworks at approximately 9:15pm.

Cost: $5 for each person 13 and older. Free parking. Food court available for food, drinks and beer purchase.

Phoenix Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd

When: Saturday, July 4, 2009 from 6:00pm ”“ 10:pm. Fireworks begin approximately 9:20pm.

Cost: Admission is free. Food and beverages are available to purchase.

Scottsdale Fireworks ”“ None Scheduled

Scottsdale’s July 4th Grand Olde Fashioned Picnic is at Scottsdale Stadium on July 4 from 5 ”“ 7pm. No fireworks. Admission and parking are free.

Surprise Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Surprise Recreation Campus located at 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, about two miles west of Grand Avenue between Bell and Greenway roads. (same complex as Surprise Stadium.

When: Saturday, July 4th from 5:30pm to about 8:45pm Gates open at 5 pm.

Cost: Free admission with a canned food donation. Limited to first 10,000 ticketed fans. Parking is free.

Tempe Fireworks ”“ July 4

Where: Tempe Town Lake in downtown Tempe, Arizona.

When: Saturday, July 4th, 2009. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Cost: Children 12 and under are free. Anyone showing a current military ID is free. Tickets at the door are $8, or two for $15 (until sold out). (discounted tickets are available).

More info on Tempe fireworks.

The “CBS 5 Tempe Town Lake Festival Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe” is the big one in the Valley. Last year 50,000+ people attended. Be careful where you park in Tempe, trust me”¦

Sorry, I can not guarantee any of this info is correct. You should consult the links provided for more information. Most have phone numbers you can call to confirm details.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July however you chose to celebrate. And please, do not drink and drive. Call Discount Cab. They will take you home (at standard fare) and give you a free ride back to your car the next day. Believe me, a cab ride is a lot cheaper than a DUI, and way better than killing yourself or someone else.

Photo Credit: A Million to One on Flickr. Under Creative Commons License.