Places Archives - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy

July 4th Fireworks in Phoenix. The 2011 Edition.

June 27, 2011 By Jay Thompson

IMPORTANT!! If you are looking for Phoenix July 4 fireworks shows for Independence Day 2012, click here.

It’s that time again! Independence Day is a week away, and all across the Phoenix area, fireworks displays will be lighting up the night.

I’ve attempted to collect information of Fourth of July fireworks shows in Phoenix and the surrounding area all into one place. I may have missed something (please let me know!), and it is important to double-check with the appropriate venue as to exact times, places and costs. Check the dates carefully! As with last year, due to the 4th of July being near a weekend, some municipalities and venues are having their fireworks shows on the 2nd or 3rd. It would kind of suck to show up on July fourth, only to find you missed the show by a day or two!

Enjoy the fireworks shows, drive safely, and be sure to hydrate — it’s going to be wicked hot”¦

Phoenix and Tempe Fireworks ”“ The BIG Shows

Fabulous Phoenix Fourth 2011
Where: Steele Indian School Park ”“ 300 E. Indian School Rd.
When: July 4, 2011 from 6pm ”“ 10pm
Admission: Free
Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth

Tempe Town Lake Festival
Where: Tempe Town Lake in downtown Tempe, Arizona
When: July 4, 2011. Gates open at 4:00pm
Admission: 12 and under are free. Military with ID are free. Advance tickets sold at Fry’s stores for $6. $8 at gate (two for $15) until sold out.
Tempe 4th of July Festival

Both of these events are very accessible via Light Rail and gather huge crowds. Trust me, rail it. Details on the fabulous RailLife Blog.

East Valley Fireworks

Ahwatukee ”“ Red, White and Boom Community Fireworks Celebration
Where: Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th Street
When: July 3, 2011. Gates open at 6:00pm.
Admission: Free

Apache Junction ”“ 4th of July Hometown Fireworks Celebration
Where: Apache Junction HS Football Stadium, 2525 S. Ironwood Dr.
When: July 4, 2011. Opens at 6:00pm
Admission: Free

Chandler ”“ Chandler’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Where: Tumbleweed Park, on the Southwest corner of Germann & McQueen roads
When: July 4, 2011. 4:00pm ”“ 10:30pm.
Admission: Free. Parking $5

Chandler ”“ A Star Spangled Shoot Out at Rawhide
Where: Rawhide. 5700 W. Tham Yog North Loop Road
When: July 4, 2011. 5:00pm ”“ 11:00pm
Admission: $10. 5 and under free.

Gilbert ”“ Gilbert’s Fire in the Sky
Where: Central Christian Church (with two alternate viewing locations, see website link above)
When: July 4, gates open at 6:00pm
Admission: Non-perishable food item donations.

Mesa ”“ Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Where: Downtown Mesa
When: July 2, 2011. 6:00pm ”“ 10:00pm (events are also the evening of July 1, but I don’t *think* there are fireworks that night)
Admission: Free

Scottsdale ”“ W Scottsdale Celebrates
Where: 7277 East Camelback Road
When: July 4, 2011. 8:00pm ”“ 2:00am
Admission: Unknown”¦ tickets not on sale yet that I could find. Try calling the hotel at 480-970-2100

Scottsdale ”“ Salt River Fields Independence Day Music Festival
Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
When: July 3, 2011. Gates open at 5:00pm
Admission: Tickets start at $18.50

Queen Creek ”“ Queen Creek’s 4th of July Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration
Where: Schnepf Farms, 22601 E. Cloud Rd
When: July 4, 2011. 5:00pm ”“ 10:00pm.
Admission: $10 per carload

West Valley Fireworks

Avondale ”“ no event scheduled.

Buckeye ”“ Buckeye’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Where: Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road
When: July 4, 2011. Gates open at 6pm.
Admission: Free

Glendale ”“ no event scheduled.

Goodyear ”“ Goodyear’s Star Spangled Fourth
Where: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way
When: July 4, 2011 Gates open at 6:00pm
Admission: Free

Peoria ”“ Lake Pleasant Celebration & Fireworks
Where: Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant. 8708 W. Harbor Blvd.
When: July 3, 2011 5:00pm ”“ 10:00pm
Admission: Free. Parking $10.

Peoria ”“ All American Festival
Where: Peoria Sports Complex, Mariners Practice Field and Peoria Stadium
When: July 4, 2011. 5:00pm ”“ 10:00pm
Admission: $5 for 13 and up. 12 and under free.

Surprise ”“ Surprise’s Annual July 4th Celebration
Where: Surprise Recreation Campus at 15850 N. Bullard Avenue
When: July 4, 2011. 4:30pm ”“ 8:30pm
Admission: Free with donation of canned food item. First 10,000 ticketed fans only.

Other Locations In and Near Phoenix

Anthem ”“ Anthem Independence Day Celebration
Where: Anthem Community Park Ball Fields
When: July 2, 2011. 6:00pm ”“ 10:00pm.
Admission: Free

Casa Grande ”“ Casa Grande 4th of July Family Fun Day
Where: Paul Mason Sportsplex, 2525 N Rodeo Rd.
When: July 4, 2011. 7:30pm
Admission: Free

Cave Creek ”“ Cave Creek’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
Where: Harold’s Corral, 6895 East Cave Creek Road
When: July 3, 2011. 5:00pm ”“ 11:30pm
Admission: Free. Reservations required.

Litchfield Park ”“ Freedom Festival, Great American Picnic and Fireworks Spectacular
Where: Wigwam Resort
When: July 3, 2011. 6:00pm ”“ 10:00pm
Admission: $15 for adults. $7 ages 5 ”“12. Five and under free. Stay packages available.

Maricopa ”“ Great American Barbecue
Where: Pacana Park. On Porter Road, approximately ¼ mile south of Honeycutt Road
When: July 4, 2011. 6:00pm ”“ 10:00pm
Admission: Free

Maryvale ”“ Light Up the Sky in Maryvale
Where: Maryvale Baseball park
When: July 1, 2011. 6:30pm ”“ 9:30pm
Admission: Free
For more information call the City of Phoenix at 602 262-6575

Phoenix Zoo ”“ 4th of Zoo-ly Celebration at the Phoenix Zoo
Where: The Phoenix Zoo
When: July 4, 2011. Starts at 7:00pm
Admission: $40 for 13 and up. $35 ages 3 ”“ 12. Two and under free.

Wickenburg ”“ Wickenburg Fireworks & Family Fun Celebration
Where: Sunset Park on West Wickenburg Way
When: July 3, 2011. 7:00pm ”“ 9:00pm
Admission: Free
For more information call the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce at 928-684-5479

Whew. Compiling this list is a pain in the ass. Hopefully you’ve found what you are looking for. I’m sure I missed some events. Again, please confirm details with the specific event. Three years ago some really pissed off lady called and said I’d wrecked her kids Fourth of July due to “bad information” on my site. I don’t throw the fireworks shows folks. Things change, typos are made, such is life. Confirm before you commit. Do it for the children.

Have fun, be safe, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S of A!!

Photo Credit: Michael | Ruiz on Flickr. CC Licensed.

Liberty Market: Burger Daze. Different day, different burger

August 2, 2010 By Jay Thompson

Liberty-Market-Interior Liberty Market in Gilbert, one of my favorite places to eat, drink coffee and hang out is at it again.

During the month of August, Liberty Market is doing “Burger Daze” ”“ serving up a different burger every day.

And if you’ve ever eaten ”“ anything ”“ at Liberty Market, then you know you are going to be in for a tasty delight. If you have not been, get there post haste. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

You can see a list of August’s daily burgers at mouthxsoutwest.

Wowsa. Reading that list has me salivating stronger than Old Yeller.

Delectable eats include, a wasabi burger, sloppy joe burger, ahi tuna burger and a Thai burger — and 27 others. All unique.

Any one of these is sure to be a culinary delight. If you eat 10 different burgers, you get a $25 gift card. Do the full Daze — eat all thirty-onederful flavors — and get a $100 gift card. Just keep your receipts! Either of those gift cards would make an excellent gift for your favorite real estate blogger.

Trust me, you want to experience a Liberty Market burger. Looked what you missed today”¦

Liberty’s Market Guacamole Bacon Cheeseburger. Are you freaking kidding me?

I suspect I’ll be there on a regular basis. After all, I live a lot closer to Liberty Market than Evo, who is whining about protesting the event.

Liberty Market (@LibertyMarket)
230 N. Gilbert Rd. (at Page St. between Guadalupe and Elliot)

Monday – Saturday 7:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday 7:00am – 8:00pm

(PS: their breakfast kicks ass too)

Photo Credits:
Liberty Market Interior — on Flickr by yours truly (@PhxREguy).
That insane burger ”“ Photographer extraordinaire Jamie Mulhern (@maventheavenger)

Gilbert ranked 36th best place to live by Money Magazine

July 19, 2010 By Jay Thompson

Sunny little Gilbert, AZ ”“ our humble abode ”“ has been ranked by Money Magazine as the 36th best place to live in the U.S.

Using some undisclosed formula that appears to take into consideration factors like housing, income, crime, growth, schools and “quality of life”, Gilbert returns to the Top 100 list after missing the cut in 2009 and being ranked #28 in 2008.

I wish I knew exactly how they chose to rank the cities, but it appears to be a bigger secret than the formula for Coca-Cola or the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices. The number 1 ranked city, Eden Prairie, MN, has an average January low temperature of 3.7 degrees. Yikes! Best place to live? Then again, our average July high temp is 105.1 ”“ equally oppressive in the opposite direction.

Scottsdale, at number 71 was the only other Arizona community to make the list.

No Arizona city was listed in 2009.

In 2008, four Arizona municipalities were ranked: Gilbert (28), Chandler (30), Scottsdale (47) and Peoria (55). (AZCentral)

Curious to see if your town made the list? Here is the full list.

Want to know more about Gilbert? You can try our woefully lacking in content new site at City Guide Gilbert, search here on Phoenix Real Estate Guy for articles on Gilbert or just come on over!

Here’s a slide show of a few pictures I’ve taken in downtown Gilbert…

Las Sendas: The Streets of Phoenix. New Episode!

July 10, 2010 By Jay Thompson

Las Sendas in northeast Mesa, Arizona is a large master planned community offering a variety of home styles. Prices range from $220K up to $4 million – and everything in between.

A beautiful Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course is the centerpiece of the community, and many homes offer fabulous mountain and city views. Easy access to Loop 202 provides a great location and swift transport to other parts of the Phoenix metro area.

If you’re looking for a great community with loads of amenities, check out the real estate in Las Sendas.

If you’d like to search for Las Sendas homes for sale feel free to contact us any time.

Here is a sample of some of the current homes for sale in Las Sendas:

We're currently updating the market search capabilities of our website. We appreciate your patience during this transition!

Phoenix Fireworks 2010 ”“ July 4th Firework Shows in the Phoenix Area

June 26, 2010 By Jay Thompson

IMPORTANT!! Here’s more information about this years Phoenix July 4th fireworks shows.

Looking for places to watch Fourth of July fireworks in Phoenix and the surrounding area? Here’s a list compiled from numerous sources.

Of note, please CHECK with the venue you are considering. I take no responsibility for errors, canceled shows, etc. Links to additional information are provided where possible. Even those events with free admission usually have concessions and activities that will cost money. Rules vary on what may (and may not) be brought into a venue. Also, pay attention the date! Many areas are having their fireworks displays on July 3rd”

Enjoy your July 4th Independence Day fireworks!

Ahwatukee Fireworks:
Red, White and Bloom
Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th Street, just north of Warner Road.
Saturday, July 3, 2010. Gates open at 6:00pm, fireworks around 9:00. Free admission.

Anthem Fireworks:
Anthem Independence Day Celebration
Held at the Anthem Community Park ball fields.
Saturday, July 3, 2010. Opens at 6:00pm, fireworks around 9:30. Free admission.

Apache Junction Fireworks:
4th of July Event
Apache Junction High School
Sunday, July 4th starting at 7:00 PM. Free admission.

Avondale Fireworks: No event scheduled in 2010.

Buckeye Fireworks:
Buckeye’s 4th of July Celebration
Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road
Saturday, July 3rd, 2010. Gates open at 6:00pm. Free admission.

Casa Grande Fireworks:
Casa Grande 4th of July Family Fun Day
Island Family Aquatics Park and the Ed Hooper Rodeo Park/Paul Mason Sportsplex, 2525 N Rodeo Rd.
Sunday, July 4, 2010. Events begin at 10:00am. Fireworks around 9:00pm. Free admission.

Cave Creek Fireworks:
Cave Creek’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Harold’s Corral, 6895 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
Saturday, July 3, 2010. BBQ starts at 5:00pm. Fireworks at dusk. Free Admission.
For more information call the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce at 480-488-3381

Also there is reportedly a second Cave Creek celebration on July 4: Cave Creek’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Silver Spur Saloon (good luck navigating this incredibly annoying web site.)

Chandler Fireworks:
Chandler’s 4th of July 7-UP Fireworks Spectacular
Tumbleweed Park, on the Southwest corner of Germann & McQueen roads.
Sunday, July 4, 2010. Opens at 4:00pm, Fireworks at 9:00pm. Free admission, parking $5.

A Star Spangled Shoot Out at Rawhide
Rawhide – 5700 W. Tham Yog North Loop Road, Chandler AZ 85226.
Sunday, July 4, 2010. 5:30pm ”“ 11:00pm. Admission $10/person. 5 and under free.

Gilbert Fireworks:
Gilbert’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Fireworks at the Ballpark
Big League Dreams, 4536 East Elliot Road
Sunday, July 4, 2010. Doors open at 6:00pm. Fireworks after dark. Free admission, parking $5 – $10.

Glendale Fireworks:
Wet-n-Wild Independence Day Weekend Fireworks and BBQ
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, Arizona 85310
July 3rd and 4th, 2010. Prices vary.

Goodyear Fireworks:
Goodyear’s Star Spangled Fourth
Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way.
Sunday, July 4, 2010 Gates open at 6 pm. Free admission.

Litchfield Park Fireworks:
Independence Day “BBQ & Fantastic Fireworks Display”
Wigwam Golf Course Driving Range. 300 E Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Saturday, July 3, 2010. 5:00pm ”“ 10:00pm. Free admission. BBQ extra.

Maricopa Fireworks:
Great American Barbecue
Pacana Park located on Porter Road, approximately ¼ mile south of Honeycutt Road.
Sunday, July 4, 2010. 6:00pm ”“ 9:00pm. Free admission.
(Note ”“ the town of Maricopa is changing their website on July 1. The link above may, or may not work).

Maryvale Fireworks:
Light Up the Sky
Maryvale Baseball Park. 3600 N. 51st Ave
Friday, July 2, 2010. Free admission. Call 602-262-6275 for info.

Mesa Fireworks:
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Downtown Mesa – The following streets will be closed for the event: Main Street, from Morris just west of Robson to Centennial just east of Center Street Center, Macdonald, and Robson 1st Street to 1st Avenue.
Saturday, July 3, 2010. 6:00pm ”“ 10:00pm. Free admission.

Peoria Fireworks:
4th of July All American Festival
Peoria Sports Complex, Mariners Practice Field and peoria Stadium, 16101 N. 83rd Ave
Sunday, July 4, 2010 from 5pm to 10pm. Admission $5 for 13 and older. 12 and under free.

Phoenix Fireworks:
Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix (3rd Street and Indian School Road).
Sunday, July 4th from 6 pm ”“ 10pm. Free admission.

Fourth of Zoo-ly BBQ
Phoenix Zoo – 455 North Galvin Parkway. Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Sunday, July 4th from 6 pm ”“ 10pm. Adults $40. Children (3-12) $35. Children under 2 are free.

Arizona Diamondbacks All-American Weekend.
Diamondbacks vs. Dogers. Friday July 2, 3, and 4. Prices and events vary.

Queen Creek:
Queen Creek’s 4th of July Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration
Schnepf Farms, 22601 E. Cloud Rd., Queen Creek.
Sunday July 4, 2010 from 5pm to 10pm. Admission $10/car load.

Scottsdale Fireworks:
Fort McDowell Casino Free Concert & Celebration
10424 N Fort McDowell Rd. Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
Saturday, July 3, 2010. Doors open at 4:00. Show starts at 7:00. Fireworks after show. Free admission.

Surprise Fireworks:
Surprise’s Annual July 4th Celebration
Surprise Recreation Campus located at 15850 N. Bullard Avenue
Sunday, July 4, 2010 from 4:30pm to about 8:30pm. Free admission with donation of canned food item.

Tempe Fireworks:
Tempe Town Lake 4th of July Festival Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe
Tempe Town Lake in downtown Tempe, Arizona
Sunday, July 4, 2010. Gates open at 4pm. Admission $5 with advance tickets, $8 at gate. Children under 12 are free. Those with with current military ID get in free. $1 off with donation of canned food item.

July 4th Celebration at Tempe Center for the Arts
Sunday, July 4, 2010. 6:00pm- 10:00pm. Admission $60/person, $100/couple. Must RSVP by June 29.

Wickenburg Fireworks:
Wickenburg Fireworks & Family Fun Celebration
Sunset Park on West Wickenburg Way.
Saturday, July 3rd, 7:00pm. Free admission.
Additional Information: Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce — 928-684-5479

Firework shows outside of the Phoenix metro area:
Prescott Fireworks: July 4, Mountain Valley Park.
Payson Fireworks: July 4.
Firecracker Express: Verde Canyon Railroad – Clarkdale, AZ.
Flagstaff Fireworks: Fireworks display canceled due to fire concerns. Still lots of other July 4th festivities being held.
Tucson Fireworks: Anyone have a good list they can share?

However your choose to celebrate it, please have a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend! REMEMBER ”“ don’t drink and drive. If either the Tempe Town Lake Festival or the Phoenix Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth events are in your plan, consider taking the Metro Light Rail. Details on riding the the light rail to these and other events is here.

If you know of a fireworks show that isn’t listed, please leave a comment and I’ll add it to the list!