Easter Sunrise Service in Fountain Hills, Arizona: A Community Celebration

Posted on April 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

Interdemoninational Services 6:00 to 7:00 am, Sunday, April 8, 2012 in Fountain Park

Fountain Hills Eastern Sunrise Service: A Community Celebration (Photo Credit, Jerry Miles)

The Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Fountain Park will draw thousands of friendly neighbors in the early hours of what promises to be a beautiful, sunny spring morning.  In this glorious setting, with the fountain providing a majestic backdrop, the Interdemoninational Service is conducted by a wide variety of the community’s religious leaders.  It is the perfect way to lift up and celebrate the renewal of life.

Area residents bring blankets, lawn chairs, mugs of warm coffee and copius amounts of cheerful handshakes and hugs to greet those they might have seen last week or last year.  The service is lively with music, song and a message that reminds all of us of the presciousness of life.

So set the alarm, roust your family and don’t worry about donning the fancy Easter clothes.  Dress warm and be on time–it moves fast and ends promptly–then enjoy the rest of your day in the charming hometown atmosphere that is Fountain Hills!

Later, venture out to the pristine Sonoran Desert at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, for Ranger Amy’s old fashioned, Easter-Sunday Easter Egg Hunt.  The little ones will have a ball at this 10:00 am event, and there are a variety of trails for older ones to take short or long hikes.  Take a picnic brunch, plenty of beverages and enjoy the glorious spring morning!

May the Blessings of Easter Be With You and Your Loved Ones!

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April Hours for Farmers Market & Art on The Avenue

Posted on April 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

New Early Hours – New Location         Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Enjoy Farmer's Market and Art on The Avenue During the Glorious Spring in Fountain Hills, AZ

Enjoy both markets on the East Median of the Avenue of the Fountains during the four Thursdays in April.  This may be the last few weeks for many of your favorite artists and food vendors as many will be moving on to their summer locations.  Great food to take home for easy entertaining or a quick lunch.

Last chance for wild caught salmon, fudge, and many of your favorite winter veggies.  Spruce up your spring wardrobe with wearable art and accessories from your favorite artists, or check out several new clothing and jewelry artists.  Embroidered towels, greeting cards, pet portraits, regional photography, lots of choices for one of a kind hostess gift.

For more details, please click here.

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Fountain Hills Art Events Make for a Fun Week-End

Posted on March 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

Private Art Studio Tours & The Fine Art & Wine Affaire

Teresa-Joy, Daughter of Guitarist Esteban Performs at Fountain Hills This Week-end

Fountain Hills, Arizona, is fast becoming known for it’s over-the-top collection of public art, sophisticated (but friendly!) galleries along it’s Avenue of the Fountains, and as a haven for resident artists within the community who like the variety of view-oriented homes that range from affordable to Oh-My-Gosh Stunning!  It’s an inspiring community for artists–and non-artists–to live in, with a host of community oriented activities that creates a sense of hometown pride and commaraderie.  There are holiday celebrations (Last week, there was a Green Fountain to celebrate St. Patricks Day, with assorted mini celebrations around the town to boost holiday mood);  there are major sporting events for runners, bicyclists, skateboarders, frisbee (disc) throwers, golfers and more.  On Thursdays, thousands come out to enjoy the local Farmer’s Market and Art on the Avenue.  And, of course, there are the signature art festivals that occur three times a year.

This week-end, two such celebrations combine for a double-header of art!

Fountain Hills Artist, Lynn Strolin, Art Tour

Fountain Hills Jewelry Artist Lynn Strolin Opens Her Studio for This Week-end's Artist Tour

Private Artist Studio Tour:  The Fountain Hills Art League’s inaugural Studio Tour on March 24-25.  The tour includes 13 studios, 34 artists and three galleries, and offers an intimate opportunity to experience the inspiration and craft of each of the artists on the tour.

The tour of studios is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, 2012. Visitors can purchase a “passport” for $20 good for both days that describes each artist’s work and includes the studio locations and a map. Passports will be stamped at each studio for a chance to win a $600 collaborative painting and other prizes.

Tickets may be purchased through March 23 at Gridley’s, Kay Kinder’s Fountain Fashions, Sami’s Jewelry, Fountain Hills Artists Gallery, from Art League members, from the artists on the tour, and during Thursday’s Art on the Avenue. Tickets are available at Fountainview Village, 16455 E. Avenue of the Fountains after 10 a.m. on both days of the tour.Advance ticket holders are invited to a reception with the participating artists from 5 to 7 p.m. March 23 at the Fountain Hills Artist Gallery, 16858 E. Avenue of the Fountains.  For details on The Tour, visit fountainhillsartleague.com, or call tour organizer Michelle Williams at 480-837-8920.

The Thunderbird Artist Fine Art & Wine Affaire runs March 23-25 on The Avenue of the Fountains

Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire:  Thunderbird Artists and the Sunset Kiwanis of Fountain Hills have once again partnered to bring you another extraordinary juried fine art event that encompasses quality wines and delightful musical entertainment featuring Teresa Joy, daughter of guitar legend Esteban.Unequaled in its ambiance and the quality of fine art, the 8th Annual Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire is the ideal setting for this world-class gathering of artists. Featured Artists are Husband and wife team, David and Pietra Wall. David and Pietra have developed a unique technique for creating mixed-media sculptures, beginning with leather and incorporating other natural elements such as stone, copper, shells and wood to create earthy contemporary pieces.

This Fine Art & Wine Affaire takes place along The Avenue of the Fountains, and enjoys the closeness of the fountain waterworks while strolling throughout the elegance of outstanding fine art. The area is abounding with shopping and dining choices.  So, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit the surrounding specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and outdoor cafes.

For more information about The Fine Art & Wine Affaire, go to Affaire.  For more information about the community of Fountain Hills, check in with the folks at Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate at 16824 E. Avenue of the Fountains, or check out the company’s website at www.SonoranLifestyle.com.  They can be reached at 480-816-5557.  There is also a Scottsdale and Fountain Hills Relocation Guide, featuring 150 Ways to Enjoy the local surroundings, complete with live links to 150 websites.  go to www.150Ways.com.

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Cactus League Baseball Comes to Arizona’s Valley of the Sun

Posted on March 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

The New Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the newest facility for MLB's Cactus League Spring Training

There is no other experience like Major League Baseball’s Spring Training.  And, there’s no place in the United States where you’ll enjoy it more than in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun.  Here, we are blessed with 15 of MLB’s finest teams—half of all Major League Baseball!–from late February until April 4th in the daily extravaganza known as Cactus League Baseball!  During 2011, there were over 1.5 million fans at 233 games–that’s approximately 6 games played per day at the stunning spring training facilities around the valley.  The days are glorious…warm sunshine on your face, the smell of grass, hot dogs, popcorn and roasted peanuts while you watch the play that is so close you can almost reach out and touch it.

In Fountain Hills, we are especially blessed to be only 15 minutes from the league’s newest facility, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort.  The home of both the Arizona Diamondbacks AND the Colorado Rockies…we are in baseball heaven!  Only a few minutes farther is Scottsdale Stadium in the heart of Old Towne Scottsdale, and home of the San Francisco Giants.

While the Cactus League was officially formed in 1989, the history of baseball and the Valley of the Sun harken back for almost a century here in Arizona – from the sports barnstorming days before statehood to the early beginnings of the Cactus League in 1947.  In fact, Ty Cobb once soothed his old spring training aches and pains at the Buckhorn Baths mineral spas in Mesa. Willie Mays was the first to hit a homer at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. And Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio played one season of spring training baseball together out here. These are just some of the moments that make up the rich history of Cactus League baseball in Arizona.

And those moments continue to this day.   Get your tickets now!  For more information about Cactus League Baseball, go to www.CactusLeague.com

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Fountain Hills Hosts Mountain to Fountain 15 K Race

Posted on March 8, 2012 | Leave a comment

Sponsored by Banditos Running Club and Southwest Spine and Sports

Mountain to Fountain 15k by Banditos Running Club and Southwest Spine and Sports

The  “Mountain to Fountain” race returns to Fountain Hills on March 11, 2012.  Organized by Scottsdale running club , the Banditos, the Southwest Spine and Sports Mountain to Fountain race one of the few 15K (about 9.3 miles) races in the Valley. The run follows a scenic up-and-downhill route that starts near the McDowell Mountain Regional Park’s Pemberton Trailhead and finishes at Fountain Park in downtown Fountain Hills.  Post-race party with live music, beer garden hosted by Four Peaks Brewery and arts and crafts vendor booths is hosted by the Plaza Fountainside merchants at Fountain Park.

The Bandidos are calling it a race “for runners, by runners,” and the course is USA Track and Field certified. John Reich, Bandidos coach and race director, said profits will be given to school track-and-field teams, Valley running groups and competitive distance runners.

The race starts at 8:00 am, with shuttles operating from the parking lots at the Fountain to the starting area in McDowell Mountain Park starting at 6:45 am.  Pre-registration is required; fees vary from $35-$45 per runner; after party is free and open to the public. Prizes will be awarded across a broad range of age groups.

For more information, call 602-743-5614, racedirector@bandidos15k.com, or check out all the details at  bandidos15k.com.

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Art on the Avenue and Farmer’s Market in Fountain Hills: An Arizona Favorite!

Posted on March 7, 2012 | Leave a comment

Fountain Hills Farmer's Market, Held Each Thursday

Each Thursday during the glorious Arizona winters, the community of Fountain Hills is treated to a feast for all the senses.  Here, on Fountain Hills’ famed The Avenue of the Fountains, the plaza leading to the once “World’s Tallest Fountain,” visitors and residents alike get to walk among talented artists presenting everything from charming crafts to impressive works of art, musical selections, potpourri, lotions and more.  A little farther down the Avenue, beyond the beautiful collection of Fountains and in front of the Avenue shops and galleries, a Farmer’s Market provides the best collection of local and regional tastes, treats and produce.  Within a few minutes walk, one can also enjoy the community’s outstanding collection of public art, featuring over 100 works by regionally and nationally renowned artists, one of the finest public collections in the Southwest.

Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate

Fountain Hills, AZ

Fountain Hills, Arizona is a world-class treasure.  Boasting a small village atmosphere with 22,000 residents on the outskirts of Maricopa County, it lies gently on the Eastern slopes of the McDowell Mountains with long-range panoramic views to picturesque and historical mountain ranges with names like Goldfields, Palominos, Superstitions and Mazatzals.  On the western slope of the McDowells is Scottsdale, the Southwests favorite shopping, dining, and entertainment mecca.  In between the two communities, up in those tall peaks, lies the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, part of the largest urban preserve in the United States.  It is the stunning desert scenery and rugged mountain wilderness that sets the tone for a wide range of recreational activities, nature watching, botanical varieties and relaxation that locals and travellers from around the globe appreciate.

Fresh Produce rules the day at Fountain Hills Farmer's Market

Thursday, March 8, 2012:  It’s “Senior’s are Special Day” at the The Fountain Hills Farmer’s Market, with many artists and vendors offering special gifts, promotions and tastes for the more mature visitors.  And, with each market purchase, all visitors can register to win “The Best of the Best” cookbook from Food and Wine magazine.

Each week, the market continues to grow with additions of gourmet vendors from some of the area’s popular markets. One of the most exciting new Chicago-area transplants is “Eat Me! Gourmet Catering”, with a wide variety of gourmet frozen take-home meals and an ever-changing hot sandwich menu.  CK Kitchen, another recent entry, offers healthy wraps and sandwiches featuring grilled chicken, fresh hummus, tabbouli, and fresh pita bread.  Two vendors feature Greek food and take-out.  At one booth, stop and pick up fresh Greek cookies and coffee to enjoy while you stroll.  Many vendors ship and giftwrap, but all are happy to wrap up their specialty in a package suitable for hostess gifts, thank-yous and “just-thinking-of-yous.”

The Art on the Avenue and Farmers Market begins at 10:00 and generally runs all day.  For more information about becoming a participant, contact charaz@cox.net.

For more information  about Fountain Hills, contact Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate, located at 16824 E. Avenue of the Fountains, or visit their website at www.SonoranLifestyle.com.  You can reach them at 480-816-5557.

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Fountain Hills Hosts the Memorial Disc Golf Tournament This Week-end

Posted on March 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

Disc Golfers Show Their Stuff at the Memorial Disc Golf Tournament March 1-4, 2012

March 1, 2012– Memorial Disc Golf Tournament- Fountain Park

You might think there are a bunch of “Frisbee-throwers” in the park this week-end.  But that’s like saying Phil Mickelson is an amateur hacker.  This is THE 2012 Professional Disc Golf Association Memorial Tournament, and the field of 400 professional and amateur participants are serious about their sport.  The 2012 Memorial Championship presented by Discraft kicks off the National Tour and is held every year at the Fountain Hills Disc Course at Fountain Park, which is considered to be one of the best in the country.

Be sure to visit and enjoy the beautiful weather.  Walking traffic through Fountain Park will be allowed, though all visitors are asked to be mindful of golfers. The event will run in conjunction with The Memorial Experience, featuring contests, a vendor showcase and a concert Saturday evening.

Fans of the sport will be able to watch all the drama unfold live from the beautiful Fountain Hills course in Arizona by pointing their browser over to www.DiscGolfPlanet.tv. The broadcast will begin on Thursday and continue Friday and Saturday. Special bonus coverage of The Memorial Championship presented by Discraft will occur on Tuesday, as DiscGolfPlanet.tv will provide a live feed from the Memorial Press Conference in Fountain Hills at 2:15 pm MST.

With a full field of the game’s top players looking to start their year with a big win, the defending champion, Paul McBeth, has his work cut out for him. Nikko Locastro won his third consecutive player of the year award in 2011 and is coming off an impressive win at the Gentlemen’s Club Challenge, where McBeth finished second. Nate Doss is aiming to keep his momentum from his stellar play in the second half of last year where he won the Kansas City Wide Open, the Vibram Open and his third World Championship.  Paige Pierce is the defending champion in the women’s division.

As in previous seasons, this Tenth year for the PDGA National Tour maintains its mission to be the spotlighting of disc golf’s best events on the best courses with the best players. With 2012’s six-event schedule, the PDGA feels that this valuable mission will continue to be fulfilled for disc golf fans, players, and strategic partners.

To check out more about Fountain Hill or to get a copy of the company’s relocation guide go to www.SonoranLifestyle.com .  If you visit, stop by the Avenue of the Fountains office of Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate only a half-block form the Fountain.  Here, you’ll find maps and information about the area and area real estate.  You can reach them at 480-816-5557.

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Posted in Area Events, Golf Courses & Area Resorts, Mountain Trails, Scenery & Life

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Third Annual “Antiques Road Show” Fountain Hills Style

Posted on February 29, 2012 | Leave a comment

Fountain Hills River of Time Museum Hosts "Antique Road Show" on Saturday, March 3

If you’ve ever wondered what your family heirlooms, yard sale treasures, and collectibles are worth, the River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills, AZ has a deal for you!  On Sunday, March 4, 2012, from 10:30 am to 3 pm, expert volunteer appraisers can tell you the approximate quality and value of your treasures. Appraisers will evaluate books, coins, jewelry, cut glass, pre-1900 clocks, guns and WWII memorabilia, native American rugs, baskets, jewelry and more.

This  “Antiques Road Show” style event is free for those who want to watch and listen to the appraisals. If you wish to have items evaluated, the cost is a $10 donation to the Museum for the first 1-2 items, and $5 for each additional item. The evaluations will take place in front of the Museum/Library complex adjacent to the Centennial circle.

As a special bonus, admission to the River of Time Museum is free to the visitors throughout the day, and lunch-time entertainment will be provided by western music stylist Jim Doeden.  Hot dogs and drinks will be available on site. During the event the Museum’s store will be open. Take time to browse high quality hand-crafted Native American Jewelry, plus a great selection of books, original art and photos and items celebrating Arizona and our Centennial. Also featured are many quality keepsake items ideal for your visitors and guests.

The Library/Museum complex is located at 12901 N. La Montana Blvd, Fountain Hills AZ 85268.  For more information on this and other River of time Museum events, check out the Museum’s monthly newsletter .

For information about Fountain Hills–the world-class community with the hometown charm– contact Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate at 480-816-5557 or drop by their office at 16824 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ.  An area Relocation Guide can be found at www.SonoranLifestyle.com

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St. Patricks Activities Planned for Fountain Hills, 2012

Posted on February 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Celebrate the Green Fountain, Art on the Avenue and Farmer’s Market with Sonoran Lifestyle on Saturday, March 17

Fountain Hills, Arizona, Green Fountain, St. Patrick's Day 2012

Fountain Hills Celebrates St. Patricks with a Green Fountain and All Things Irish!

The crew at Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate invites you to join them on the Avenue of the Fountains to start your Saint Patrick’s Day off right!  The Town’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebration kicks off at 10 a.m., and the leprechauns at Sonoran Lifestyle are serving steaming Irish Coffee and a bite of pastry guaranteed to give a glow to the “Wearin o’ the Green.”  The Fountain will magically turn green at noon, with a piper and all things Irish when the faithful gather to experience this amazing site.

In addition to the green beer and corned beef served in the park by the VFW,  Fountain Hills’ successful Art on the Avenue and Farmer’s Market are the latest addition to the St Patrick’s Day celebration.  The weekend version of this popular event will combine both the fine art and food items on the East median of the Avenue of the Fountains.  The market will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the east median of the Avenue of the Fountains, and will provide an opportunity for visitors and residents to get a flavor of the popular Thursday event.

Lucky The Leprechaun at Fountain Hills St. Patricks Day

Food items will include seasonal favorites like Irish Soda Bread, a variety of “green” cut flowers and Festive versions of fudge, cookies, “Green” whoopee pies, scones, biscotti, and other snacks and treats.  Other vendors will offer fresh tamales, salsas, jams, jellies, coffee, Italian sodas and a variety of other market items like pickles, organic honey, and fresh-pressed avocado oil.

In addition to the tasty treats, kids of all ages can enjoy the face-painting booth, while others stroll the Avenue and experience the work of dozens of area artists.  Hand-painted casual wear and one of a kind jewelry is the perfect spruce-up for a spring wardrobe.  Contemporary southwestern-themed items for home and patio  are new additions to the mix of artists on the Avenue.

For inquiries about the Farmers Market and Art on the Avenue, contact  Charaz@cox.net.  For information about Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate and properties in Fountain Hills and the surrounding area, go to www.SonoranLifestyle.com or call them at 480-816-5557.

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Lock and Leave Condominium Convenience in Fountain Hills, Arizona

Posted on January 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

Ridgeview Casitas Condominiums in Fountain Hills Offers the Perfect Solution for Winter Visitors

Fountain_Hills_Condominium, Arizona_Condominium,

Territorial Style Architecture and 2 Car Garage, 3 Blocks from World Famous Fountain

Fountain Hills, Arizona has often been compared to paradise.  Now, you can enjoy Paradise for less than $300,000 with a charming, luxury condominium at Ridgeview Casitas.  This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome offers a 2 car garage and the true essence of the Desert Southwest with a cozy fireplace, high, wood-beamed ceilings and updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances.  There are three beautiful patio and deck spaces that allow you to enjoy Fountain and mountain views both front and back.  Upstairs, a gracious master suite features a tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass enclosure and walk-in closet.  A second, large guest bedroom offers a walk-in closet plus a convenient guest bath.

Luxury_Condominium_Fountain_Hills_Arizona

Southwestern Elegance with High, Wood-Beamed Ceililngs and Cozy Fireplace

The two car garage features upgraded, architectural wood doors and is perfectly convenient for both winter visitors and full time residents.  Ridgeview Casitas is one of the few condominium communities near Fountain Hills’ famed Lakeside Village to offer garages, making it a rare and valuable commodity!

Enjoy the Village Atmosphere of Fountain Hills, Arizona

Beautiful Territorial Style architecture makes Ridgeview Casitas so popular, only 3 blocks from Fountain Hills’ World Famous Fountain and two blocks from Town Center amenities like the Fountain Hills Library, Senior Center, Museum, shopping and dining.  Enjoy world class golf at public golf courses like SunRidge Canyon Golf Course, Eagle Mountain Golf Course or the popular Desert Canyon Golf Course, or private golf at FireRock Country Club.  Only 7 minutes away, play golf or gamble at the Fort McDowell Resort and Casino, where you’ll find one of the country’s favored golf courses, We-Ko-Pa.

Ridgeview Casitas is a small enclave of only 9 townhomes and features a  spacious outdoor pool and spa, framed on one side by a large, natural wash.  The unique, Southwest architecture make Ridgeview Casitas a stand-out in Fountain Hills.  Unit #9 is available with 1467 sq. ft. for only $298,900 through Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate.  Visit their office at 16824 E, Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, or check out the website at www.150ways.com.  Contact listing agent Dori Wittrig, President and Designated Broker, at 602-558-5901for more information.

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