1. Arizona has 3,928 mountain peaks and summits—more mountains than any one of the other Mountain States of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming
2. All New England, plus the state of Pennsylvania would fit inside Arizona.
3. Arizona became the 48th state and last of the contiguous states on February 14, 1912.
4. Arizona’s disparate climate can yield both the highest temperature across the nation and the lowest temperature across the nation in the same day.
5. There are more wilderness areas in Arizona than in the entire Midwest. Arizona alone has 90 wilderness areas, while the Midwest has 50.
6. Arizona has 26 peaks that are more than 10,000 feet in elevation.
7. Arizona has the largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pines in the world stretching from near Flagstaff along the Mogollon Rim to the White Mountains region.
8. Yuma, Arizona is the country’s highest producer of winter vegetables, especially lettuce.
9. Arizona is the 6th largest state in the nation, covering 113,909 square miles.
10. Out of all the states in the U.S., Arizona has the largest percentage of its land designated as Indian lands.
11. The “Five C’s” of Arizona’s economy are: Cattle, Copper, Citrus, Cotton, and Climate.
12. More copper is mined in Arizona than all the other states combined, and the Morenci Mine is the largest copper producer in all of North America.
13. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, two of the most prominent movie stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, were married on March 18, 1939, in Kingman, Arizona.
14. Covering 18,608 sq. miles, Coconino County is the second largest county by land area in the 48 contiguous United States.
15. The world’s largest solar telescope is located at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Sells, Arizona.
16. Bisbee, Arizona is known as the Queen of the Copper Mines because during its mining heyday it produced nearly 25 percent of the world’s copper and was the largest city in the Southwest between Saint Louis and San Francisco.
17. Billy the Kid killed his first man, Windy Cahill, in Bonita, Arizona.
18. 18 Arizona grows enough cotton each year to make more than one pair of jeans for every person in the United States.
19. Famous labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez was born in Yuma.
20. In 1912, President William Howard Taft was ready to make Arizona a state on February 12, but it was Lincoln’s birthday. The next day, the 13th, was considered bad luck so they waited until the following day. That’s how Arizona became known as the “Valentine State.”
21. When England’s famous London Bridge was replaced in the 1960s, the original was purchased, dismantled, shipped stone by stone and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where it still stands today.
22. Mount Lemmon, in the Santa Catalina Mountains, is the southernmost ski resort in the United States.
23. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch in Picacho, Arizona is the largest privately-owned ostrich ranch in the world outside South Africa.
24. If you cut down a protected species of cactus in Arizona, you could spend more than a year in prison.
25. The world’s largest to-scale collection of miniature airplane models is housed at the library at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.
26. The only place in the country where mail is delivered by mule is the village of Supai, located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
27. Located on Arizona’s western border, Parker Dam is the deepest dam in the world at 320 feet.
28. South Mountain Park/Preserve in Phoenix is the largest municipal park in the country.
29. Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, located about 55 miles west of Phoenix, generates more electricity than any other U.S. power plant.
30. Oraibi, a Hopi village located in Navajo County, Arizona, dates back to before A.D. 1200 and is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in America.
31. Built by Del Webb in 1960, Sun City, Arizona was the first 55-plus active adult retirement community in the country.
32. Petrified wood is the official state fossil. The Petrified Forest in northeastern Arizona contains America’s largest deposits of petrified wood.
33. Many of the founders of San Francisco in 1776 were Spanish colonists from Tubac, Arizona.
34. Phoenix originated in 1866 as a hay camp to supply military post Camp McDowell.
35. Rainfall averages for Arizona range from less than three inches in the deserts to more than 30 inches per year in the mountains.
36. Rising to a height of 12,643 feet, Mount Humphreys north of Flagstaff is the state’s highest mountain.
37. Roadrunners are not just in cartoons! In Arizona, you’ll see them running up to 17-mph away from their enemies.
38. The Saguaro cactus is the largest cactus found in the U.S. It can grow as high as a five-story building and is native to the Sonoran Desert, which stretches across southern Arizona.
39. Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, grew up on a large family ranch near Duncan, Arizona.
40. The best-preserved meteor crater in the world is located near Winslow, Arizona.
41. The average state elevation is 4,000 feet.
42. The Navajo Nation spans 27,000 square miles across the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, but its capital is seated in Window Rock, Arizona.
43. The amount of copper utilized to make the copper dome atop Arizona’s Capitol building is equivalent to the amount used in 4.8 million pennies.
44. Near Yuma, the Colorado River’s elevation dips to 70 feet above sea level, making it the lowest point in the state.
45. The geographic center of Arizona is 55 miles southeast of Prescott near the community of Mayer.
46. You could pile four 1,300-foot skyscrapers on top of each other and they still would not reach the rim of the Grand Canyon.
47. The hottest temperature recorded in Arizona was 128 degrees at Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994.
48. The coldest temperature recorded in Arizona was 40 degrees below zero at Hawley Lake on January 7, 1971.
49. A saguaro cactus can store up to nine tons of water.
50. The state of Massachusetts could fit inside Maricopa County (9,922 sq miles).
51. The westernmost battle of the Civil War was fought at Picacho Pass on April 15, 1862 near Picacho Peak in Pinal County.
52. There are 11.2 million acres of National Forest in Arizona, and one-fourth of the state forested.
53. Wyatt Earp was neither the town marshal nor the sheriff in Tombstone at the time of the shoot-out at the O.K. Corral. His brother Virgil was the town marshal.
54. On June 6, 1936, the first barrel of tequila produced in the United States rolled off the production line in Nogales, Arizona.
55. The Sonoran Desert is the most biologically diverse desert in North America.
56. Bisbee is the Nation’s southernmost mile-high city.
57. The two largest manmade lakes in the U.S. are Lake Mead and Lake Powell—both located in Arizona.
58. The longest remaining intact section of Route 66 can be found in Arizona and runs from Seligman to Topock, a total of 157 unbroken miles.
59. The 13 stripes on the Arizona flag represent the 13 original colonies of the United States.
60. The negotiations for Geronimo’s final surrender took place in Skeleton Canyon, near present day Douglas, Arizona, in 1886.
61. Prescott, Arizona is home to the world’s oldest rodeo, and Payson, Arizona is home to the world’s oldest continuous rodeo—both of which date back to the 1880s.
62. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, Arizona, is a massive limestone cave with 13,000 feet of passages, two rooms as long as football fields, and one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites: measuring 21 feet 3 inches.

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!

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.

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 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.

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 4^th 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.