Tag Archives: Cactus League Spring Training

March 2016: Save the Date, Fountain Hills!

Less like a “March” and More like a Waltz…Spring is Spectacular in Fountain Hills.

 

#1 Desert Flowers“Life stands before me like an eternal Spring, with new and brilliant clothes.”  Carl Friedrich Gauss

 

March is magical in Fountain Hills! The desert is blooming, outdoor living is never finer, Festivals abound, everyone is Irish, and world-class Baseball comes to life across the Valley of the Sun.  And this month there are so many great cultural resources…theater, art, music, lifetime learning…are just minutes away with abundant free parking.

Reach out to friends across the Valley and invite them to join the fun.  Don’t want to brag?  You don’t have to.  As highlighted below, the wealth or World Class events in Fountain Hills speaks for itself.

 

March 1-31,2016

tempepanCactus League Baseball provides an “Up close and Personal” Baseball experience in the Valley of the Sun.  Fifteen Major league teams perform their magic, providing the ultimate fan experience for young and old. To borrow a line for the great Baseball movie, “Bull Durham”, “…the Stadiums look like cathedrals…” Fans come from all over the country for to enjoy their favorite National League and American League teams.  Tickets can sell out fast, so go on line for schedules and tickets today!

http://www.azspringtrainingexperience.com

 

March 2, 3, 4, 5, 2016

16th Annual Memorial Disc Championship in Fountain Park

Disc golf playerThe largest event on the West Coast swing of the PDGA National Tour is back and bigger than ever in 2016! The Memorial Championship presented by Discraft is returning to Scottsdale, Mesa and Fountain Hills, Arizona & all are welcome to spectate for free!

March 2,3,4, 2016, Fountain Park

http://www.experiencefountainhills.org/events/events-spring

 

March 2, 2016

Raising a Reader Workshop Series

This engaging series includes 3 workshops spaced one week apart for parents and 8 weeks of award-winning books to read with your child at home.

Participate and learn how to excite your child with books while building a reading routine at home, including insight on how book sharing promotes healthy brain development and effective techniques to foster language and early literacy development. This workshop is for parents and caregivers of children birth to 5 years old, and pre-registration is necessary.

Free childcare is provided; space is limited. For parents and caregivers of 0-5 Year Olds.

Raising a Reader (RAR) is an evidence-based program with a strong pre-literacy history of success. Registered participants in the Raising a Reader Workshop may stop by with their program book bag to exchange 4 program books for the following week.

Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 2016, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (childcare available on site)

Fountain Hills Branch Library, 12901 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, 85268

http://mcldaz.org/custom/branches/fountainhills.aspx

 

March 3, 2016

Farmers Market, Art on the Avenue

farmer's market logoMarket is a showcase for local, organic produce, and premium hand-crafted foods. Look for free-range chickens & eggs, grass-fed beef & lamb, dry-cured bacon, hand-milled flour, milk, honey and plenty of other goodies like sea salts, jams, jellies, relish, mustard, wild-caught salmon, loose leaf teas, bread & baked goods, pastries and much, much more! Join us each week, and you’ll understand why we say, “it’s an experience worth savoring.

East end of the Avenue of the Fountains.  Be sure to drop by Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate and show us your treasures.

 

March 3, 2016

Fountain Hills Activity Center Special Interest Classes

Healthy Mind and Body: Avoiding Falls

Membership in the Senior Activity Center is $20 per year, and provides dozens of opportunities for recreation, exercise, trips, lectures, and health and wellness information.  This is one of many informational classes provided for members and their guests.

11-12 p.m.; Navajo Room, Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

https://apm.activecommunities.com/townfh/Activity_Search/healthy-mind-body-avoiding-falls/1505

 

March 4, 2016

Brain Health—Banner Alzheimer’s Center Presentation

Brain wave PDFLearn how to stay sharp as you gain more wisdom.  The $20.00 annual Membership in Senior Activity Center provides this and many other resources for a healthier life.

9:30-12p.m. Yavapai Room, Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

 

March 5, 2016

E-device Support Seminar

Loading a ton of books on your e-reader is great, but oh my goodness don’t those purchase prices add up?  Not a problem when you use your Maricopa County Library card to access thousands of on-line downloads you can take anywhere via your e-devices.

Learn how to download library items to your e-reader, tablet, smartphone or other E-device. ATTENDEES NEED TO COME PREPARED. Bring your portable device and instructions. Devices should be fully charged. Bring your USB connection cable that came with the device. Bring your library card which has your User ID and supply your password. Devices should be set up with e-mail account access and passwords.

Saturday, March 5, 12:30-2 p.m. Library Conference Room

Fountain Hills Branch Library, 13001 N. La Montana Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 http://mcldaz.org/custom/branches/fountainhills.aspx

 

March 5, 2016

St Patrick’s Front Porch Performance

Trotter's WakeFountain Hills Library’s Free “Front Porch Performance Celebrates St Patrick’s Day a little early with a rollicking performance by “Trotter’s Wake.”  This traditional Irish Pub Band plays a mixture of Irish drinking songs, as Irish and Celtic Ballads, and traditional Irish jigs and reels.

TICKETS ARE FREE, BUT MUST BE PICKED UP AHEAD OF TIME AT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK OF THE LIBRARY.

Saturday, March 5, 2016, 2-3:30 p.m.

Fountain Hills Community Center, 12901 N. La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

http://mcldaz.org/custom/branches/fountainhills.aspx

 

March 6, 2016

In Home Concert Series—Jazz Series

The Jazz Group “Pulse” is composed of four interesting Jazz impresarios Pam Morita-vocals/keyboards/composer, Beth Lawrence-vocals/percussion/composer, Nicole Pesce-keyboards/B-3 Organ/composer, Sheila Earley-drums/vocals/composer.

Positive. Unique. Lyrical. Soulful. Energetic.

2016 sold out, but sign up to be notified for next year’s schedule: http://www.fhcultural-civic.org/#!in-home-

 

March 8, 2016

Fountain Hills Chamber Players favorite

Piano Trios:  Beethoven, Loeffler and Brahms

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 16150 E. El Lago Boulevard, Fountain Hills, AZ, 85268 85268now be booked Performances are at 3:00 p.m.  Music discussion at 2:30p.m.

 

March 6, 2016

Mountain to Fountain 5K and 15K Race

nMountain to FountainWith a strong elite field, the largest prize purse in Arizona, “win your weight in beer” team competition and free kids’ races, the SWSS FIRE Mountain to Fountain 5K/15K has something for everyone!  Various race courses for different age groups; pre-registration required.  Details and registration information at:

http://m2f15k.com/

Pic: “Win Your weight in Beer” winning team from 2015

Sunday, March 6, 2016, 5:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

 

March 9,16, 23, 30, 2016

Make your own Jewelry Class

Learn jewelry-making techniques and begin to make your own one of a kind designs.  4 sessions; $70 covers basic cost, and additional supplies are available if desired.

Class size is limited and registration is required at:  Jewelry Making

6:15-8:15 p.m. Computer Lab, Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85168

 

March 10, 2016

Farmers Market, Art on the Avenue

Irish Soda Bread at the MarketThe Fountain Hills Farmers Market is a showcase for local, organic produce, and premium hand-crafted foods. Join us each week, and you’ll understand why we say, “it’s an experience worth savoring!”

Art on the Avenue features 40+ area artisans with one of a kind wearable art, southwestern-themed gifts.

East end of the Avenue of the Fountains.  Plenty of free parking in lot behind Sonoran Living Real Estate.

 

March 11, 2016

12th Annual Besant Mela Kite Festival

Traditional Pakistani Celebration of Spring comes to Fountain Park

11a.m. – 5 p.m.  Free to public; bring your own kite; Amazing Photo opportunity

Fountain Park, Saguaro and Palisades Blvd

http://events.sulekha.com/kite-flying-festival-basant-mela-2016_event-in_fountain-hills-az_305633

 

March 11, 12, 13, 2016

Fountain Hills Wine and Fine Art Affaire

Stunning outdoor juried Art Show with lots of fine wine tasting booths, world class Art and great food.  All in the shadow of the Fountain on the Avenue of the Fountains.  Sponsored by Sunset Kiwanis and Thunderbird Artists. East end of the Avenue of the Fountains; event is gated.

10-5 p.m. daily $3.00 per person admission

http://www.thunderbirdartists.com/fountain-hills/

 

March 11-27, 2016 

Fountain Hills Community Theater Presents the Musical, “Quilters”

quilters_3-300x168QUILTERS blends a series of interrelated scenes into a rich mosaic which captures the sweep and beauty, the terror and joy, the harsh challenge and abiding rewards of frontier life. Illuminating stories contained in various patches or “blocks” with music, dance and drama, the action depicts the lot of women on the frontier: girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness and death. But, with this, there is also love, warmth, rich and lively humor and the moving spectacle of simple human dignity and steadfastness in the face of adversity. In the end, when the various patches are assembled into one glorious, brilliantly colorful quilt, the effect is both breathtaking and magical—and a theatrical masterstroke which will linger in the mind and memory long after the house lights have dimmed.

11445 N. Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268   Tickets: 480 837-9661 ex #3; http://www.fhtaz.org/

 

March 13, 2016

Pipers on St PatsSt. Pat’s at the Fountain
On Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fountain Park, which boasts the fourth tallest fountain in the nation transforms into the Emerald Isle for Fountain Hills St. Patrick’s Festival. Check out this guide to learn more about the family-friendly celebration of Irish tradition.

http://www.experiencefountainhills.org/events/2016/st-pats-at-the-fountain

→Half-price tickets available on Groupon: https://www.groupon.com/deals/fountain-hills-st-patrick-s-festival

 

March 17, 2016 

On Saint Patrick’s Day, We Paint the Fountain “Green”

Family at Green fountainCome to View the “Green Fountain” in Fountain Park on St Patrick’s Day

This annual celebration is made possible by the sponsorship of local businesses who make it possible to “Paint the Fountain Green.” Great picture opportunity as this is a one of a kind experience.

12-12:30 p.m. Fountain Park, Saguaro Blvd, between El Lago Blvd and Palisades Blvd

 

March 17, 2016 

Sonoran Lifestyle Serving Irish Coffee on St Patrick’s Day

Laessig, Nann, K, P, WittrigCatch a Bit of the Irish —Irish Coffee, that is—with Your friends at Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate.  Drop by for an Irish coffee and some treats on your way to see the Green Fountain, Art on the Avenue and the Farmer’s Market.

10-2p.m. 16824 E. Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

 

March 17, 2016

Farmers Market, Art on the Avenue

Place orders for Holiday “good eats” at the Fountain Hills Farmer’s Market.  Local support keeps the market interesting and viable…and you can grab a bite from one of the great downtown eateries.

Custom made gifts are available from many of the 40+ artists in this walkable/handicapped accessible treasure in the heart of Downtown Fountain Hills

East end of the Avenue of the Fountains; parking both North and South of Market and in lot behind Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate

 

March 19, 2016

Paws in the Park Pet adoption event

rescue dog10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Fountain Park, Saguaro and Palisades Blvd.

 

March 19, 2016

Introduction to Geocaching

Geocaching is a great multi-generational past time that involves science, geography and a bit of luck and intuition.  Class introduces the basics, including equipment, and the fun and skill involved in this world-wide treasure-hunting game.

9-11 a.m. Navajo Room, Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

 

March 19, 2016

Fountain Hills Music Fest

fountain Hills Music FestThe Town of Fountain Hills invites you to join us on Saturday, March 19, 2016 for an evening of music and fun in Fountain Park!

A variety of professional musical acts will perform outdoors, each with its own style and genre. From electrified strings to country flair, this music festival has something for everyone! Bring your blankets, chairs, family and friends, and spend the day finding it all in Fountain Hills. This year’s Music Fest will also feature food truck dining options from Burgers Amore and Emerson Fry Bread. Water and Ice will also be on hand with shaved ice delights.

Saturday, March 19, 2016, 4-8 p.m.

Fountain Park Pavilion, corner of Saguaro Blvd and Palisades

 

March 24, 2016

Farmers Market, Art on the Avenue

Preserves like Grandma used to make, and foodie specialties Granny never dreamed of!  Fountain Hills Farmers Market, and 40+ artists on the Avenue.

11-5 p.m.  East end of the Avenue of the Fountains

 

March 24, 2016

Fountain Hills Artists Gallery Featured Artist Reception

Join us on Thursday, March 24th, 6-8PM, as we bring you our biggest Featured Artist Reception of the season! “SPRING FLING” will feature Dana Wildman (jewelry), Judi Yates (jewelry), Rita Chester (fabric), Jane Nassano (mixed media), Mike Isenberg (digital photo painting), & Arlon Sieve (photography). Plus, enjoy raffled art, new work & special discounts throughout the evening from our six featured artists!!

5:30-8:30 p.m.

16805 N. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

http://fountainhillsartistsgallery.com/

 

March 26, 2016

Eggstravaganza!

EggstravaganzaRated in the top three Easter Egg events in the Valley, the Fountain Hills Eggstravaganza is a delight to behold. Over 15,000 plastic eggs stuffed with goodies for the taking.  Kids must be 7 yrs. and younger, and accompanied by an adult, and bring your own basket.  9-10 a.am, but come early—it will all be over but the crying by 9:07!  The Fountain Hills Fire Department will have trucks on hand for the kids to explore, and Noon Kiwanis will be serving breakfast.  Yummmmm.

Golden Eagle Park, 15900 E. Golden Eagle Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

 

 

March 27, 2016

Easter Sunrise Service
0506 EVENTS, EASTER SUNRISE SERVICEDon’t miss the breath-taking event on Easter Morning.  The annual non-denominational Easter Sunrise Service in Fountain Park.  Bring a chair and a blanket, as it will be a bit nippy.

Fountain Park Performance Pavilion; come early as surprisingly enough, the space will be at a premium.

 

March 31, 2016

 Art on the Avenue and Fountain Hills Farmer’s Market

Take home some real Southwestern Salsa, herbs, rubs, and seasonings, and dress to impress in contemporary Southwestern “Wearable Art—one of a kind clothing and jewelry.

Fountain Hills Farmers Market, and 40+ artists on the Avenue.

11-5 p.m.  East end of the Avenue of the Fountains

 

Take Me Out to The Ball Game!!!

cactus leagueCactus League Baseball is Arizona’s Brand of “March Madness”!

Whether you are a Baseball fan or just out to enjoy a perfect Spring day in Arizona, Cactus League Baseball is not to be missed. Fifteen fabulous teams—stars of both the American and National league—are “selfie” close to their fans all across the Valley of the Sun. The area’s stadiums are built to provide the very “up close and personal” fan experience…and all are handicapped accessible, with convenient parking and of course, peanuts and crackerjacks! It’s “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” time once again in Arizona.

spring training

One of the truly memorable parts of the Cactus League experience is the interaction with the players. Many are especially patient with kids, including extra time for autographs and chatter before and after practice and the games. But let’s face it, getting an autograph or handshake from the ‘Boys of Summer’ brings out the kid in all of us.

Tickets, especially for large groups, are best purchased from one of the Team’s sites listed below. Batter up!

Cactus League Schedule
Arizona Diamondbacks Salt River Fields Scottsdale Diamondbacks Schedule
Chicago Cubs Sloan Park Mesa Cubs Schedule
Chicago White Sox Camelback Ranch Glendale White Sox Schedule
Cincinnati Reds Goodyear Ballpark Goodyear Reds Schedule
Cleveland Indians Goodyear Ballpark Goodyear Indians Schedule
Colorado Rockies Salt River Fields Scottsdale Rockies Schedule
Kansas City Royals Surprise Stadium Surprise Royals Schedule
Los Angeles Angels Tempe Diablo Stadium Tempe Angels Schedule
Los Angeles Dodgers Camelback Ranch Glendale Dodgers Schedule
Milwaukee Brewers Maryvale Baseball Park Phoenix Brewers Schedule
Oakland A’s Hohokam Stadium Mesa A’s Schedule
San Diego Padres Peoria Sports Complex Peoria Padres Schedule
San Francisco Giants Scottsdale Stadium Scottsdale Giants Schedule
Seattle Mariners Peoria Sports Complex Peoria Mariners Schedule
Texas Rangers Surprise Stadium Surprise Rangers Schedule

 

 

http://www.springtrainingconnection.com/arizona.html

Play Ball!!! Cactus League Spring Training Starts in Arizona

baseball logoThe grass is cut and the lines are marked, it’s time to Play Ball in Arizona!

Cactus League Baseball starts up on Wednesday February 26th in beautiful Arizona. There are 15 teams that make up the Cactus League and they play at 10 different locations around the Valley of the Sun.

The Cactus League brings thousands of baseball fans every year to Arizona and our unique Sonoran Desert weather. Don’t miss your chance to see these great teams up close and personal at one of the intimate locations. These ball parks are fan friendly and due to their smaller scale you are part of the action!

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is one of the newest facility for MLB's Cactus League Spring Training

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is one of the newest facility for MLB’s Cactus League Spring Training

In Fountain Hills, our favorite field is Salt River Fields, located only 20 minutes away at 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.  For information on special events, group packages and more, visit their website at Salt River Fields. 

If you’d like a printed version of the local team schedules, stop by Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate at 16824 E. Avenue of the Fountains in Fountain Hills.  We’re one half block from the World Famous Fountain!


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

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