July Heralds the Return of the Monsoon —
Life-giving Rain Clouds Thunder Over the Mountains in Spectacular Array
Monsoon Storm watching is almost addictive in the Sonoran Desert Summer. The clouds gather every afternoon…sometimes a welcome veil of misty sun-cover, but most often pile upon pile of towering clouds climb up and over the mountains, bringing the hope of life-giving rain to the welcoming desert.
As the air cools the rain-scented air, we gather on our patios to wonder at the breathtaking color and form playing out across the gathering dusk. And if we’re lucky, the lightning and thunder will produce much-needed rain. At times like these, we can’t help thinking, “If you’re lucky enough to live in Fountain Hills, you’re lucky enough!”
Your friends at Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate invite you to check in to our Blog each month for information on many interesting activities going on in and around the Fountain Hills area.
Please Note: Many activities change between the time our information is gathered and the actual events. Please consult the websites or better yet, call to confirm information about any events listed below.
July 1-10, 2016
Lend Me a Tenor
The Fountain Hills Theater excels at the Musical Farce, and Lend me a Tenor is a grand addition to their catalogue of entertaining hits. Merelli is about to revive Pagliacci for the ten-year anniversary of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. When Tito becomes unexpectedly incapacitated, a suitable replacement must be found. Max, the Opera Director’s sheepish assistant, is charged with the daunting task of finding a suitable replacement. Who is cavalier enough to replace him?
Tickets are available on-line or by calling the Theater, 480-837-9661 ext. # 3
Fountain Hills Community Theater, 11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://www.fhtaz.org/
July 1-31, 2016
Friday Fitness Hike, McDowell Mountain Preserve
Friday Fitness Hikes at McDowell Mountain Park are a favorite of experienced hikers. Each hike leaves from a different trail area, so consult the Park’s event calendar for details.
This hike distance will be between 8-12 miles, and starts OUTSIDE OF THE PARK at the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, off of 128th Street in Scottsdale (off of Dynamite). This is a difficult hike that involves a good amount of elevation and loose rocks. A hiking pole is recommended for this hike that starts in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Please call the Park if you need directions to the Trailhead. Hike will be led by Kevin B. Bring plenty of water, and snacks and make sure to have comfortable shoes & clothing.
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Phone: (480) 471-0173
McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr. MMRP, AZ 85268
http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/mcdowell-mountain-regional-park/
July 4, 2016
The Fabulous 2016 “Fourth at the Fountain” in Fabulous Fountain Hills
Everyone’s invited to join in a Town-wide celebration of Independence Day, The Fourth at the Fountain. Admission and all games and entertainment is free! The sight of the amazing fireworks reflected in Town Lake is unforgettable.
Bring a blanket or chairs, a picnic, and plan to join friends and neighbors for a fun-filled celebration at Fountain Park. Food vendors will be on hand with Italian Ice, Frozen Lemonade, and other goodies to help you beat the heat. Please note the following considerations:
No glass containers
No alcoholic beverages
No personal fireworks or sparklers
Pets should be left at home for their safety and the safety of others.
Picnic and family activities start at 6:00 p.m., including bounce houses and slides and DJ on the stage playing a wide range of music. The amazing fireworks over Town Lake starts at 9:00 p.m.
Details of the evening’s festivities can be found at:
http://www.experiencefountainhills.org/events/2016/fourth-at-the-fountain
https://www.facebook.com/fourthatthefountain/
Park Address: 12925 N Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
July 4, 2016
John Michael Montgomery Headlines “4th! at the Fort”
Country legend, John Michael Montgomery headlines the 4th of July celebration at Fort McDowell Casino. He has had more than thirty singles on the Billboard country charts, of which seven have reached number 1: “I Love the Way You Love Me”, “I Swear”, “Be My Baby Tonight”, “If You’ve Got Love”, “I Can Love You Like That”, “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)”, and “The Little Girl”.
Thirteen more have reached the top 10. “I Swear” and “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” were named by Billboard as the top country songs of 1994 and 1995, respectively. Several of Montgomery’s singles crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, his highest peak there having been achieved by “Letters from Home” in 2004.
The doors open for this outdoor concert at 6:00; the show starts at 8:00, with fireworks following the music and dancing in the isles. Tickets start at $15.00 and can be purchased at the Casino or at http://www.ticketmaster.com.
Fort McDowell Casino, 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
(800) THE.FORT
https://www.fortmcdowellcasino.com/index.php/promotions/john-michael-montgomery
July 8, 2016
The theme of this year’s Adult Summer Reading Program is “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” Get motivated by watching these inspirational sports films! A look at the early years of boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and his brother who helped train him before going pro in the mid-1980s. Funded by the Fountain Hills Friends of the Library. Note: Due to film licensing rules, the title of the film cannot be published, but if you Google “Irish” Mickey Ward, you’ll find it easily on line.
1:30-3:30 p.m. Fountain Hills Library Conference Room
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 9, 2016
One of a Kind Adventure: Summer Night Ride at McDowell Mtn Park
Get out and enjoy the cool desert nights! These rides provide a great way to get together with your fellow mountain bikers during the long, hot summer. Riders must have a helmet, and a light system designed for mountain biking with batter power for 3 hours of riding. It is highly recommended that you ride this trail during the day before coming out for a night ride. Fountain Hills Bikes ( http://www.fountainhillsbikes.com/) supports these rides and the local biking community by providing an after-ride snack, and often a movie. Meet at the Competitive Track in McDowell Mountain Park.
7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. Phone: (480) 471-0173
McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr. MMRP, AZ 85268
http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/mcdowell-mountain-regional-park/
July 9, 2016
Free Family Movie at the Library
Join us to watch a movie about baseball and one man’s search for a star pitcher. The film (rated PG) teaches lessons about team work and family. Call 602-652-3000 for the movie’s title. Enjoy free popcorn and juice or water! Bring a blanket and pillow to get comfy on the floor (chairs provided for grown-ups). Adult supervision is required at all times.
10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fountain Hills Library Reading Room, 12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 12, 2016
Children’s Ice Cream Social at the Library
Cool down the summer by making your own ice cream in the Library. Follow a simple recipe using a few basic ingredients and toppings to create a perfect treat. This is a family activity for “Children of All Ages,” but each kidoo needs to bring along an adult.
11:30-12:30 p.m.
Fountain Hills Library Reading Lounge
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 14,2016
Robotics Workshop-Heat Sync Labs
Let’s face it…The Fountain Hills Library is a hive of fabulous hands-on learning opportunities…and Robotics projects are a perennial favorite.
Eric Ose of HeatSync Labs is returning to the Library with a continued robotics program. Using an Arduino based robotics kit, with everything you need to connect the robots to computers and program them to drive around, learn about driving the robots. In 1 hour you will drive the robots in free autonomous mode. In 2 hours you will connect the whiskers and electronic components to use the bump sensing. For Teens 12-17 Years Old.
→Prior On-site Registration required…drop in today as registration closes July 14, 2016 at 1 p.m.
2:00-4:00p.m. Fountain Hills Branch Library, Conference Room
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 16, 2016
Creepy Crawly Critters- Wet n’ Wild Program at McDowell Mountain Park
During the monsoon season, we see some creepy crawly desert dwellers that are active only during summer rains. We will have some of these LIVE creepy crawly critters on hand for you to learn about thanks to staff from Mesa Community College. They will bring out a few native toads, invertebrates and reptiles for you to see up close and personal. Stick around for a short hike after the presentation to look for these nocturnal critters! Meet at the Trailhead Staging Area.
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING NOTE; The County Parks are getting Wet ‘n’ Wild this Summer!” That means program participants will be eligible to win a 4- pack of tickets to Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix! 1. Tickets will be issued one 4-pack per family. 2. Families can only win one 4- pack of Wet ‘n’ Wild tickets for the 2016 season. 3. Visitors must attend the program in full and must be present to win. At the end of the program, a winner will be selected at random. 4. Only one 4-pack will be issued per program.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (480) 471-0173
McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr. MMRP, AZ 85268
http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/mcdowell-mountain-regional-park/
July 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2016
Legos at the Library—A Full Week of Family Fun
Be creative while improving lateral thinking skills during one week a month at Legos in the Library. Kids will think in three dimensions as they problem solve, organize, and create with Legos. Work as a team on our Library Display Project or work individually on our monthly Lego Challenge. For Children 5-11 Years old. Adult supervision required at all times.
2:30-4:00 p.m. Daily, Monday through Friday, daily for one week
Fountain Hills Library, Children’s Areas
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 18, 2016
Town of Fountain Hills Partners to Bring Real Summer Camp to Town!
What summer is complete without a trip to summer camp? The Town of Fountain Hills Community Services Department is partnering with Camp Colley to present an unforgettable summer camp experience for kids ages 8 to 17 years. This three or five-day camp is designed to teach riding skills, horse care, and outdoor recreational skills.
Life skills such as responsibility, empathy, and communication are emphasized in each activity. Campers ride a minimum of two hours per day in a series of riding lessons, games, and trail rides. Camp Colley partners with Hunkapi Horse Programs to provide this unique equine adventure. Campers will have additional activities including, but not limited to, hiking, nature education, mountain biking, archery, and arts and crafts.
Campers depart from Fountain Park (Splash Pad area) at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and return at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday or Friday depending on which camp. A detailed itinerary and required waivers will be made available upon registration.
Space is limited for these Camps; early registration is highly encouraged.
Camp Activities include:
o Archery
o Mountain biking
o Field trips to the local fire tower
o Nature education
o Hiking
o Arts and crafts
o Trail riding
o Evening camp fires
o Canoeing (5-day camp only)
Overnight camp inclusions:
o Transportation to and from camp
o Daily riding
o 1:4 Staff to Camper Ratio
o All meals and snacks
o Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads
July 22, 2016
Keep Cool with Free Adult Movie at Fountain Hills Library
Motivational Sports-themed movies are a continuing part of the Adult summer reading program. Due to film licensing agreements, we can’t publish the name of this movie, but think of the Iowa corn farmer, hearing voices, who then interprets them as a command to build a baseball diamond in his corn fields: “If you build it they will come”.
1:30-3:30 p.m. Library Conference Room
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 25-27, 2016
Ball Handling & Basketball Shootout Camp
If you’re between the ages of 6 and 18, you like basketball, want to learn the game or improve your technique, are willing to work hard, and you want to make friends and have fun in the process, Advantage Basketball Camp (ABC) is for you.
All skill levels are welcome, this camp will be geared toward beginner and intermediate players who want to develop skills, or any basketball players who simply needs to learn the value of self –discipline, practice, and enhanced self-confidence.
Community Services has partnered with Advantage who was named by Sports Illustrated for Kids as one of the top basketball camps in the country. Work with one of the top coaching staffs in the world. Our students will build on their ball-handling and court awareness skills by learning lightning-quick, one-handed moves off the dribble and a whole lot more.
PRIOR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For more detail, including fees and schedules, http://www.fh.az.gov/266/Parks-Recreation
July 28, 2016
Hatha Yoga Class Refreshes and Restores
The Fountain Hills Library is offering an adult hatha yoga class to enhance your self-care. Long time yogi, Melanie Albert offers powerful, positive intentions for your life anchored with the music of her signature Tibetan Singing Bowl, along with Pranayama (yogic breathing), hatha yoga asana practice (poses with steady movement), and restorative Sava Sana with the beauty of the singing bowl.
You will feel energized, refreshed and restored with this class. The class is open to all levels: new to yoga, beginners and experienced. Please bring your own yoga mat or large beach towel for your practice.
3:00-4:30 p.m., Fountain Hills Library, Conference Room
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 29, 2016
“Didgeridoo Down Under” at the Library
Didgeridoo Down Under is a high-energy fusion of Australian music, culture, fitness puppetry, comedy, storytelling and audience participation. But DDU is much more than music. It’s interactive, educational, motivational and super fun for everyone. For Families (All Ages). Young children under 10 yrs. need to bring a pet adult.
10:00-11:00 a.m. in the Reading Lounge
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
July 29, 2016
Library Lockdown: Gaming Overload for Teens (Registration Needed)
Start Time: 6:00 PM- 9:00
Play traditional games gone rogue! Oversized Dominoes, Jenga, and more. Each winner at a game will choose between a given prize or an additional submission to our ultimate Summer Reading Drawing Prize. Registration is required and a signed parent permission slip must be presented before entering the program. For Teens 12-17 years old. Registration at the Library information desk.
6:00-9:00 p.m. Fountain Hills Library
12901 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
The.Sonoran.Life.Style 