You can start your Independence Day at the:

• Freedom Parade to be held July 4th at 8:30 a.m. at Mescal Park, located 11015 N 68th St.  Decorate yourself, your bike, your wagon, your dog, or just come watch the fun.

Then, spend some time at the pool or someplace cool, like the movies – the weather forecast shows a high of 112.

Next, you can head to the:

• Grand Ol’ Fashioned Picnic will be held at the Scottsdale Stadium, located at 7408 E. Osborn Road.  5-7:30 pm.  Scottsdale Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this FREE fun family celebration. “Music, pie eating contests, old fashioned family games…. Hot dogs provided, or bring your own meat or veggies to grill…… grills provided.”  In contacting the city yesterday, I was told that while there are no fireworks at the stadium (too close to the local hospital), they will be handing out maps to area fireworks displays. 

What I did discover was that you can watch a local fireworks show at the:

• Scottsdale Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch – 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
  I called and talked to the front desk and they confirmed they will have a fireworks show.  For a front row seat, you will need to be a guest of the hotel or have a reservation at one of their restaurants.  From experience, I know that this show is visible from the surrounding neighborhoods, so parking on one of the side streets in the area is a possibility. 

If you are ready to try something different, here are a few of the other options you have around Phoenix and northern Arizona:

• Jon Griffith has shared about biking from Scottsdale to Tempe Town Lake for the fireworks display. 
• Artur and Joanna have compiled a very extensive list of events around the Phoenix metropolitan area.
• Steve Belt has a list of northern Arizona displays.

And then as a special treat on the long 3-day weekend, the McCormick-Ranch Train Park will have fireworks on Sunday night (July 6th), presumably right after the weekly free concert ends.  This week’s band is CC Rider Express, a retro 80′s band.

Have a great 4th – we’re having chicken and ribs, how about you?

For some reason, this whole concept brings a smile to my face.  I’m meeting with a client Saturday afternoon, who just might be up for this event, once we’ve finished hunting for her new home.  Could be a lot of fun, with some great photo ops!

Divas and Dogs on 5th Avenue Pet Parade and Fashion Show

Saturday, April 5 – 1:30 -5 p.m.

Divas and dogs will take to streets on 5th Ave. and Craftsman Court in downtown Scottsdale, in a two-hour parade. Onlookers can enjoy the festivities while shopping during a 5th Ave. sidewalk sale. The parade is followed by a fashion show, where professional models sport fashions, such as matching pajamas with their pooches and other accessories. Enjoy pet trick competitions, live music and prizes.

• Best Pet Trick Contest, 1:30-2:30 p.m., at Kiva Center on Craftsman Ct.
• Owner/Dog Parade, 2:30-4:30 p.m., at 5th Ave. and Craftsman Ct.
• 2008 Classy Jazzy’s Fashion Show, 4 p.m., 7111 E. 5th Ave.

Pre-register for the parade by visiting Classy Jazzy at 7111 E. 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 or calling (480) 970-1894 or (480) 584-8756 for more information.

PARADA DEL SOL PARADE CELEBRATES THE WEST FEB. 23

The 55th annual Parada del Sol Parade takes place Feb. 23 along Scottsdale Road between Oak Street and Indian School Road.

This “world’s largest horsedrawn parade,” starts at 10 a.m. and features floats, horses, bands and tons of cowboy fun! More fun follows the parade in Old Town Scottsdale with the Trails End Celebration – dancing, entertainment and kids’ activities.

Remember, Scottsdale Road, from Camelback to McDowell roads, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more Parada Parade and Rodeo details call the Jaycees at (480) 990-3179.

Please note — a viewing area in front of 3001 N. Scottsdale Road (Plaza 777) will be sectioned off for people using wheelchairs or scooters and with mobility disabilities needing a seat for the length of the parade. For more information on the parade viewing area for people with disabilities, contact Deni at (480) 312-4433 or dlabrecque@scottsdaleaz.gov

Source: City of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Jaycee’s