Epic Kids, October 2024 by Independent Newsmedia Inc., USA

EPIC KIDS Reporters Program

Introducing the Epic Kids Reporters Program, where aspiring young journalists can write for Epic Kids.

Throughout the school year, Epic Kids Reporters cover issues and topics that ma er most to them and their peers, including breaking news, current events, sports, entertainment, school clubs, and kid pro les. Their stories will appear in both print and digital edi ons of Epic Kids.

The resul ng news clips are invaluable in growing and developing a portfolio of published work that can help students get scholarships and future educa onal opportuni es.

Check out some of the work from our

To be considered for this FREE program, students should be between the ages of 8-14 and have a parent’s approval. Please email hello@epickidsaz.com to get started.

Get In Touch:

2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027

888-313-7916

Submissions and suggestions:

Press Releases:

Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.

Events Calendar:

Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the November issue is November 1.

Advertising:

Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.

Where to Find Us:

Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.

Stay Connected: facebook.com/EpicKidsAZ @epickidsaz

Staff:

Natasha & Brian Beal / Publishers

Sondra Barr / Editor

Shannon Carrillo / Production & Design

Erica Odello / Ad Design

Notes:

Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.

headliners

Making Waves

Meet Josie Dolan, the 13-year-old swimmer chasing her Paralympic dream!

By Naya Seth

Photos courtesy of the Dolan family

Josie Dolan, a 13-year-old swimmer, is striving for greatness! She started swimming when she was just 9 months old and has loved the sport ever since, saying her favorite part about swimming is how freeing the water feels. Dedicating a lot of time to her sport, Josie swims around 15 hours per week, which can sometimes be hard to balance with school and spending time with friends. However, she has managed to find a balance. Her favorite events are all of the 100-meter races and the 200 IM.

Josie has faced challenges throughout her swimming journey. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 9, during the pandemic. Her parents had noticed weakness on the right side of her body and that she struggled to walk, but when they spoke to her pediatrician, they were told she might grow out of it. As her condition worsened, her parents sought further

The U.S. Paralympic Team swimming trails were held at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center on the University of Minnesota campus.

answers, leading to her diagnosis. Returning to school during the pandemic was tough, especially while wearing a leg brace to help stabilize her leg. However, Josie found that most kids her age didn’t notice or mind her leg brace. She’s managed her condition at school by taking extra time to walk to classes or occasionally skipping PE.

Mentally, it can be challenging for Josie, knowing she's on a swim team with kids who don’t have disabilities, sometimes making her feel like she isn’t good enough. But she overcomes these feelings by remembering her accomplishments, such as competing in the Paralympic Trials this past summer.

After her diagnosis, Josie wanted to continue competing but realized there were no other kids with disabilities at her meets. Through research, her family found the Desert Challenge Games, a meet for athletes with disabilities. At the event, she met Ryan, who introduced her to the Paralympics. Inspired, Josie began training harder, improving her times until she qualified for the U.S.

Paralympic Team trials. At the trials, she was intimidated by the older competitors but still competed in all of the 100-meter events and the 200 IM. While she didn’t make it to this year’s Paralympics, Josie set personal bests in every event she swam and is proud of her performance. She now has her sights set on the 2028 Paralympic Games and is focusing on improving her starts, turns, and core strength.

Josie is an eighth grader at Shaw Montessori in Phoenix. Outside of swimming, she enjoys sculpting, 3D printing, and listening to music. She’s also interested in starting an acting career soon. Josie has one younger brother, and two pugs named Noodle and Bean.

Naya Seth, 14 years old, loves to read and write. She is a member of the National Charity League and enjoys participating in various philanthropy activities.

Josie has her sights set on the 2028 Paralympic Games.

Josie with her younger brother

Josie set personal bests at the 2024 Paralympic Team trials.

Local Student Impresses at International Geography Championships Headliners

Photo courtesy of the Bair Family

Bair, a fifth grader from Kiva Elementary School recently represented Arizona on the global stage at the

Miles advanced to the semi-finals in the International Geography Bee World Championships.

Third International Geography Championships in Vienna, Austria. Miles is passionate about geography, and his hard work paid off as he advanced to the semi-finals in the International Geography Bee World Championships and earned a series of impressive placements.

Miles was the only elementary school student from Arizona to compete in the event, which brought together young geography fans from around the world. His journey was filled with remarkable achievements: he placed 16th overall in the Geography Bee World Championships and his team secured fourth place in the International Geography Bowl. But that’s not all—Miles also earned top 10 finishes in several other competitions, including the Visual Geography Bee, Hexathlon, Geographeud, and Geopardy.

Despite the intensity of the competitions, Miles enjoyed the experience, not just because of the challenges but also for the fun outside of the competitions. When asked about his time in Vienna, he says, “Competing was my favorite part, but the pastries in Vienna were a close second!” It’s clear that his love for geography is matched by his enthusiasm for adventure and delicious treats.

Miles has been passionate about geography since he was just 3 years old, and his dedication to learning about the world is impressive. Even while balancing schoolwork, sports, and his social life, he continues to make time to explore geography. His achievement on the international stage illustrates his hard work and love for the subject.

Miles qualified for the international competition through his regional

performance, prior to competing in his second National Geography Bee in Orlando, Florida, earlier this past summer.

Deanne Baldwin, who taught Miles in second and third grade in Kiva’s Comprehensive Gifted Program (CGP), played a pivotal role in his journey by finding the competition and encouraging his participation. “His awesomeness is hard to put into words!” says Deanne. “I am in awe of Miles’s remarkable composure, maturity, and success on the global stage. He exemplifies how hard work and perseverance can transform natural talent into incredible results.”

With such an incredible achievement already under his belt, there's no telling what Miles will accomplish next. Congratulations to this student for making Kiva Elementary and Arizona proud!

Career Day

SHAPING CHANGEMAKERS

Christina Spicer leads with passion at Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine.

Christina Spicer

Profession: Co-CEO, Girl Scouts

Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Age: 41

What do you do for a living?

I am the co-CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC), which serves over 12,000 girls grades kindergarten through 12th in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona with the help of over 6,500 adult volunteers. As leaders of GSACPC, co-CEO Mary Mitchell and I work together to inspire and empower Girl Scouts by providing them with opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and make an impact in their communities and more. What type of training do you need to do your job?

The most essential requirement for a career in the nonprofit industry is

a passion for the mission and the community. In my position, nonprofit experience and education have also played big roles and provided me with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a leader. To serve as co-CEO, I earned a bachelor’s degree in communications at Arizona State University as well as a master's degree in nonprofit management.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is inspiring girls and being able to create magical and meaningful experiences for all our girls. Being a Girl Scout myself, I know the impact that having a strong sense of belonging and community can have on a girl’s life. It is an honor to be in a role that allows me to pay it forward.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be an actress. In high school, I was part of an acting troop that talked about social issues facing teens and it was my first glimpse at how I could use my voice to make change. I started to get more involved in my community which started me down the nonprofit path. It’s amazing how following one passion can help you discover another.

What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?

Get involved! Even at a young age, there are so many organizations, projects, and services that could use your help. Find out how you can become a changemaker in your community.

One fun fact NOT about your job?

I was the first person in my family to go to college and I am huge Sun Devil fan. Go Devils!

Christina with her daughter Emily.

GIVEAWAY

WIN TICKETS TO...

“Charlotte’s

Web” and a Staycation during Christmas at the Princess!

Family Fun at “Charlotte’s Web!”

Want to see the heartwarming tale of friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider? Valley Youth Theatre is bringing “Charlotte’s Web” to life! Watch how Charlotte saves Wilbur with her magical web in this classic story about love and bravery. The show runs through Oct. 27, so don’t miss it! For more information, visit vyt.com

To win a family four-pack of tickets, email hello@ epickidsaz.com with “I WANT TO SEE CHARLOTTE’S WEB” by 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21.

Win a Magical Stay during Christmas at the Princess!

Experience the Southwest’s favorite Christmas event with

a two-night stay, four skate passes, and four Aurora Ice passes! Christmas at the Princess is back for its 15th year with new attractions like a 120-foot ferris wheel and the dazzling Starlights light show, blending lights and festive music. Don’t miss the early bird discounts of 40% off general admission, Santa experiences, and more until Oct. 31. For more information, visit christmasattheprincess. com

To enter, email hello@ epickidsaz.com with “I WANT TO GO TO CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS” by 5 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 31.

Good luck!

Contest Winners

Congratulations to the FoulkWilliams family for winning a family four-pack of tickets to the breathtaking Tianyu Lights Festival.

family.

Foulk-Williams

Cover story

Creative Groove AT NORTH VALLEY ARTS ACADEMIES!

Th e North Valley Arts Academies (NVAA) take center stage as one of PVSchools’ premiere education programs. Housed on three different campuses — Desert Cove Elementary, Shea Middle, and Shadow Mountain High School — this “school within a school” has opportunities for students in grades kindergarten through 12th to fully embrace the creative process and flourish as an artist. Whether it’s dance,

theatre, music technology, or visual arts, students can find the pathway that fits their passion. With so many opportunities and immersive experiences, NVAA aims to provide a creative outlet for all students with a range of skills and abilities.

Dance is En Pointe Students explore their artistic voice through the choreographic process and shine bright on the stage as part of the

NVAA Dance Program. Shadow Mountain junior, Lucie Love Salsbury explains, “When I choreograph dances I can communicate a message through my movements, and not only that but highlight the small beats in a song that would have been overlooked when first listened to. This idea that I could give so much to an audience through some movement changed how I perceived choreography [sic].”

Theatre Provides Community Through Collaborative Creation

Students like Shea Middle School eighth grader Abigail Baumbach love the unique and transformative power of theatre by mastering fundamental performance and storytelling skills.

“Recently, our advanced theatre class toured the elementary schools, I got to know what it felt like performing for different audiences and seeing how that affects the performers, how we can appreciate them; and that inspired me,” she says.

Music Technology Allows you to Create the Music That You Want to Make

Calvin Shiling, a fifth grader from Desert Cove Elementary, spends his days exploring the development and production of sound. While the curriculum is considered rigorous, it’s age appropriate and students learn the basics that will prepare them for their educational journey. Calvin says, “I haven’t had too many challenges yet in NVAA because all of the lessons are really well organized.

I like music tech, [sic] Mr. Ferraro is one of my favorite specials teachers.”

Visual Art: Craft an Exceptional Talent

Lucie Love Salsbury is not only a dancer, but also a visual artist who uses her refined visual arts techniques as a tool to engage her audience. “What I can’t put into words, I can put into shapes on a canvas, and communicate with so many people through my art. I learned that with art, there is no barrier to communication, and being able to see other people’s experiences through their art, and share my own, is a privilege,” she says.

NVAA students are encouraged to be contributors to both the educational and cultural landscape of their communities by learning how to communicate their ideas, collaborate with others, and use their creativity to engage with the world around them.

As NVAA program coordinator and dance teacher Leanne Slater explains, “The program emphasizes creativity,

collaboration, and leadership while preparing students for college and careers in the arts and beyond … students grow artistically while developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.” She goes on to explain, “Through arts literacy, students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of their work, becoming informed and thoughtful creators.”

The comprehensive curriculum and accelerated arts education prepare students for a one-of-a-kind journey during their time in PVSchools. NVAA classes naturally bring students together through collaboration, where they learn to work as a team, share ideas, and create original works. The best part is, NVAA is open to all kindergarten through 12th-grade students throughout the Valley!

If you’re looking for a rigorous and professional arts education, learn more about the North Valley Arts Academies by visiting pvschools.net/nvaa.

Lucie painting.

Abigail Baumbach

Calvin Shiling

Lucie Love Salsbury

Leanne Schmidt Slater

Dancers at North Valley Arts Academies.

Abigail performing.

Brain Play

BOOK CLUB

CHILLING READS FOR THE TWEENS

By Sally of Maricopa County Library District

If your tween horror fan has outgrown R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series but isn’t quite ready for Scott Cawthorn’s popular “Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF)” teen series, try these spooky middle-grade read-alikes!

“KRAZYLAND” BY MAR ROMASCO-MOORE

Keeping with “FNAF’s” arcade backdrop, “Krazyland” tells the story of 12-year-old Nathan after his uncle purchases a local children’s play-place called Krazyland. The perfect spot for birthday parties, field trips, and portals to the nightmare realm, the play place takes on a life of its own, leading the neighborhood kids on a chaotic, tilt-a-whirl adventure beyond the bounds of reality.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: A heady cocktail of mystery, sarcastic humor, and clown-colored chaos, this tale is ideal for the late-elementary to early middle-grade reader.

“NO PLACE FOR MONSTERS” BY KORY MERRITT

This story, which is the first in a series, follows Levi as he struggles to fit into his new small-town life. When he’s forced to buddy up with class misfit and cryptid-hunter Kat, he finds it increasingly difficult to ignore the strange happenings around town. The pages are brimming with sketchy, hyper-detailed illustrations that place slice-of-life shenanigans shoulder-to-shoulder with alien abductions and haunted nightmares!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: The story balances gross-out middle-grade humor with age-appropriate Eldritch horror to make this a quick, engaging read despite its length.

“THEY THREW US AWAY" BY

DANIEL KRAUS

“They Threw Us Away,” which is the first installment of “The Teddies Saga” series, follows the stories of sentient children’s toys (in this case, stuffed bears) as they navigate the dangerous, unforgiving world of The Dump. With writing that is earnest and engulfing, this twisted tale transports its readers into a world of menacing rodents, garbage mountains, and sharp-beaked gulls.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Better suited to the older middle-grade reader as a bridge into more advanced teen reads, Kraus’s novel is evocative, adrenalizing, and unsettling.

Sally is a librarian at Queen Creek Library and is a creative writer with a lifelong passion for story craft and wordsmithing. She grew up devouring spooky stories – first Alvin Schwartz’s “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” then later Darren Shan’s “Cirque du Freak” series – along with mountains of candy every Halloween and insists on dressing as if every day is Oct. 31.

KID BOOK REVIEWER - MANU

“THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN”

AUTHOR: E.B. White

GENRE: Fiction

AGES: 5 - 12

SYNOPSIS: This book is about a swan named Louis, a trumpeter swan. But unlike the others, Louis can’t trumpet gracefully. One day, his father steals a brass trumpet. Will Louis become a real trumpeter swan now? Will he be able to make graceful music?

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: This book has a really nice storyline, and the events unfold nicely. Louis shows that he is courageous, brave, persevering, unique, and that there is no wrong way to do something.

“WHO IS J.K. ROWLING?”

AUTHOR: Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso

GENRE: Non-fiction

AGES: 6 - 13

SYNOPSIS: Have you ever wondered who J.K. Rowling is? You might remember her as the author of the popular “Harry Potter” series. She was also a little girl with a big imagination and a teenager who stood up to bullies. English was her favorite subject in school, and she spent a lot of time writing. Find out more in this book.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: J.K. Rowling didn’t give up even when many publishers rejected her first book. She persevered, got her book published, and went on to become a wildly successful author. Her “Harry Potter” series is unique and much loved across the world.

“THE MAGNIFICENT BOOK OF ANIMALS”

AUTHOR: Tom Jackson

GENRE: Non-fiction

AGES: 8 and up

SYNOPSIS: Want a cool fact about koalas? Do you want to know what reindeer eat? This book can tell you all that and more! Get the facts about many wild, magnificent animals.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: This book has outstanding, realistic illustrations by Val Walerczuk, who did an amazing job. This is a great book for animal lovers everywhere. Eight-year-old Manu is the proud owner of her very own book club, where stories come alive. Curious by nature, she explores both the world of books and the wonders of nature with equal zeal. Manu's empathy and kindness shine brightly, lighting up the lives of everyone she meets. Check more of her book recommendations on Instagram at @alwaysastorybook and book club at @md.book.club.

g

Transform dry ice and dish soap into a magical bubbling potion that’s perfect for curious young scientists and wizards alike!

Get ready to mix some magic with this bubbling potion experiment! Using dry ice and a few household items, you can create a frothy, foggy brew that looks straight out of a wizard’s workshop. Perfect for kids who love hands-on science with a magical twist!

WHAT YOU NEED

• A cookie sheet or cake pan

• A tall glass of water

• Dry ice (about 2 pounds)

• Liquid dish soap

• Food coloring

MIXING THE MAGIC

1. Set Up Your Station: Place a tall glass of water in the center of your cookie sheet or cake pan. This will catch any

overflowing bubbles, keeping the mess to a minimum.

2. Add the Dry Ice: Carefully drop a small piece of dry ice into the glass of water. Instantly, you’ll see a foggy mist forming as the dry ice turns into carbon dioxide gas. Note: Avoid touching dry ice directly with your skin! It’s so cold that it can cause burns similar to frostbite, so always use gloves or tongs to handle it safely.

3. Color the Potion: Add a few drops of food coloring to the water.

4. Create the Bubbles: Squeeze some liquid dish soap into the water. In moments, bubbles will form, filling with the foggy gas and overflowing from the glass.

5. Enjoy the Fun: Watch the bubbles grow and spill over the sides, then pop them to release the mist inside!

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE MAGIC

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide, which must be kept below -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit to remain in its solid form—that’s seriously cold! What makes dry ice unique is that it undergoes sublimation, meaning it changes directly from a solid to a gas without turning into liquid first. When you add dry ice to water, it releases carbon dioxide gas, which creates the fog you see. Adding dish soap traps the gas in bubbles, causing them to froth and foam. This fun bubbling effect is a great way to explore concepts like sublimation, density, and gas formation! It's also a bit of Halloween-style fun.

Brain Play just for fun

Earth's atmosphere is composed of a series of five layers, each with its own specific traits. Moving upward from ground level, these layers are called the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. The exosphere gradually fades away into the realm of interplanetary space. Why don’t skeletons fight

Why are ghosts bad at lying?

How do you fix a broken pumpkin?

Ants are too small to have lungs. Instead of breathing through mouths or noses, they use tiny holes along their bodies called spiracles. These spiracles allow air to enter and travel through tubes that deliver oxygen directly to their cells, helping them breathe efficiently.

Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries. Lemons contain around 70% sugar, while strawberries have only about 40%. Despite having nearly twice the sugar content, lemons taste sour due to the presence of citric acid, which can make up 3% to 6% of the fruit. The high acidity in lemons overwhelms the natural sweetness, creating the tart flavor we associate with lemons.

October is National Book Month, a great time to dive into a new story and celebrate

They don’t have the guts! 2. Because you can see right through them. 3. With a pumpkin patch.

Play

puzzle

CHALLENGE!

Play

OCTOBER WORD SEARCH

Can you find the words hidden in the puzzle?

Solution on page 15.

October 2024 What's Happening

JACK-O-LATERN JAMBOREE

When: Through Oct. 31

Where: Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix

What: Join the Great Arizona Puppet Theater for a Halloween variety show of tricks and treats sure to delight ghouls and goblins of all ages on Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Info: azpuppets.org

PUMPKIN DAYS & CORN MAZE 2024

When: Through Oct. 31

Where: Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale

What: Experience the ultimate holiday outing on the farm. Tolmachoff creates a corn maze to entice everyone in the family; a 5-acre family-friendly corn maze, mini corn maze for the little ones and a haunted corn maze for those who dare. Other activities include the great big pumpkin patch, petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid, corn box, pedal carts, jumping pillow, and more. Info: tolmachoff-farms.com

PUMPKIN PATCH

When: Through Oct. 31

Where: Mother Nature’s Farm, 1663 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert

What: Load up the family and bring your friends and neighbors to The Pumpkin Patch at Mother Nature’s Farm. Stocked with fresh pumpkins daily, activities include a straw bale maze, hayrides, bounce house, spider web crawl, bull roping area, corn pit, outdoor games, and more. Info: mothernaturesfarm.com/ pumpkinpatch

HALLOWEEN

SPOOK-TRACK-ULA

When: Oct. 11 - Oct. 31

Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale

What: Stop in for a spell as the Paradise & Pacific Railroad is transformed into a haunted park of fun for the Halloween SpookTrack-ula. The family-friendly event is perfect for kids of all ages. They’ll creep it real with the event’s feature, a spooky train ride created with children in mind… a bit spooky, but not too frightening. Info: therailroadpark.com

SPOOKTACULAR

HALLOWEEN

When: Oct. 12

CRAFT CLASS

Where: Chaparral Park and Community Center, 5401 Hayden Rd., Room 1, Scottsdale

What: Create your own pumpkin eyeball pot during Seasons Ville monthly activity pop-up. Info: seasonsville.com

MOVIES IN THE PARK & BOO BASH FALL FESTIVAL

When: Oct. 18 & 25

Where: Kiwanis Park, 5233 S. Ash Ave., Tempe

What: Grab the gang, your blankets, and a picnic dinner and head to Kiwanis Park to enjoy a free, family-friendly flick on Friday evenings. Arrive early to reserve your spot and hang out with the Tempe Play Mobile for fun pre-movie activities. The Oct. 18 movie is “Casper.” The Oct. 25 night includes both the Boo Bash Family Fall Festival and a showing of “Hotel Transylvania.” Info: tempetourism.com/ events/movies-in-the-park

SCOTTSDALE SPARKLE HALLOWEEN ARTS, CRAFTS, & GIFTS SHOW

When: Oct. 19 & 20

Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale

What: Celebrate the fall with over 50 talented vendors and shop for your favorite items. Kids will enjoy music, free face painting, glitter tattoos, sand art, candy, and more! Big prizes will be awarded for the best Halloween costumes. Free goodie bags will be given out while supplies last.

Info: azboardwalk.com

SPOOKY SAFARI AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

When: Oct. 23 – Oct. 25

Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix

What: Calling all ghosts and goblins to the Phoenix Zoo for three spooktacular nights of trick-or-treating, free face painting, live animals, ghoulish games, creepy crafts, and more! Info: phoenixzoo.org

HALLOWEEN

SPOOKTACULAR

When: Oct. 25

Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler

What: Enjoy tricks and treats at Chandler’s annual Halloween Spooktacular. Highlights of the free event include a catwalk costume parade, trunk-or-treat, carnival games, dance party, and inclusive play area from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Info: chandleraz.gov/events/ halloween-spooktacular

FAMILY FUN HALLOWEEN BASH

When: Oct. 26

Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale

What: Win $1,000 cash in the Family Fun costume contest at this free Halloween Bash! Then trick-or-treat for candy, enjoy bounce houses, slides, face painting, live entertainment, family-friendly performances, shopping, raffles, and more! Info: azboardwalk.com

HALLOWEEN MONSTER BASH

When: Oct. 26

Where: Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria

What: Enjoy a night of tricks and plenty of delicious treats. The frightfully fun evening of live entertainment includes an annual costume contest, and a variety of engaging activities for the whole family at this free event that runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Info: peoriaaz.gov/government/ departments/arts-culture/ special-events/halloweenmonster-bash

DESERT DOG POLICE K9 TRIALS

When: Oct. 26 & 27

Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: Desert Dog Police

K9 Trials & Public Safety

Expo hosted by Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) welcomes fans and followers to the largest police K9 competition in the country! Witness the astounding talent of 70 canine teams from across the USA, as they take over the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Arena and test their skills through exhilarating on-field obstacles, simulating real life scenarios that law enforcement encounter daily. Experience the action up close with challenges that include daring handler protection, rigorous apprehensions, riveting tactical obedience, and more!

Info: alecapolicek9.com/k9-trials

HALLOWEEN STROLL IN DOWNTOWN TEMPE

When: Oct. 27

Where: 6th Street Park, 24 E. 6th St., Tempe

What: Ghosts, goblins, and princesses of all ages come to Downtown Tempe’s RagsdaleMLK Park (6th Street Park) for some not-so-spooky Halloween fun at the Halloween Stroll from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Trick-or-treat with downtown businesses and participate in Halloweenthemed games, crafts, activities, and a costume contest. Don’t forget your trick-or-treat bag! Halloween Stroll is a free admission event.

Info: tempetourism.com/ events/halloween-stroll

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

When: Nov. 19

Where: The Pavilion, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix

What: The Festival of the Arts, an outdoor admissionfree festival will feature performances, dance, live music, hands-on activities for kids, vendor market, live art demonstrations, food, beer & wine garden, and more!

Info: herbergertheater.org/ events/festival-of-the-arts, or call 602-252-8497