4 minute read
Summer Fun
The Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld returns for a ninth year to deliver patriotic and cool family entertainment capped off by one of Arizona’s largest fireworks displays on July 4 from 4:309:30 p.m.
The 300,000 square-foot fully airconditioned Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld will offer activities for the whole family, including a Parade of Heroes, live ensemble performances from hit movie film “Encanto,” fun games, and a backyard barbecue. The evening will culminate with the night sky lit with one of Arizona’s largest fireworks shows, beginning at approximately 9 p.m.
Guests will be “Red, White & COOL” in the air-conditioned comfort of the North Hall at WestWorld with an exciting lineup of entertainment that features three performances by characters from feature film “Encanto,” including Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, Dolores, Pepa, Félix, and Camilo, singing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” In addition, America’s Got Talent “Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show” performs three times at the event. Scottsdale 4th of course is known for its lively activities for the family to enjoy such as learning the cha-cha slide and chicken dance, old-fashioned cake walks, face painting, and more.
The Rodeo Arena is activated once again in 2022, with mutton busting for kids and the Copper State Rodeo Company presenting a Scottsdale 4th favorite bull riding competition. At approximately 8:30 p.m., huge garage doors open to the west for the Scottsdale 4th of July grand finale fireworks display, lighting up the sky over the McDowell Mountains. Scottsdale 4th of July also continues with the second Parade of Heroes, recognizing outstanding leaders for their tireless efforts to protect and improve the lives of Arizonans. Heroes are honored in the categories of safety, fire safety, neighborhoods, veterans, healthcare, and community. Each will take the stage to receive the honor and then together are ceremoniously escorted throughout the massive WestWorld complex where drivein guests await the fireworks show. Heroes are introduced to drive-in guests through the event’s own designated patriotic music radio channel.
HOW TO ACCESS THE EVENT
For convenient and efficient entry, the main entrance to WestWorld (horse sculptures) on the Pima frontage road will be closed. The two access points are: • Bell Road and 94th Street. On the 101 freeway, exit Raintree, proceed east to
Thompson Peak Parkway. Travel north to Bell Road. On Bell, travel west to 94th
Street entry. • Bahia off Pima Frontage Road. Bahia is accessed by taking Frank Lloyd Wright exit off the 101 freeway. Travel north of Frank Lloyd Wright, continue on
Pima frontage road past the marquee entrance to WestWorld to Bahia.
TICKET OPTIONS
Tickets are now available at Scottsdale4th. com and include: • General admission options for all the fun and games in the COOL indoors. • Backyard BBQ for fun and games in the cool indoors, plus a casual barbecue by
Chef Michael DeMaria of M Culinary, and table seating to dine and gather. • Fireworks parking only.
Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration is produced by R Entertainment and M Culinary Concepts. WestWorld of Scottsdale is located at 116601 N. Pima Road. Visit Scottsdale4th.com for more info and follow on social at Instagram and Facebook @Scottsdale4thofJuly, and Twitter @ ScottsdaleInDay.
Dig Into Adventure Summer at the Princess
Families on the hunt for their next summer vacation can look no further than the iconic Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where “Adventure Summer” has arrived. Through Labor Day, guests can enjoy adventurous themed activities, fireworks every Saturday night at 9 p.m., dive in movies, a welcome gift for each kid at check in, laser tag, live characters, and much more.
Check in to The Legend of The Lost Temple – a resort adventure of epic proportions where intrepid archaeologist Sonoran Smith and his protégé Sam seek to beat a band of mercenary fortune seekers looting an ancient lost Arizonan temple. There will be a special kid’s check in where each child is outfitted with a brown fedora and mission assignment to find The Lost Temple, along with a meet and greet with Sonoran Smith and other characters.
Trailblazer’s Kid’s Club transforms into Destination Dig, open daily from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., where young archeologists ages 5-12 can assist Professor Brown on the hunt for dinosaur excavations, mummy wrapping and ancient relics at one of Arizona’s lost temples. Upon Princess Archeologist training completion, participants will become a certified archeologist themselves, complete with their own official Princess Archeologist diploma.
Monday to Sunday from 7-10 p.m. the Fragrance Garden becomes Crusaders Canyon, where young explorers can play Relic Raiders Laser Tag, take the Leap of Faith on a zip line, conquer the Chalice Climb Rock Wall, discover treasures at the Relic Dig, and enjoy kids’ drinks and treats. Other traditional summer favorites at the Princess include: lagoon fishing on Saturdays and Sundays from 8-10 a.m.; adventurous weekend brunches at Ironwood American Kitchen; Volcano Glo pool parties at Sonoran Splash on Friday and Saturday nights from 8-10 p.m.; summer photo opportunities; and of course, the Lost Temple adventure itself.
As always, midsummer will bring Freedom Fest, a three-day celebration of Independence Day, featuring live music, military fly overs, special food and drinks, and more. Experts say travel will be robust this summer, so guests are encouraged to book their rooms, dining and spa reservations as early as possible. The Princess Summer Adventure Package, available for stays through September 6, features $150 daily resort credit, and preferred restaurant reservations at one of the hotel’s four signature restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds going to Cox Charities to benefit the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Arizona.
To learn more, visit scottsdaleprincess.com/summer-atthe-princess.
