City News
Empowering Futures
The B.I.G. Event celebrates Girl Scouts with a day of adventure and learning in Phoenix.
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day of vibrant experiences, vital learning, and valuable connections beckons in downtown Phoenix as the Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) welcomes the return of The Believe In Girls (B.I.G.) Event on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at ASU Preparatory Academy, 735 E. Fillmore St. This much-anticipated event is not only a haven for Girl Scouts but also extends its warm embrace to families, friends, and anyone interested in learning about or supporting the organization. The B.I.G. Event transforms the academy into a bustling carnival, promising a stimulating and joyous afternoon brimming with activities aimed at fostering a spirit of community, exploration, and empowerment among the attendees. ““With the return of The B.I.G. Event, girls and families will have the chance to explore the wide range of impactful programs that Girl Scouts has to offer and spark sisterhoods that last a lifetime,” says Christina
Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “It was designed as a funfilled afternoon of Girl Scouting activities for the whole family.” Dotted with numerous interactive stations, the event provides a fertile ground for girls to intertwine with community partners, mingle with their Girl Scout sisters, and immerse themselves in hands-on programs. With a hearty focus on STEM, outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship, the activities are crafted to echo the multifaceted essence of Girl Scouting. The heartwarming return of The B.I.G. Event, after a hiatus, is a reminder of the Girl Scouts’ resilience and commitment to shaping future leaders through diverse and enriching experiences. A spectrum of entertainment and activities awaits attendees: from soaring on a zipline and scaling a climbing tower to grooving to the tunes spun by a DJ and delighting in an array of culinary treats offered by food trucks.
Moreover, families will find joy in various zones, including a lively bounce house and interactive booths hosted by a robust line-up of partner organizations, such as Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Science Center, EF Tours for Girls, iFLY Indoor Skydiving - STEM Education Program, and many more, each bringing a unique flavor and learning experience to the event. Securing a spot at The B.I.G. Event is just a click away. Interested individuals can register online for a nominal fee of $5. To discover more about the event or to register, visit girlscoutsaz.org/bigevent.
Annual Arizona Honeybee Festival Set to Buzz with Activity Photo courtesy of the Arizona Honeybee Festival
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nticipation is building as the Arizona Honeybee Festival is set to return for its seventh year, highlighting the pivotal role honeybees play in our environment and ecosystem. Slated for Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., in Phoenix, the festival promises a day filled with education, entertainment, and interactive experiences. Honeybees, vital for pollination, are responsible for supporting a variety of plants critical to our planet’s survival. Interestingly, out of more than 20,000 bee species globally, only a fraction, about seven or eight, are recognized as honeybees. These industrious insects have a storied history, with one species being introduced to the Western Hemisphere by Pilgrims in the 1600s. myhyperlocalnews.com
While native bees play their part in pollination, their solitary nature means they don’t have the capacity for mass pollination like honeybees. To illustrate, a single honeybee colony can house as many as 60,000 bees, making them instrumental in the pollination of several crops, including almonds, apples, oranges, and blueberries. Recognizing the importance of these tiny heroes, the festival aims to spread knowledge and appreciation for honeybees. Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions, including: • Free Kid’s Activities: An array of crafts
will ensure young attendees get handson experience while learning about bees.
• Musical Extravaganza: Talented artists
like Zaylie Windsor and Meichelle Roberge will serenade festivalgoers throughout the day.
Expert-led Classes: Delve deeper into the world of honeybees with free classes hosted by seasoned experts. • Vendors with a Cause: Vendors pas-
sionate about their products, services, and the significance of honeybees will be on hand to showcase their offerings.
promoting practices such as planting beefriendly flowers and reducing pesticide usage, these advocates work tirelessly to ensure a thriving environment for all pollinators. For more information, visit azhoneybeefest.org.
• Art & Education: Bee-inspired art will
grace the gallery, while the Beekeeping Education Booth will allow attendees to get up close with beekeeping tools and learn more about the trade.
• Raffle & More: Attendees can also
participate in a raffle and engage with multiple informational booths peppered throughout the festival.
Beekeepers and enthusiasts champion the cause of enhancing the environment for both honeybees and native bees. By THE SCOTTSDALE STANDARD • November 2023 • 11
