City News
Celebrate November’s Festive Foto Fridays and December’s Spectacular Frosty Fest at Park West WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON SWIFTLY APPROACHING, PARK WEST IS GEARING UP TO SPREAD FESTIVE CHEER WITH TWO EXCITING FOTO FRIDAYS EVENTS IN NOVEMBER, LEADING UP TO THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FROSTY FEST IN DECEMBER. Park West, located at 9744 W. Northern Ave., in Peoria, invites the community to partake in these events, setting the stage for a month of merriment. First up, on Friday, Nov. 17, and again on Friday, Nov. 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Park West presents two free Foto Fridays events. Families, along with their friendly Fidos, are cordially invited to join in on the fun. These events offer a unique opportunity for guests to capture the magic of the season with complimentary photo opportunities alongside beloved festive characters. The November 17 event features free photo opportunities with the enchanting Elsa and Anna, bringing a touch of “Frozen” magic to Park West. Then, on November 24, the festivities continue with free photo opportunities alongside the lovable Olaf and the mischievous Grinch, adding a dash of whimsy to the holiday season. Following these festive Fridays, the grand celebration culminates in Frosty Fest on Friday, Dec. 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees of all ages will have the chance to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season and enjoy a wide array of festive activities and attractions, including: • Snow Play Areas: Dive into the joy of real snow at Park
West’s two snow play areas, perfect for snowball fights and making snow angels. • Innertube Snow Slide: Thrill-seekers can take a heartpounding ride down the innertube snow slide, embarking on a snowy adventure. • Live Performance by the Jingle Belles: The Jingle Belles will take center stage with their captivating holiday melodies, filling the air with the sweet sounds of the season. • Photo Opportunities with Santa Claus: Don’t miss the chance to capture a magical moment with Santa Claus himself. • “Reindeer” Rides and Train Rides: Both kids and adults can enjoy “reindeer” rides and train rides around the festive venue. • Seasonal Scavenger Hunt: Get into the spirit of the season with a fun and engaging seasonal scavenger hunt. Collect “believe” bells at participating stores and restaurants within Park West, and redeem them for a free light-up Santa hat. The best part? Attendance at Frosty Fest is entirely free, making it the perfect event for families and friends to come together and celebrate the holiday season. Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit, create cherished memories, and enjoy a jolly good time at Frosty Fest. It’s an event that promises to warm hearts and spread holiday joy throughout the community. For more information, visit shopparkwest.com.
Sweet to the Soul Boutique: Where Handmade Goods and Heartfelt Bonds Meet
Photo courtesy of Sweet to the Soul Boutique
would resonate deeply, akin to honey’s sweetness.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SATURDAY, NOV. 4 AT 9 A.M. AS THE PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX, LOCATED AT 16101 N. 83RD AVE., OPENS ITS GATES TO THE RENOWNED SWEET TO THE SOUL BOUTIQUE. This bi-annual extravaganza promises a delightful blend of handmade treasures and a community spirit like no other.
In a few years, the boutique has expanded its horizons, garnering an impressive following. Each event witnesses an average footfall of around 4,500 shoppers, drawn to the eclectic mix of 250 shops and food trucks. Yet, Sweet to the Soul isn’t merely about commerce. It symbolizes a way of life in the West Valley, emphasizing mutual respect, care, and the success of its community members.
Established in 2015 by dynamic duo Jennifer Chuff and Lindsay Persons, Sweet to the Soul emerged from a shared vision. These Arizona natives dreamt of a market where handcrafted goods weren’t just transactions, but a canvas of budding friendships – connections that 6 • November 2023 • UPPER WESTSIDER
A closer look at the founders offers insights into the event’s heart and soul. Jennifer Cluff, a graduate from Barry Goldwater High School with a background in interior design from
Phoenix College, is a proud Peoria resident. For Jennifer, Sweet to the Soul isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a family.
treasures or seeking to immerse yourself in a vibrant community, there’s no better place to be on November 4.
On the other hand, Lindsay Persons, an alumna of Cactus High School who pursued interior design at Northern Arizona University, treasures the personal connections the market nurtures. Residing in Surprise with her family, Lindsay relishes the market days, from early morning setups to witnessing eager shoppers lined up at the gates. But what she cherishes most are the relationships.
For more information, visit sweettothesoulboutique.com.
This upcoming Sweet to the Soul Boutique promises to be a haven for those who value handcrafted goods and the beauty of human connections. Whether you’re on the hunt for unique
Jennifer Chuff and Lindsay Persons
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