AUGUST 2026
GVREC.ORG
What is the Big Event? GVR Now! sat down with Steve Kindred, Recreation Program Director, to discuss the upcoming Big Event. Let’s find out more! GVR: What’s this Big Event you mention? Kindred: It’s not just one event, but a lot of individual events, over seven weeks in October and November ’26. Many are things we regularly schedule—showcases, arts and craft sales, concerts, dances, tours and such—we’re just having more of these during a shorter period of time, plus some new events. GVR: What new events? Kindred: There’s a golf tournament: a scramble, which is as fun as a golf event as can be! Never broke 80? You will. Maybe even break par! Teams of four play for a single score, using the best shot as the location for the next shot. There are also some surprises around the course that include a swag bag of balls, tees, and more—all for the low price of $95. Register as an individual or for a group, just as you would with any other event through customer service at 520-625-3440 (there is no online registration). This event will take place at Haven Golf Course on Saturday morning, November 7, with lunch afterward at East Center. Guests of members are allowed, but only one per member, please. Event #15694. GVR: How do I register a foursome? Kindred: The easiest way is for a member to register and pay for four players at one time; we’ll reach out to gather the names of the other three members/guests who’ll be part of the foursome. Or, individuals can register themselves, and email scramble@gvrec.org to let staff know which foursome they’re
part of. You should register soon, there will be a lot of demand, and only so many spots available. By the way, if you’re not part of a foursome, you can still register. We’ll create some teams from those members who register individually. GVR: Sounds easy enough. What’s another new event? Kindred: Three words: NASCAR Pace Car. GVR is going to the Freeway Insurance 500 in Phoenix on Sunday, October 18. The NASCAR folks are great; they’re sending the pace car to GVR’s West Center on Thursday, October 29. Get your photo taken with the pace car and a NASCAR driver (well, a cut-out of a driver). We’re showing American Graffiti in the auditorium, selling hot dogs, popcorn, and the other GVR specialties. Except for the food, it’s all free to members. GVR: Exciting stuff. Anything else? Kindred: The first week of October, we’re hosting the Southwest Skies Festival, presented by the Whipple Observatory. Whipple’s lectures have packed West Center for years, now they’re upping their game and will have activities, booths, star parties, and visits to some of Arizona’s largest research observatories from October 1–3. This is going to be fantastic. GVR: I think you’ve filled my calendar! Kindred: Please, that’s just the start. Our events folks have come up with an incredible season of fun. There are tributes to Elton John, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, The Carpenters,
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