Springtime Fun! By Tony Gutierrez
Check out these five great family activities for under $25 per person — AND they’re close to home!
#3 32nd Annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival
Chandler founder, Dr. Alexander J. Chandler, bought into the ostrich plume craze at the turn of the 20th century, and started his ostrich ranching business in the East Valley. Soon, other ranchers followed suit, leading to a booming economy. Although ostrich ranching died down at the start of World War I, the annual Ostrich Festival honors this unique part of local history. The Ostrich Festival features live ostrich races and ostrich-themed activities, live performances from artists representing multiple genres on the national state, rides, food (including ostrich burgers) and arts and crafts, among other activities. Some activities may require additional admission fees. When: March 11-13, 17-20. Where: Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S McQueen Rd, Chandler. Cost (per day): $20 for adults and children 13+; $15 for children ages 4-12; free for children 3 and younger. Visit: www.ostrichfestival.com
#1 Arizona Aloha Festival
Activities
While many may associate this holiday with excessive drinking, there are plenty of family-friendly opportunities to celebrate Irish culture and the legacy of this fifth-century Christian missionary. 2022 Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Faire When: 10 am-5 pm, March 12 • Where: Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N Third St, Phoenix. Cost: $8 for adults and children 13+; free for pets and children 12 and younger. Visit: www.stpatricksdayphoenix.org
This festival allows guests to learn more about the culture from a state that, like Arizona, has deep Latter-day Saint ties. Celebrate Hawai’ian and South Pacific Islander culture and heritage with this family-friendly event. Crafts for kids, traditional dance performances, authentic food and more. When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., March 12-13. Where: Tempe Town Lake, 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. FREE. Visit: www.azalohafest.org
#4 Mortimer Farms This Prescott, Arizona-area family friendly venue allows people to pick their produce ranging from strawberries and gourdes to various edible leaves. The farm also includes a petting zoo, a non-electric merry-goround with horses made out of saddles, tractor tire swings, ziplines, a corn maze and plenty of other activities. Some activities may require an additional cost to admission. Where: 12907 E State Route 169, Dewey • Cost: $14; Free for children 2 and younger. Visit: mortimerfarmsaz.com
Grand Ol’ Irish Week Where: Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, 1106 N Central Ave, Phoenix. Cost: Varies per activity for members and non/members (all options are less than $25/person) • Monday, March 14: Children’s movie (TBD) 6:30-8 pm • Tuesday, March 15: Tuesday Literature Night features select readings of excerpts from Irish novels, poems, plays and more by some of Ireland’s most beloved writers. • Thursday, March 17: Family Story Hour, 10:30 am, featuring a reading of “The 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day” by Jenna Lettice and “Leprechauns Never Lie” by Lorna and Lecia Balian. • Friday, March 18: St. Patrick’s Day Ceili, 6-9:30 pm, open for all ages to celebrate and learn the art of traditional Irish group dancing. azirish.org
#2 Easter Egg Hunts
Photo by News9
AnY activity done with family is always great!
While the egg was a symbol of rebirth in pre-Christian celebrations of Spring, it was adopted by Christianity as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. The egg was likened to the tomb from which He arose. If there is not an egg hunt available through your stake or ward (and even if there is), here are a few other options to look into: Family Easter Celebration chandleraz.gov/explore/special-events/family-easter-celebration Spring Egg-stravaganza surpriseaz.gov/Calendar 46th Annual Kiwanis Easter Parade & Spring Fling ahwatukeeeasterparade.com Hoppy Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival eventbrite.com: “Hoppy Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival”
#5 St. Patrick’s Day
Photo by TigerStrypes Blog
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