WINTER SPECIAL EDITION 2023-2024
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A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
Celebrating Fun and Events 53 YEARS AND COUNTING – Fountain Hills Recognizes its Founding On December 15, to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the founding of Fountain Hills, the iconic fountain will be illuminated in color. The fountain and lights will run for about 45-minutes starting at 9:00pm. The famed Fountain Hills fountain has been running daily, since the beginning of the town. With the first push of water 560 feet into the blue skies by three 600hp motors, the namesake fountain of Fountain Hills has delighted watchers and attracted visitors from far and wide. The iconic fountain was the unique feature developers Robert McCulloch, and C.V. Wood wanted to entice homebuyers to this isolated desert area in 1970. For many years, the town had bragging rights of having the tallest in the world. Today, it’s still the fourth tallest.
Fall Fountain Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts Launches Winter Event Season November 10-12 Friday and Saturday – 10am - 5pm Sunday only – 10am - 4pm Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Blvd. The Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts is one of the largest arts and crafts events in the southwest. Hundreds of booths and original fine works of art in every price range attest to the popularity of constantly growing and evolving exhibition. Artists show work in all mediums, sculpture, painting, clothing, jewelry, and crafts. Eat and shop. That’s the best of both worlds! There are fabulous breakfast, lunch and snack options. If you want to sit outside, you’ll find shaded seating areas. To make a great experience even better, live music adds excitement to an already lively event. www.fountainhillschamber.com/artfairs-fall-fountain-festival
CELEBRATING the Holidays Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23 Hanukkah Begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7, 2023, and ends the evening of Friday, December 15, 2023 Christmas Monday, December 25 New Year’s Monday, January 1, 2024
Farmers Market and Art on the Avenue Has Something For Everyone November 2023 – April 2024 Wednesdays, 10am - 2pm | Farmer’s Market Wednesdays, 10am - 4pm | Art on the Avenue Avenue of the Fountains Plaza Experience the ultimate shopping and dining extravaganza at the captivating fusion of the Fountain Hills Farmer’s Market and Art on the Avenue. This extraordinary event seamlessly combines the best of both worlds, showcasing a wide array of local artistry, culinary delights, and much more. With over 100 exceptional art vendors and a diverse selection of food vendors, prepare yourself for an unparalleled experience that caters to all your senses.
Season’s Celebrations Saturday December 16th | 5 - 7pm Fountain Hills Community Center Join us for an evening of Holiday fun for all ages. Tour the Community Center’s 25 Holiday Tree Displays, take a photo with “Dancing” Santa, get creative at our Holiday Craft Stations, enjoy the Outdoor Kids Play Zone complete with Holiday Bounce Houses and a Ride-on Train, visit to the Cookie Decorating Station and Hot Cocoa Bar for a Holiday sweet treat. The Fountain Hills Saxophone Quartet will fill the Community Center with energetic Holiday music throughout the event. This is a FREE Community Event.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Ginny Dickey Vice Mayor Sharron Grzybowski Councilmember Gerry Friedel Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis Councilmember Peggy McMahon Councilmember Allen Skillicorn Councilmember Hannah Toth
AWARD WINNING SPOOKY BLAST IS FOR FAMILY FUN October 28 | 5 - 8pm | Four Peaks Park The award-winning Fountain Hills Spooky Blast is where to start your Halloween fun. There are more than 20 booths of activities and candy for the entire family. Spooky Blast is an adventure-filled Halloween experience with inflatable slides, challenging obstacle courses, and a corn maze with surprises at every turn. Show off your creativity and imagination in the costume contest, where your Halloween ensemble could earn prizes and the admiration of fellow participants. Take advantage of the ”spookiest” Halloween celebration in town! Mark your calendars, gather your best costumes, and head to Four Peaks Park for an experience that will leave you begging for more. Visit experiencefountainhills.org for more information and prepare for a Halloween spectacular!
Town of Fountain Hills Town Council, front row left to right: Councilmember Peggy McMahon, Mayor Ginny Dickey, and Councilmember Gerry Friedel. Back row, left to right: Vice Mayor Sharron Grzybowski, Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis, Councilmember Allen Skillicorn, and Councilmember Hannah Toth.
To review previous and upcoming Town Council agenda items, go the www.fountainhillsaz.gov/agendas.
NOTABLE TOWN COUNCIL ACTIONS All meetings start at 5:30 pm in the Town Hall Council Chamber 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains.
The Town of Fountain Hills Community Services Department was recognized by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association with the Outstanding Special Events Award for Spooky Blast in 2023.
November 7 No Council Meeting due to elections
November 21 Regular Council Meeting
December 5 Regular Council Meeting
December 19 No Meeting, Start of Christmas and New Year’s Break All meetings may be watched live on Cox Channel 11 and the Town’s YouTube Channel. See the Town Council agenda at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/agendas for more information on how to participate and submit comment cards.
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Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
10th Concours in the Hills Brings Cars and Car Enthusiasts February 3 | 10am - 3pm Car, motorcycle and military vehicle enthusiasts, get revved up for the 9th annual Gila River Hotels & Casinos Concours in the Hills on Saturday, February 3 from 10am to 3pm at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills. The free, family-friendly 2024 event promises to be high-velocity in a spectacular venue on the gently rolling hills of the park, all benefitting world-class care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
ANNUAL TURKEY TROT AND 5K RUN CELEBRATES 33 YEARS November 23 | 7:15 - 9:00am | Downtown Fountain Hills | Fountain Hills Community Services Fountain Hills Community Services is helping people build an appetite for turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie with the 33rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K and Fitness Walk on Thanksgiving morning. This 5K run and fitness event is a valley-wide favorite that takes participants around the worldfamous fountain in Fountain Park. The Turkey Trot offers something for every level of fitness in the family. Participants may choose from a 5K timed run, or fitness walk. There is also a Thanksgiving-themed costume contest. Registration for the event includes the traditional long sleeve t-shirt. To register for the Turkey Trot, go to FHTurkeyTrot.com. Registrations are open until 6:00pm on Wednesday, November 22. The Trot starts at 7:15am on the Avenue of the Fountains at Verde River Drive. The cost for the 33rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K is $40 and for 12 and under participants is $25, and the Fitness Walk is $20. The 5K Run and Fitness Walk will begin promptly at 7:15am. Parents with strollers and baby joggers are welcome. However, please leave pets at home. The route for the race will start and end on the Avenue of the Fountains and run around Fountain Park. Check FHTurkeyTrot.com for race day parking and exit maps. There is no onsite registration on the day of the event. Parking is available at the Library and Community Center parking lots. Additional parking is available on surrounding surface streets, including Parkview Avenue, Verde River Drive, and La Montana. FHTurkeyTrot.com
Thanksgiving Day Parade Tradition Downtown Fountain Hills November 23, 9:30 - 10:30am Free Join your community for the largest Thanksgiving Day Parade west side of the Mississippi in the United States brought to you by the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce. For the last 38 years, Fountain Hills has been the site of an annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. This local hometown favorite draws spectators from across the state who want to ring in Thanksgiving Day with a classic parade. A few dozen floats including local businesses, service organizations, classic car clubs, troops, school groups, dance routines is sure to entertain. Come celebrate all that we are thankful for and enjoy time with family. fountainhillschamber.com/thanksgiving-day-parade
Stroll in the Glow and Lighted Bike Parade Celebrate the Holidays on the Avenue Avenue of the Fountains December 2, 5pm - 8pm Celebrate the holidays with a stroll along the Avenue of the Fountains. This fun-filled event offers something for all ages with entertainment, Santa, cookie decorating, and pop-up shopping all while strolling among the lights on the Avenue. Interested in participating visit fhchamber.com to participate. But wait, there is more! Get your bikes decorated for the Roll in the Glow lighted bike parade. The parade is FREE, but does require pre-registration at fountainhillsaz.gov/REC TIMES TO REMEMBER: 5:45pm Lighting of the Avenue 6:00pm
Santa Arrives!
6:45pm
Lighted Bike Parade
6:00 - 8pm Hot Air Balloon Glow, Fountain Park (Weather permitting)
Touch A Truck
For more information: fhchamber.com/stroll-in-the-glow
Desert Vista Park Saturday, February 10 | 10am - 12pm Put your imagination in gear and go! Touch A Truck is an exciting event for kids to climb on board, get behind the wheel of their favorite vehicle, and meet community heroes and partners. You’ll interact with fire trucks, police vehicles, construction equipment, semis, garbage trucks, and even a helicopter! And if you get tired of all that excitement, we also have inflatables, yard games, and food trucks. So, grab the family and get ready to ride!
Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
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Town of Fountain Hills 16705 E Avenue of the Fountains Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
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Insider A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
HOLIDAY PAJAMA PARTY Community Center Friday, December 1 | 6 - 8pm
Community Center Saturday, December 2 | 9 - 11am
Enjoy an evening of fun, games, crafts and taking pictures with Santa. An ice cream sundae and hot cocoa bar will be served. Seating is first come first serve. No refunds. All ages welcome. Tickets $10.00 per person, pre-registration is required.
Start your day with a breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, crafts and Santa. No drop-ins accepted on the day of the event. Breakfast buffet will be served. Suggested age range: Preschool to 3rd grade. Seating is first come first serve. Partnership with the Town of Fountain Hills and Noon Kiwanis. Tickets $12.00 per person, preregistration is required.
SENSITIVE SANTA Community Center Saturday, December 2 | 11:30am - 12:30pm | Free Families with Autistic and Special Needs Children/ Loved Ones are invited to visit with Santa during this calm and subdued Holiday event. Take photos with Santa, enjoy a light snack, coloring stations and takehome crafts.
50 YEARS OF THE FOUNTAIN FESTIVAL February 23-25 | 10am - 5pm
Because of you, life doesn’t stop.
#VitalToLife
The Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce started a small arts and crafts event in 1973 to help attract visitors to the town. Today, the three-day Spring Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts is one of the biggest art shows in the southwest! The show attracts the very best artists and craftspeople showing their work. In addition to the unique, one-of-a-king works of art, there are a variety of food vendors, beer garden and live music.
Fountain Hills & Noon Kiwanis Community
Learn more at www.fhchamber.com.
Schedule at (480) 837-2600
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR TRASH AND RECYCLING Republic Services is the trash and recycling vendor for the Town of Fountain Hills. There are four holidays if these land on your typical collection days, will be moved to the following day. Thanksgiving, November 23 Collection is Friday, November 24 Christmas, Monday, December 25 Collection is Tuesday, December 26 New Year’s, Monday, January 1, 2024 Collection is Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4, 2024 Collection is Friday, July 5, 2024
BLOOD DRIVE Nov 17-18 Fri & Sat 9am - 2pm
Community Center 13001 N. La Montana Drive
MAYOR’S STATE OF THE TOWN SCHEDULED JANUARY 30 It’s a tradition in most cities and towns that the Mayor gives an overview of the previous year’s successes and challenges and looks ahead to the upcoming year. The Town of Fountain Hills is hosting this annual State of the Town at the Community Center on Tuesday, Jan. 30, starting with a continental breakfast at 7:30am. Opening remarks by the event sponsor, SRP, begins promptly at 8:00am. A recording of the Mayor’s presentation will be available for later broadcast on the Town of Fountain Hills website www.fountainhillsaz.gov, Cox Cable Channel 11, the Town of Fountain Hills YouTube channel, and the Town’s Facebook page. This event is free and open to the public.