Make It Mesa » Uncategorized

THE SWEET SMELL OF CITRUS

VisitMesa — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:45:49 +0000

Hello, my name is Gayle and I’m known in the office as the resident birdwatcher, hiker, and gardener. I’d like to be able to say that I can pick oranges from my backyard tree but it was planted about a year ago and is too young.

So, what do I do when I want some tasty citrus? Take a drive to the original Orange Patch on Lehi Road. It reminds me of walking into a Midwestern produce market. Right inside the door are samples of navel oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and Arizona sweets — so you can try before you buy. The market also has honey, nuts, chocolate, jams & jellies, dates, ice cream cones, snack mixes and a whole lot more. I recently visited the Orange Patch to have navel oranges shipped to Illinois, Michigan, and Washington. Friends and relatives look forward to receiving some homegrown Mesa citrus every year. They tell me it’s like receiving sunshine in a box. Of course I came home with a 20-pound sack of sweet and juicy navels for my local family and friends. Nothing like locally-grown – how sweet it is!

Mesa, a great city for active people!

VisitMesa — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:39:50 +0000

Hi my name is James Tevault and I’m known as the office athletic guy that enjoys training and racing in the East Valley. This past November I finally completed one of my major accomplishments, Ironman Arizona. As exciting as an experience as that was I’m just excited about several upcoming events including the Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon which is every January. This event is timed perfect after the holiday feasts and with temperatures typically 60 degrees. I ran RNRAZ Marathon again a few weeks ago with big expectations of qualifying for Boston Marathon. Unfortunately, I didn’t reach my goal, but I still finished with a respectable time of 3:29. Overall it was still a great experience because it was a gorgeous day for a long run. The race organizers did a good job with the logistics of the race and everything was smooth from the Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center all the way to the finish line at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.

I’m fortunate to live in east Mesa because there are so many great places to train whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, etc… I have spent many hours and logged even more miles over the past 4+ years running the streets of Mesa and the Valley of the Sun. In addition to running in town on the streets or canals there are plenty of trails just minutes away.

This past Saturday I hopped on my bike and rode on the historic Apache Trail towards Tortilla Flats. This road along the Superstition Mountain allows anyone to experience the true beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The next day I laced up my running shoes to run hill repeats near Usery Recreation Center. This is another great place to run, enjoy the trails, or the new smooth pavement on a road bike. One time while riding on Usery I noticed a coyote and slowed until he ran off the road, but as I began pedaling I heard paws hitting the ground behind me as another coyote began chasing me! That may make you think twice before training out here, but I love experiencing nature and have seen everything from a pack of javelins to the wild horses when riding Usery loop.

As I continue to train for upcoming races I would encourage you to consider running the Phoenix Marathon this March 3rd with me. The inaugural event features half marathon distance then both half and full marathon courses in 2013 . This is going to be a great event starting at the top of Usery and running downhill to the finish line near one of Mesa’s finest golf courses Longbow Golf Club. Register now for the Phoenix Marathon and you can run with John Rhode’s the winner of Biggest Loser Season 12 and Mesa resident. More information

Good luck with all your training and upcoming races. -James

Fabulous 50 +

VisitMesa — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:04:33 +0000

Texas Terrie here, I attended the Lovin’Life After 50 Expo at the Mesa Convention Center yesterday. I thought I would blog about the adventure I took across the street in order to inform our older generation that reads our blog know about this expo and upcoming ones being held.

Lovin’ Life After 50 is an annual expo held for, you guessed it, people over 50. Vendors that specialize in the 50+ set attend the expo in order to promote services and/or products that are primarily used by this generation of boomers and zoomers. Some attend to learn about new products; others are there to fill a bag with “free” stuff (kind of like adult trick or treating); and some folks attend just to take it all in. Either way, it was a full house and packed!

For those of you over 50 years old or those who have family over the age of 50 and you missed today’s expo, never fear another is near! Join us on Wed., Feb. 8 when the Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host their Annual Winter Visitors Expo at the Mesa Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Save the date! The last expo of the season will be held on Feb. 14 & 15 when the Canadian Snowbirds host their annual Snowbird Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. also held at the Mesa Convention Center.

Signing off,

Texas Terrie always looking out for the over 50 crowd!

2nd Fridays in Mesa

VisitMesa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:36:53 +0000

Today is Friday the 13^th! It is also 2^nd Friday Night Out in Downtown Mesa. If you have not had an opportunity to come enjoy downtown Mesa and what it has to offer, tonight is the night! Known as the “Square Mile of Unique Style”, it is really becoming the place to be for shopping and dining. This is the perfect chance to do some local shopping and support the small businesses in your community. I have even taken a personal pledge to “Shop Local” and made this effort for one of my 2012 resolutions.

On the 2^nd Friday of every month Downtown Mesa’s Main Street’s sidewalks fill up with unique vendors and the store fronts stay open late. Every month there is a theme to the event, this month’s is “Film Fest”, and last month’s was “Art Attack”. If you come dressed as your favorite movie star you have a chance to win a prizes. They will also have movie trivia and they will be hosting a Short-Film Contest by local filmmakers.

Starting at 6pm, the art galleries are open to the public. You can grab a coffee at Lo-Fi and some food from a vendor or restaurant and enjoy the live entertainment. Or you can pop in all those cute boutiques you have driven by and never took the time to park the car and go inside.

Whether you want to participate in the theme for the month or just want to enjoy the evening, 2^nd Fridays in Downtown Mesa is a fun spot to check out great vendors and discover small businesses.

Mesa Amp continues to add – just announced!

GoGo Ginger — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:41:42 +0000

Ok, I just got the email…. I had to clear my calendar: What a line up!!!

Rock Allegiance Tour – Friday, September 23
* BuckCherry
* Papa Roach
* P.O.D.
* Puddle of Mudd
* Crossfade
* Red
* Drive A
Presented by KUPD
Tickets go on sale @ July 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets: $35 in advance

GoGo Ginger will be Rockin’The House!! !m!. .!m!
I have seen BuckCherry & Papa Roach together at Mesa Amp 3 years ago, they rocked the crowd and the neighborhood! Puddle of Mudd, Crossface & Red all bring a great stage show and I have been waiting for P.O.D.’s return to the valley so I can see them for the first time!

www.mesaamp.com
480-644-2560

Mesa Amp Continues Summer Concert Season!

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:04:06 +0000

Ok, I may be showing my age, but I was super excited to see the announcement of Primus, coming to The Mesa Amphitheatre!!
Les Claypool (who resides in Jerome, AZ) heads up this band and is excited to get back on the road – and I am too!

Shows on sale now are:

Atmosphere “The Family Vacation Tour” – August 27
opening acts: Evidence, Blueprint, DJ Babu & Prof
Doors Open: 5:30 pm, Show Starts: 6:30 pm
Tickets: $28 in advance, $30 day of show
Atmosphere returns with their 7th official studio album and the newest addition to their unparalleled body of work. The Family Sign comes from a place well refined and firmly planted, from a universal perspective. It’s about being okay with losing friends and strengthening your bonds with others, celebrating the person who’s been the most positive in your life, your kids, your homies, leaving the people you need to behind, and bringing the ones you love with you. It’s about your family, your time and the time you have with them. It’s about living and dying. It’s the truth about family, that it comes from loyalty as much as biology. It’s about breaking down your perceptions of family and really appreciating the people who’ve made you who you are and continue doing so.

Slightly Stoopid “The Seedless Summer Tour” – September 16
opening Acts: Rebelution, Swayzee, Cisco Adler
Doors Open: 4:30pm, Show Starts: 6pm
Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 day of show
www.SeedlessSummerTour.com
Ocean Beach, CA’s Slightly Stoopid, who are already coasting into their second decade of rock n’ roll at the ages of 26 – 27 years-old, released their fifth album, Closer to the Sun, on April 19. Fusing acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, and punk, Slightly Stoopid have cemented a signature sound and created a legion of die-hard fans in the process. The band, whose D.I.Y. nature has seen them thumb their nose at more than a few major label record deals over the course of their career, will release Closer to the Sun on their own imprint, Stoopid Records/Caliplates Recordings, in conjunction with Reincarnate/BMG.

AN EVENING WITH PRIMUS: Les, Ler and Jay – October 20
Doors Open: 5:30pm, Show Starts: 7pm
Tickets: $35.00 in advance
www.primusville.com
Primus is hitting the road in support of their new album Green Naugahyde. On the heels of their triumphant return to Europe (every show was SOLD OUT), Primus will be playing TWO SETS this Fall.
*The Pre-Order password for Tickets is: Hennepin (according to primus fan email newsletter)*

Mesa Amphitheatre: 263 N. Center St.
(480) 644-2560, http://mesaamp.com

Here’s hoping that they play “My Name Is Mud”, See you at the show! Go-Go Ginger

It’s not too hot for this Farmer’s Market – Indoors!

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:28:51 +0000

Super Farm Market is the ONLY Indoor Farmers Market ON A FARM!
Open year-round: Thursdays 4:30pm-7:30pm

The Summer heat hasn’t stopped the Farmers, Ranchers & Business Owners from getting their work done. Super Farm Market is EVERY Thursday night from 4:30pm-7:30pm at Superstition Farm.

This Thursday you can find:

*Farmers with Fresh Organic Produce including but not limited to: Eggplant, Armenian Cucumbers, Carrots, Sweet onions, Green Onions, Spaghetti Squash, Acorn Squash, Zucchini/Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Apples.

*Ranchers with Grass Fed Beef & Free Range Chickens

PLUS
artisans that include Dairy, Fresh Baked Bread, Raw Honey, Eggs, Natural Dog Treats, Salsa, Beauty Products, Gourmet Smoked Salts & Peppercorns, Vegan Crackers, Multiple Types of Cheeses & Butters, Toffee & Brittles, Udder Delights Ice Cream is Available plus Much Much More!!

Dinner is available from Local Food Trucks that will be serving up Burgers, Fry Bread, Tacos & More to have a Family Dinner on a Farm!

Activities for the Kids: Petting Zoo is available (free admission), Feed and hayrides available for only $1. Horse rides 6pm-7:30pm for $3. Milk Bar with 12 Flavors for only $1, Arizona Snow Pit is Free to run
around in and Cool off with the Water Hose!!

Supporting LOCAL has never been easier. You’re local dollars make more “cents” staying
locally. “Put your money where your house is.” (credit LocalFirstAZ.com)Please, join us Thursday on the Farm from 4:30-7:30PM
3440 S. Hawes Rd Mesa, Az 85212
(602) 432-6865

“Like” the Super Farm Market on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SuperFarmMarket

Downtown Mesa’s 2nd Friday Night Out 7/8/11 BEACH PARTY

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:07:25 +0000

Downtown Mesa’s 2nd Friday Night Out: 7/8/11 BEACH PARTY

Downtown Mesa’s 2nd Friday Night Out 7/8/11, “Beach Party”
6-10pm, downtown Mesa

www.2ndFridayNightOut.com

Celebrate International Museum – May 18, 2011

GoGo Ginger — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:19:25 +0000

Celebrate International Museum Day
May 18, 2011

Central Arizona is home to nearly 100 diverse museums in the Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai counties. Museums in the area are participating in International Museum Day,
which raises public awareness about the vital role museums play in their communities. Every year since 1977 museum day is celebrated worldwide with as many as 30,000 museums organizing activities in over 100 countries.

To celebrate, the following museums are offering great ways to explore their venues at no cost, or at a discount…

Arizona Historical
Society Museum at Papago Park
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 10 a.m.‒4 p.m.

Arizona Military Museum
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 1‒4p.m.

Arizona Museum of Natural History
Buy one admission get one free
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 1‒4 p.m.

Arizona Science Center, Children’s Museum of
Phoenix
and Phoenix Art Museum
Free admission for reciprocal membership
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, through Sunday, 22 May
2011.

Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 9 a.m.‒4 p.m.

Deer Valley Rock Art Center
Two-for-one museum admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 8 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Desert Caballeros Western
Museum
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 10 a.m.‒5 p.m.

Heard
Museum
Heard Museum North Scottsdale
Two-for-one museum admission (up to four people)
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 9:30 a.m.‒5 p.m.

Musical Instrument Museum
Discounted admission and special programs
Thursday, 19 May 2011, 5‒9 p.m.
Five-dollar discount off of regular admission and a range of free performances and demonstrations.

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological
Park
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 9 a.m.‒4:45 p.m.

River of Time Museum
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 1‒4 p.m.

Scottsdale Historical Museum
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 10 a.m.‒5 p.m.

Shemer Art Center and Museum
Free admission
Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 10 a.m.‒3 p.m.

Central Arizona museums have something for everyone
‒
history, art, science, anthropology ‒ explore the diversity!

Hours and offers subject to change.
Please visit www.azcama.com for full details and up to date restrictions.

NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK – May 7-15

GoGo Ginger — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:31:48 +0000

The Annual Salute to Travel and Tourism in America

The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. Localized events are presented in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel. It was established as National
Tourism Week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983 designating the week to be celebrated in May. In a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with “the appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Since its establishment, the U.S.travel community has collectively marked the event in a number of creative ways, from staging local rallies and conducting media outreach to securing proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies.

courtesy: http://www.ustravel.org/marketing/national-travel-and-tourism-week