Eight Free Things To Do In and Around Phoenix - November 2009

There are several Veterans Day events and activities around the Phoenix area this week, many of which are free. Aside from that, you can see a moo moo, learn some history, see a special Christmas tree, hear about special women, celebrate National Gaming Day, bait a hook, eat fast and cheap, and be a super hero.

What: Moo Moo Palooza
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from p.m. to p.m.
Where: Superstition Farm, Mesa
Hayrides, petting zoo, kids activities, kids craft, hay maze. Admission free with donation of 2 cans of food to benefit United Food Bank. For a charge there are horse rides, refreshments, goods from local vendors.

What: History Kiosk Dedication
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
Chandler will unveil a new interpretive history kiosk that recognizes World War II veterans. The kiosk is part of the City's award-winning History in Your Own Backyard program that shares local history with residents in areas surrounding select City parks. This new kiosk highlights the story of the Honor Roll billboard that was erected in the park in May 1943, at the height of World War II. This sign listed the names of men and women serving in the military who came from Chandler and small neighboring communities like Higley, Queen Creek, Chandler Heights and Goodyear. By April of 1945, the Honor Roll featured over 700 names. The City replaced the billboard with a permanent veterans memorial in 1949. The kiosk also tells the story of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the City's oldest park. Chandler City Councilmember Matt Orlando, a recently retired Colonel in the Arizona Air National Guard, will speak at the kiosk dedication. Members of American Legion Post 35 and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7401 will also participate in the ceremony. Other City Council members, the Chandler Parks & Recreation and Museum Advisory boards, and members of long-time Chandler families will also be in attendance. At 1:30 p.m. the event will move to the nearby Chandler Museum. A panel of local World War II veterans will share stories about their experiences. Museum staff will also preview a new City Web site that shares the stories of Honor Roll veterans.

What: Capitol Christmas Tree
When: Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria
Stop by and see the tree before it heads to Washington D.C. Activities include cookie decorating, holiday make-n-take craft and more. For more information call 623-773-7137.

What: Women's History in Arizona
When: Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where:
Arizona Historical Society presents Heidi Osselaer who will talk about Arizona women in politics from 1883-1950. Author book signing after presentation. Books available at event for purchase. The Arizona Historical Society informs and inspires people of all ages by reminding them of the boldness and daring that characterized individuals who have made Arizona their home.

What: National Gaming Day
When: Saturday, November 14, 2009
Where: Glendale Main Library
The free scheduled activities include:
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Family Fun Free Play. All ages are invited to enjoy a morning of games and fun. Enter to win a Family Fun Pack, including four Harkins Theater passes. No registration is required.
1-5 p.m. LAN Speed Games Free Play. Modern Warafare 2, Heroes of Newerth, Left4Dead 2, and Audiosurf can be played as many times as you want. The guys from LAN Speed Games are bringing their network to us and letting players have access for free. All players ages 12 and up are welcome. If under age 18, players must have a signed permission slip to play. No registration needed.
3-5 p.m. Mario Kart Wii Tournament. Start your engines and get racing in this tournament for 8-11 year olds. Enter to win you own BoomPod Audio Gaming Chair. To register, call 623-930-3537 and press 6.
6-9 p.m. Ultimate Gamer Tournament. Teens, ages 12-18, test your skills against other teens in this single elimination, multi-game tournament. Dominate at Guitar Hero 5, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and more - and you could win an iPod Shuffle, plus prizes from Bookmans Entertainment Exchange. If you get knocked out early, you are not done yet. You can compete in mini-tournaments with our friends from LAN Speed Games. Registration is required; call 623-930-3537, and press 6 to sign up or for more information about National Gaming Day activities. Snacks will be provided.

What: Urban Fishing Clinic
When: Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: City of Chandler Environmental Education Center
Sport fishing instructors from the AZ Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will provide a limited supply of bait and loaner rods. Participants who register at the AZGFD booth during the event may fish without a license during clinic hours.

What: Healthy Eating: You Are What You Eat: Fast, Cheap and Easy
When: Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Lifetime Fitness Education Center, 14540 West McDowell Rd., Goodyear
Presented by Banner Estrella nutrition team and Lifetime Fitness nutrition coach. When economic times get tough, many of us start looking at just how much our meals cost. An easy way to save money is to eat fewer meals out and make more meals at home. Plus you'll have greater control to create heart healthy and delicious meals. At this fun and educational event, you'll learn from chefs about how to create healthy recipes in a hurry during a cooking demo as well as get general tips from a cardiologist on how to be heart health -- no matter how little time you have. Free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Reservations required. Register online or call 602-230-CARE (2273).

What: Super Hero Week
When: Monday, November 16; Tuesday, November 17; Wednesday, November 18; Thursday November 19, 2009
Where: Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale
Who is your favorite super hero? Superman? Batman? Spider-Man? Let us not leave out favorite super heroines like Wonder Woman. Whoever it is, children can get into the fun of talking about and playing "super hero" during Super Hero Week. On Monday, Nov. 16, from 7-8 p.m., kids of all ages can play Super Bingo. Super Hero Craft: Paper Dolls is on the agenda the next day, Nov. 17 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Most super heroes have a cape, so on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 3:30-4:30 p.m., children can take part in Super Hero Craft: Capes. A Super Movie: "The Incredibles" wraps up Super Hero Week with a showing on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary for these fun, free events.

This is by no means everything! Some of the larger annual festivals and events are also free. You'll find those listed in the monthly calendar. If you've arrived at this page and find that the event dates are past, check my recent blog entries for more Free Things -- I write about free things to do in Greater Phoenix several times per month!