North Peoria, AZ July 2023

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Summer Fun

I hope this letter finds you lying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D. With sunscreen on, of course!

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself loving the warm weather and perpetual sunshine. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure, and that “Arizona Vibe” is in full swing.

Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms, and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in North Peoria. And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults), we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our Summer bucket list and curling up with a new favorite beach read (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!).

My family loves to hang out in the pool, check out indoor activities like Breakthrough Smashroom, shop at great local spots like Signatures, 85 Local, and Clothes Mentor, and grab tacos under the Cantina Gueros misters. But alas, one of our favorite views is through the front windshield. There’s nothing like exploring Arizona by car on day trips discovering new hiking trails, going on bike rides, finding places to cool off and stopping for a picnic along the way. There's something about being in nature that feels so rejuvenating and refreshing.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of North Peoria this Summer!

JULIE LACROIX, PUBLISHER @NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Julie LaCroix | julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Susan Lanier-Graham susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Dianna Stewart | hello@stewardindustries.com

COPY EDITOR

Mimi Slawoff | mslawoff@gmail.com

INTERN

Damien Lopez | damien.lopez@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Christine Andert | Christine@pictureladyphotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ABeautifulMess.com, Angel Fuchs, Susan Lanier-Graham, Ana Meyer, Gretchen Pahia

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christine Andert, ABeautifulMess.com, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Tulum Modern Mexican Opens at Westgate Entertainment District

Tulum Modern Mexican offers an array of Mexican dishes, traditional American menu items, and much more. The restaurant's central theme pays homage to the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 4 to 11 p.m. To learn more, connect with them on Facebook @TulumModernMexican and Instagram @Tulum_AZ.

Peoria Chamber of Commerce Opens New Offices

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce recently opened a new office to better serve its Peoria and West Valley communities. Their office is located at 8715 W Union Hills Dr, Ste 115, in Peoria. The Peoria Chamber encourages the public to stop by and learn how the new chamber connects businesses, educators, nonprofits, residents, and visitors to best support growth in our region.

ArchWell Health for Seniors Opens in Peoria

ArchWell Health is on a mission to help seniors. More than a doctor’s office, ArchWell Health provides comprehensive healthcare to its patients. ArchWell's new location at 9750 W. Peoria Avenue, Suite 120, also serves as a gathering place for seniors, encouraging an active lifestyle with art classes, bingo, and tai chi offered at their facility. ArchWell offers 24-hour service, same-day, and telehealth visits. They can also assist with transportation. ArchWellHealth.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/NorthPeoria

“A year after my surgery I was still experiencing pain and numbness. Physical therapy had helped to a point, but I still wasn't able to resume my normal training without aggravating my back and being forced to limit my activity. Dr. Mitchell and his team immediately identified the problem areas and came up with a treatment plan. After the first visit, I had significant relief and have seen continuous improvement since then.”

Cool Off at Lake Pleasant

Spend Summer Days—and Nights—Out on the Water

Summers in the Valley are scorching, and finding fun ways to cool off is key. In North Peoria, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the coolest spots to hang out this summer.

SCORPION BAY MARINA

During your visit, check out what’s happening at Scorpion Bay Marina (ScorpionBayAZ.com). You’ll find many activity options, including boat and kayak rentals.

Lynn Lovelady, general manager of the marina, says there is no better way to spend an afternoon. “Out on the water, people can get away and relax, enjoy the sunshine. It’s wonderful,” she says.

At the marina, boat rentals include pontoons, fishing boats, and ski boats. There are also kayaks and other water toys available. Water toys include tubes, wakeboards, kneeboards, and water skis.

If you are interested in rentals, checking what is available before your visit is always best.

Lovelady shares that while they take walk-up reservations, you might be out of luck if you wait too long. “During the weekdays, Monday through Thursday, you’ll likely be able to find a rental. However, the weekends can be very busy, and the rentals go quickly.”

ADVENTURE RENTALS

Looking for adventure? You can rent jet skis if you want to up the adventure. Each jet ski holds two passengers. Rentals are available at Scorpion Bay Marina for one or two hours or by half or full day from Pleasant Water Sports ( PleasantWaterSports.com).

PAQUA PARK

If you would rather stay close to the marina, you can have fun navigating the inflatable obstacle course at Paqua Park ( PaquaPark.com). The inflatable on-the-water obstacle course is for ages seven and up. Sessions are 45 minutes long, and reservations are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

FLOAT UNDER THE STARS

The new floating cabins are among the coolest things you’ll find out at the lake. Five cabins are available, four of which have two bedrooms, two baths, and a loft. The fifth cabin is a bit smaller and has one bedroom with one bath and no loft. The larger cabins sleep up to eight people, and the smaller cabin sleeps four. Both can accommodate two additional day visitors for a max of ten and six passengers each.

The floating cabins are pet friendly. During the summer, the minimum stay is seven days and six nights. The off-season has shorter length stays available.

GRAB SOME GRUB AT SCORPION BAY GRILL

Scorpion Bay Grill is a great spot to grab a bite to eat during your visit. The restaurant has an enhanced menu, and this summer, there are new menu options, including an Ahi Poke Tostada Bowl, Korean BBQ Chicken flatbread, breakfast burrito, and Tuna Niçoise Salad. During peak season, lunch is served seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. There is a chef’s special dinner menu on Friday and Saturday evenings. There is also live music on Saturday nights.

THROW A PARTY ON THE WATER

Celebrating a special occasion? There are 53-foot charter boats available to rent. From weddings on the water to family reunions, chartering a boat is a great way to celebrate. Two luxury event boats are available, each carrying a maximum of 40 guests. If you have more than 40 people, it is recommended you reserve both boats. A captain and deckhand are included in your reservation and rental fees.

CAMPING AT THE LAKE

Tent and RV camping are also available at Lake Pleasant. Reservations can be made on the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department website. Whether you are looking for a few hours of fun, a full day of activities, or a longer vacation, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake and stay cool this summer.

“Out on the water, people can get away and relax, enjoy the sunshine. It’s wonderful.”

Splash into Summer

Four Hot Ways to Keep Cool this Summer

Sure, it’s hot out there, but that does not mean there is nothing to do during Arizona summers! You don’t have to limit your summer activities to couch surfing while binge-watching TV in the air-conditioned confines of your home!

As the temperature rises, it’s easy to get bored and forget the cool things to do here in the Northwest Valley during the sizzling summer months.

Did you know the West Valley is home to Arizona’s largest water park—Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix? You can go once or buy a season ticket and enjoy water park thrills all summer.

Have you been avoiding Lake Pleasant because you don’t own a boat? No worries. You can rent everything from kayaks and water toys to pontoon boats. You’ll be on the water in no time.

Looking for an adrenaline rush while staying cool? Check out the on-water obstacle course at Lake Pleasant.

Want something closer to home to get the kids out of the house for an afternoon? Check out some of the great local splash pads.

From splash pads to water sports, obstacle courses to water slides, Peoria and surrounding cities provide endless opportunities for fun and relaxation this summer. So grab the sunscreen, pack plenty of cold water, and check out these fun ways to chill out and cool down this season.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix

Arizona’s largest water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, is in Adobe Dam Regional Park, just west of I-17 on Pinnacle Peak Road. The theme park offers acres of thrilling water features. Guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of giant water slides, a lazy river, splash pads, a wave pool, dining, shopping, and more. This is also a great spot for group events and parties this summer! Check out the season pass options.

Splash Pads

Paloma Community Park is an 85-acre park at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Dixileta Drive. Enjoy shaded picnic areas, ball fields, a lighted dog park, pickleball courts, and fishing. The coolest feature in Paloma is the splash pad with water guns and a bucket drop! Discover wet and wild fun for everyone. You can also check out the splash pads at Rio Vista (Loop 101 on Thunderbird) and Pioneer (83rd Ave and Olive) parks. Paloma Community Park is located at 8755 North 83rd Avenue.

Water Obstacle Course Boat Rentals

Paqua Park is a family-friendly, inflatable, on-water obstacle course at Scorpion Bay Marina on Lake Pleasant. Thrill seekers will enjoy climbing, crawling, sliding, and bouncing around the obstacle course. Sessions are 45 minutes long, and life jackets are required for all participants. Children must be at least seven years old and 45 inches tall to get on the course. Book your session online, and arrive early to allow for parking.

Scorpion Bay has everything you need for a fun nautical adventure this summer. You can rent boats for either half or full days. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or amp up the fun with a boat. The 53-foot private charter boats include a captain and accommodate up to 40 people. Smaller groups can opt for a pontoon or sport boat. Sport boats include pull toys so you can try wakeboarding. Don’t forget to bring the fishing gear!

Create a Backyard Oasis

Arizona’s extreme temps shouldn’t stop you from creating an inviting and serene outdoor space at your home that you can enjoy all year long.

But where should you start, and where can you get design inspiration? North Peoria resident Cyeana Johnson has some great ideas to share after creating her backyard escape.

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Johnson suggests that you must first figure out what you want and then create a plan of action. She recommends looking at model homes for ideas and taking photos to share with your pool or hardscaping company.

“Our initial vision for a dream backyard was to make it look like a resort-style pool. We wanted a swim-up bar and enough seats in the pool for our family of 7. We also wanted a sunken bar and a raised platform for people to jump into our 9.5-foot deep pool,“ shares Johnson.

HIRING THE EXPERTS

For Johnson and her family, once they had a vision in mind, it was time to figure out who they should hire to help bring their backyard dreams to reality. First, the pool. After consulting multiple pool project managers and receiving two quotes through large Valley pool companies, they ultimately decided to build the pool themselves. This entailed serving as the general contractor and designing all the surrounding elements.

Johnson says, “We had to coordinate with multiple sub-contractors, including excavation, plumbing, electrical, rebar, pergola, pebble, and water tile installation, to bring this together. In addition, we were responsible for applying to the City of Peoria for all required permits.”

DETERMINING COLOR AND STYLE CHOICES?

After deciding who will oversee the project, Johnson suggests that the next step is to determine what colors you want and what materials you would like to include.

“We wanted our backyard to look like a resort, so we chose grays, whites, and charcoal colors,” says Johnson.

The Johnsons used locally sourced companies such as NuTurf and QDI Surfaces Porcelain Tile & Stone to help bring their dreams to fruition. They worked with NuTurf to put in plants and landscaping that required the least maintenance and didn’t cause debris to drop into the pool. They used box shade trees, queen, and pygmy palms to bring the landscape look together.

They chose Tahoe blue pebble sheen for the pool and bought pool equipment from a wholesale pool company.

BECOMING YOUR OWN CONTRACTOR

Johnson says it boils down to being organized and ensuring you get the best deals possible. She explains that overseeing the pool construction themselves, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars going through a company, was a big savings.

“We saved roughly 30% off the overall pool cost,” Johnson explains. “And it was completed in a little over six months.”

Johnson recommends ordering materials in advance to save money due to inflation costs. She also encourages consumers to do their due diligence and get as many quotes and bids as possible for materials via subcontractors.

“There is always a balance of deciding upon a trusted, quality sub-contractor and getting the bottom dollar.”

Johnson admits that building and putting together your backyard oasis on your own can be tedious but worth it in the end.

“Building your own pool is a lot of work and isn’t for everyone, but looking back, I don’t regret it because we got our dream backyard,” she says.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much you are willing to put into the design and execution.

Whether you hire a contractor and project manager to do the entire project or proceed like Johnson and take it on yourself, having the backyard of your dreams is worth it as you sit in the pool, cocktail in hand, watching the sun as it sets over the Sonoran Desert.

“Ask friends for referrals and look at online reviews. You don’t want companies that are hard to work with because you’ll likely have to call them back to fix something.”

2023 Ford Bronco Raptor

From Highway to Desert to Rock Crawling with Ease

The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is engineered to take you from the highway to the desert, easily maneuvering traffic, dunes, and rocks. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivers a ferocious 418 horsepower and 440 lb.-foot of torque. Pair that with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and you’re ready to tackle even the roughest terrain.

RUGGED SUSPENSION

Ford collaborated with FOX to upgrade the suspension in the Bronco Raptor. The HOSS 4.0 with FOX Live Valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers features integrated reservoirs in front and remote rear reservoirs. The suspension is similar to the F-150 Raptor, putting the world’s best truck suspension in an SUV.

The massive 37” all-terrain tires on the Bronco Raptor handle the biggest challenges. The 17” alloy wheels provide the traction and capability to cover even the most challenging ground, whether riding the dunes or rock-crawling in Baja.

COMFORTABLE INTERIOR

The rugged exterior doesn’t mean you sacrifice inside. Opt for the 10-way Power Driver seat and 8-way Power Passenger seat. Every Bronco Raptor comes standard with a 12” LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System, and SiriusXM. Upgrade your sound with the optional 10-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufson.

Stay connected on the road with dual smart-charging USB ports, an AC power Outlet on the center console, two 12V power points, and an optional wireless charging pad.

MSRP: $76,580

MPG: 15 city/16 highway

“Designed for rugged off-road use, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor includes a Safety Canopy Side-Curtain with Rollover Sensor and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. Hit the backroads with confidence!”

Shop Local

Summer is here, and with it comes the time to ensure the AC works, the kids are set for a reliable automobile, and everyone gets checkups before the school year. You can take care of all that right here in North Peoria and Arrowhead. Remember, when we shop locally, we keep more money in the West Valley!

AUTO HOUSE PHOENIX

Looking for a reliable used car for your teens? Auto House Phoenix, located at 10857 N 95th Ave in Peoria, has an extensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles. Every available automobile includes free vehicle history report, service inspection, and market analysis.  AutoHouse.com/phoenix-location

RED ROCK REFRIGERATION LLC

Riley Eklund, the owner of Red Rock Refrigeration, continues a family tradition as an HVAC specialist. He moved to the area in 2008 and married a local Arizona native. After working for another company for almost a decade, he launched Red Rock Refrigeration right here in North Peoria. RedRockRefrigeration.com

DENTAL DEPOT

Dr. Nicole Noble spent years as a dental assistant after graduating from ASU. But she wanted to be a dentist. She returned to college and completed dental school at Midwestern University. She opened Dental Depot at 18855 N 83rd Ave in Peoria in Winter 2022. Dr. Noble provides quality care with the most innovative dental care technology along with a fun train theme.  DentalDepotArizona.com

PEARLE VISION EYECARE CENTER PEORIA

Pearle Vision Eyecare Center offers dozens of eyeglasses in the latest styles and designer brands. Start your visit with Managing Optometrist

Dr. Matt Lopez. Dr. Lopez brings more than a decade of optometry experience to North Peoria. He can help ensure healthy eyes for the entire family. PearleVision.com

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE BEST LOCAL SHOPPING AND SERVICES TO HELP SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Realty Report

A sample of recently sold properties in North Peoria.

We have access to over 150 off market homes EVERY month! You can get priority access to proprietary information regarding these properties before other buyers. Simply go to MyOffMarketListings.com for this hotlist of homes!

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

Find more DIYs at ABeautifulMess.com.

Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

Your next event, served alfresco

Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.

Insider Tips for Hosting:

• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.

• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.

• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.

• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”

• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”

• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”

• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”

• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

Read on for some of Chef Kyle’s favorite recipes.

Fresh Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hardwood Smoked Bacon

Yield: 6 servings

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced

• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin

• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice

• Salt, pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted

• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).

2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.

4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.

5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.

6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.

7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8. For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.

9. Serve and enjoy!

CHEF NOTES:

• If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.

• Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

Heirloom Root

Vegetable Hash

Yield: 6-10 servings

• 2 cups heirloom carrot, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom rutabaga, peeled, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom parsnip, cubed

• 1 cup heirloom turnip, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom marble potatoes, halved

• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped

• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt – to taste

• Pepper – to taste

• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).

2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.

4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.

5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

6. Enjoy.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

NOW THROUGH JULY 23RD

The Wizard of Oz

ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE

Join Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” “Over the Rainbow” toward the Emerald City to get Dorothy back home to Kansas. It’s a classic story the entire family will enjoy. Arizona Broadway Theatre is a dinner theatre, but a show-only option is AZBroadway.org

Celebrate America at Lake Pleasant

LAKE PLEASANT REGIONAL

PARK | 5:00 PM

This annual Fireworks Celebration is held along the shores of Lake Pleasant from 5 to 10 p.m. Activities include inflatable waterslides, bounce houses, live music from ROCK LOBSTER, food trucks, vendors, and more! Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Canopies are allowed until sunset. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. The event is FREE to attend!! Visit  pleasantharbor.com/event/ celebrate-america-2021 for details.

JULY 4TH

Peoria’s All-American Festival

PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX 5:00 PM

Peoria's All-American Festival brings Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers to the annual Independence Day celebration. Enjoy an evening full of family-friendly entertainment, food, music, and fun! The event will span across the Peoria Sports Complex Main Stadium and into the Mariner's side, where water slides will help cool down the masses with wet and wild fun. More information at PeoriaAZ.gov

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.