SanTan Sun News: Family Fun - March 5, 2016

SanTan FAMILY FUN

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SanTan Sun News

‘Egg-citing’ family Easter events abound

By Alison Stanton

Easter is early this year, falling on Sunday, March 27. Fortunately, the City of Chandler, as well as attractions and restaurants around the area, have planned festive Easter activities that are ideal for the whole family.

For example, hop on down the bunny trail to these spring-tastic events:

Family Easter Celebration

The City of Chandler is hosting its annual Family Easter Celebration on Saturday, March 26. The event, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Snedigar Sportsplex in Chandler, will include Easter Egg Scrambles, a family Easter basket giveaway, photos with the Easter Bunny, inflatable rides, games and more.

Stephanie Feldaverd, recreation coordinator of special events, said the 36th annual Family Easter Celebration packs a lot of fun into three hours, and that around 3,000 people come out every year to celebrate.

“The most popular parts of the event are the Easter Bunny pictures, Easter Egg hunt and the crafts and games areas that the City offers along with our vendors and the family Easter basket giveaway,” she said.

To prevent older kids from accidentally bumping into little ones, Feldaverd said the Easter Egg Scramble is divided into four age groups: 0 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6 and 7 to 9.

“If parents have more than one child, we ask them to go to the field with the oldest child if they want to keep them together,” she said.

receives an ice chest filled with Easter items, sports ball, board game, outdoor activities, candies, a $50 Grimaldi’s Gift Card and more.”

Feldaverd said admission to the Family Easter Celebration is free, with minimal charges for some of the interactive children’s activities and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort

To accommodate the different schedules of local families, Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort is hosting an Easter brunch on Sunday, March 27, with seatings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“In addition to the egg hunts, there will be information booths, displays, art and takehome crafts, interactive amusements and performances,” she said.

easter

The scramble, which starts at 10:30 a.m., features 12,000 candyfilled Easter eggs. The coloring contest is also a popular event, Feldaverd said. To be entered in the contest, Feldaverd said kids can print off a flier on the City’s website or pick up one at a Chandler community or recreation facility, color it in, and turn it by March 18 for judging.

The winners of the coloring contest, which has prizes in several age groups, will be announced at 9:20 a.m., Feldaverd said.

“The coloring contest winners receive an Easter basket filled with an egg coloring kit, chocolate bunny, and a coloring activity and more,” she said.

Attendees can also visit the information booth to enter to win an Easter basket, she said.

“The Golden Egg winners receive a sports bag filled with all kinds of Easter goodies, outdoor activities, candy and free mini golf coupons, a $5 Walmart gift card and more,” Feldaverd said.

“The Family Easter Basket winner

“It is such a great family-friendly event and start of the holiday weekend.”

The Snedigar Sportsplex is located at 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 782-2735 or visit www. chandleraz.gov/specialevents.

Easter brunch

Families can enjoy delicious food on the shaded patio at AJ’s Fine Foods in Chandler on Easter Sunday morning. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. choose from a variety of family-friendly Easter brunch options like the breakfast plate with eggs, potatoes, fruit and two bacon or sausage links for $6.99 or Belgian waffles with butter for $3.99 or with fresh berries and whipped cream for $4.99. Made-to-order omelets will also be available.

The patio will be decorated with pastel table covers and centerpieces and AJ’s Fine Foods will also offer an Easter Egg Hunt through its Little Chef’s program; contact the store for more details and to register.

AJ’s Fine Foods is located at 7131 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 705-0011 or visit www. ajsfinefoods.com.

Executive Chef Aaron Geister and his culinary team will serve up a variety of Easter fare including cold items like domestic and imported cheeses, peel-andeat shrimp with Bloody Mary cocktail sauce, assorted seasonal fruit, fresh citrus smoked salmon with capers, egg, red onion and chef dressing and much more. Hot items include orange and fennel glazed natural Atlantic salmon, assorted quiches, springtime vegetables, crispyroasted red baby potatoes and more.

Chef-attended stations will offer maple and ginger ale glazed ham with roasted peach marmalade and herb and garlic crusted prime rib of beef au jus and creamed horseradish.

Desserts include banana-raisin bread pudding with chopped pecans and chocolate layer cake. Cost is $44.95 per adult and $16.95 for kids 3 and up.

Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort is located at 1 San Marcos Pl., Chandler. For reservations, call (480) 857-4401 or visit www.sanmarcosresort.com.

IKEA’s Swedish Easter Buffet

Families can make the short drive to Tempe and enjoy Paskbord, a Swedish smorgasbord buffet at IKEA. The all-youcan-eat buffet on Friday, March 18, will include classic Swedish offerings like Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, smoked salmon, Swedish ham and more.

Seating times are 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets to the buffet are $12.99 per adult or $2.99 for kids 12 and under for IKEA Family members, or $16.99 per adult or $4.99 for kids 12 and under for non-IKEA Family members.

IKEA is located at 2110 W. IKEA Way, Tempe. For more information, visit www. ikea.com/us/en/store/tempe/bistro.

5 Art in the Park, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come and express your creativity in this two-part family series. Participants will be making all-natural paint to create a unique portrait of Veterans Oasis Park. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.

6 Paul McDermand, 7 p.m. The Tempe Center for the Arts presents Paul McDermand—Steel Drums, Marimba and more. Paul McDermand has appeared with the giants of the entertainment industry, from the “crooners”—Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis head the list—to the biggest names in popular music including Natalie Cole and The Moody Blues. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. $25 to $35. (480) 350-2829, www.tempetourism.com.

7 Desserts with Dads, 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. What’s more fun than making yummy treats with your dad? Come spend time together and make these fun treats! Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov.

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Chefs in the Making, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute apron and then cook something yummy while wearing your new kitchen fashion statement! Each class is a stand-alone class, however, a variety of treats will be made, so sign up for multiple classes! Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

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Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

8 Mommy and Me—Spring Mobile, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Spring has sprung and participants will make a mobile to hang in their rooms. After selecting a boy or girl mobile, they will create a bright and fun addition to their room. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $9 to $13 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

9 Fishing Trip, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pack a lunch and catch a ride up to Tonto Creek for some premium trout fishing! City of Chandler staff will transport you up to Tonto Creek and share some “secret” and favorite fishing holes. Just bring your fishing gear and valid AZ fishing license! Participants must be 6 years or older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $10 to $14 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz. gov/eec.

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Outdoor Pizza Party, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come out to Veterans Oasis Park for an outdoor pizza party! Everyone will cook their own pizzas in Dutch ovens and then enjoy their pizza while watching a movie. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $12 to $16 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov.

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Great Arizona Puppet Theatre—Creepy, Crawly, Wild & Wooly, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join us for this entertain and educational puppet show by the Great Arizona Puppet Theatre. You will learn all about different threatened and endangered species in Arizona and what you can do to help them! The show is 45 minutes in length and parent/guardians are required to register. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.

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Meet the Creature, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Each program features different, fascinating animals from around the world. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov.

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Baritone with String Quartet, 2:30 p.m. Hayden’s Ferry Chamber Music Series presents Baritone with String Quartet at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Enjoy a night of hypnotic baritones with Vincent Turregano accompanied by a string quartet. Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. $10 to $25. (480) 350-2829, www.tempetourism.com.

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Shamrock Shazaam!, 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Come make fun crafts all related to St. Patrick’s Day. This one-time class will be filled with leprechauns and all things green! Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. For more information, contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 7822908, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

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Spring Time Crafts, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 15, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on March 22. Let’s spend some time decorating a picture frame, making Easter cards and creating a few other fun spring-themed crafts. Ages 2-5 years must be accompanied by an adult. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz.gov.

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Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $5 registration fee. For more information, contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

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Breakfast in the Park, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Come out to Veterans Oasis Park and enjoy breakfast. Breakfast burritos will be prepped and cooked by participants, then enjoyed! Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $9 to $13 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

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Friday Feeding Frenzy! 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join the EEC staff for a live animal feeding. Meet the animals in the nature center and learn about their diets. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

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Desert Hike and Campfire Fun, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Learn about desert plants and animals on a fun evening hike. When the sun goes down, participants will have a campfire, roast marshmallows and learn about the phases of the moon. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

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UCP’s Fun, Run, Walk & Roll, 8 a.m. Join United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona as runners, walkers and rollers take to the paths of Kiwanis Park in Tempe. This is a celebration for individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential and to experience equality in the community. Kiwanis Park, 101 W. Baseline Rd., Tempe. $35 registration fee. (855) 9695515, www.tempetourism.com.

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Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

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Brownie Badge Workshop—Painting, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Brownies can earn their Painting Badge during this two-hour workshop! The inspiration will come from observing the sights and sounds of nature in Veterans Oasis Park. Brownies will look at different styles and moods of painting from various artists, and then create their own masterpieces using basic watercolor techniques. They’ll also have fun painting without brushes, and paint a mural that will be displayed at the Environmental Education Center’s Earth Day Event. Please wear old clothes appropriate for painting. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

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Community Nights—Easter Egg Hunt in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come join us at the Community Center Courtyard for an Easter Holiday

Celebration! This event will be centered around the Easter holiday and we will have the Easter Bunny available to take pictures with and also have a small Easter egg hunt around the courtyard for the young ones. There will also be a few craft activities and face painting going on during the event. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $3 to $5 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz.gov.

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Lil’ Gardener, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute apron and paint a ceramic pot while wearing your new garden fashion statement! Each class is a standalone class, however, a variety of aprons will be made, so feel free to sign up for multiple classes! For participants ages 7 to 13. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz. gov/tumbleweed

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Family Easter Celebration, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. In addition to the egg hunts, there will be information booths, displays, interactive amusements and performances. Minimal charges for some interactive activities and photos with the Easter Bunny. At 11:30 a.m. there is a Family Easter Basket Give-Away before the event concludes at 12 p.m. Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd,. Chandler. Free. (480) 7822640, www.chandleraz.gov.

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Creative Card Making, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you love card making and learning new techniques, this class is for you. This month we will introduce new techniques, stamping products and themes to create three unique greeting cards. No experience is required. Envelopes are provided. Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. $3 to $5 registration fee. (480) 782-2640, www.chandleraz.gov.

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Double Stranded Memory Wire Bracelets, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Learn to make a cuff-style memory wire bracelet using silver plated memory wire and stylish beads, including crystal. Students get to take home a finished bracelet. This beginner-level class is for participants 13 years and older. Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. $4 to $6 registration fee. (480) 782-2640, www.chandleraz.gov.

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Wonderful Waterfowl, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn how to identify some of the more common waterfowl species found at Veterans Oasis Park and how they live and adapt to our local environment. Join us Thursday evening for a guided walk to see these beautiful creatures in the natural habitat. Participants must be 15 years old or older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

Chick Chat Workshop

Come join the Chicken Chat Workshop at Apache Junction and Chandler. On Saturday, March 5 at 5pm, we’ll be discussing tips on how to raise, how to feed, and how to do so much more for everyone from expert to first-time chicken owners.

Sponsored by Purina & Nutrena

*Limited to stock (or quantity) on hand.

$100 GIFT CARD*

*With purchase of any Traeger Grill valued at $699.99 or higher.

MARCH 5 AT 10AM

Join us in the fishing department at our Chandler store on Saturday, March 5th at 10:00 am to learn fishing tips, tricks and secrets from professional angler and fishing guide, Ron Johnson.

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the Chandler City Council

Come enjoy SPRING ACTIVITIES with THE CIT Y OF CHANDLE R

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 | 9 A.M.-NOON

TUMBLEWEED RECREATION CENTER

Refresh, renew, and recharge with our timely advice for a healthy approach by attending Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Health Connect Expo. This free, family-friendly event will feature dozens of health conscious vendors, fitness and cooking demonstrations, child fingerprinting, giveaways and more. Join us to learn how you and your family can make a move towards an active and healthy life.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 | 9 A.M.-NOON

SNEDIGAR SPORTSPLEX

Hippity Hop over to the Snedigar Sportsplex for the City of Chandler’s annual Family Easter Celebration featuring “egg-cellent” activities. Easter Egg Scrambles start at 10:30 a.m. for kids up to 9 years of age. Make sure to bring your basket – we’ll have 12,000 eggs! The morning will also be hopping with Easter crafts, face painting, interactive amusement, musical performances and more. Grab the whole family and don your best smile as photos with the Peter Cotton Tail will be available for purchase too.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 | 5-10 P.M. and SATURDAY, APRIL 2 | 5 -10 P.M.

DOWNTOWN LIBRARY PLAZA

Ready to jazz up your weekend? The annual Chandler Jazz Festival returns to Downtown for its 17th year bringing sweet tunes to the City. Head over to Downtown Library Plaza with your blankets and lawn chairs. The free festival keeps guests grooving all weekend long with regional and local musical acts – over 14 bands and 70 jazz musicians – highlights include performances by El Chicano, RD Olson Blues Band, and Paul Cruize Blues Crew. Pair the performances with eats and drinks and you’re set for some spring fun.

Sponsored by

Wyndham Vacation