NE Valley Times

Scottsdale Western Week is currently underway, celebrating the city's rich heritage and western legacy. The week-long event is filled with various activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike.

One of the highlights of Western Week is the Gold Palette ArtWalk, which takes place on Thursday, February 1, in the Scottsdale Arts District. This special ArtWalk will feature entertainment, music, and special offerings at participating galleries, all centered around the theme of Western Week.

Another exciting event is the Hashknife Pony Express, the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the country. On Friday, February 2, riders will blaze their trail from the town of Holbrook and arrive at Scottsdale's Museum of the West, concluding a 200-mile trek with over 20,000 pieces of mail. The arrival of the Pony Express will be accompanied by family-friendly games, storytelling, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and live entertainment.

On Saturday, February 3, Scottsdale's own Parada del Sol parade will take place in Historic Old Town. The parade will feature colorful floats, mounted horse riders, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, wagons, and stagecoaches. The parade will be followed by the Trail's End Celebration, a western-spirited festival with live music, street entertainment, dancing, a wine garden, and a cowboy kids' zone.

In addition to these events, the Arizona Indian Festival will be held on February 3 and 4 at the Scottsdale Civic Center. The festival will showcase the culture of Arizona tribes, including traditional food, song, dance, and crafts.

Meanwhile, the city of Scottsdale is investing in the improvement of the Indian Bend Wash lakes and irrigation system. Phase one of the project is currently underway, with the closure of the Eldorado Park ballfields, playground, and amphitheater. The project, which was approved by voters in the 2019 Bond Election, aims to enhance the recreational facilities in the area.

In terms of public meetings, several are scheduled for the coming weeks. The Protect and Preserve Scottsdale Task Force, Council Subcommittee on Education, Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, and Historic Preservation Meeting all have meetings scheduled in the near future.

For those looking for things to do, Scottsdale Arts is celebrating the 25th birthday of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum, converted from a former movie theater by architect Will Bruder, will host a special event on February 9, featuring signature cocktails, food from Pinwheel gourmet rolls food truck, music, and live performances.

Other ongoing activities include the Scottsdale ArtWalk, which takes place every Thursday and showcases the finest visual art from around the world and locally. The Old Town Farmers Market, held every Saturday, offers a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, as well as other specialty items. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts also hosts a range of exciting events throughout the year.

In terms of programs and services, the city is organizing a "Shred It" event on February 3, where residents can bring their personal and commercial documents to be securely shredded. There will also be an Electronics Recycling Collection Day on the same day, allowing residents to recycle unwanted electronics.

For those interested in learning more about city issues and getting involved, the Neighborhood College Spring 2024 Series continues with a class on "HOA and Condo Committee Basics" on February 6. The class covers committee types, functions, responsibilities, and legal requirements.

In conclusion, Scottsdale Western Week is in full swing, offering a range of activities to celebrate the city's western heritage. From art walks to parades and cultural festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the city is investing in infrastructure improvements and hosting public meetings to address community issues. Scottsdale continues to provide a vibrant and engaging community for its residents and visitors alike.