Gilbert Days happening this weekend; EVIT Thanksgiving Bake Sale!

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #017

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 17, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

👮‍♂️Gilbert police, fire chiefs outline big capital needs

 🤠Gilbert Days Festival set for regional park Nov. 17-18

 🤠Saddle up for fun-filled Gilbert Days this weekend

🏃‍♀️Verde at Cooley Station hosts Gilbert races

🏗️Construction inflation wallops Gilbert projects

 🧁EVIT baking program taking orders for 2023 Thanksgiving bake sale

 🏈After back-to-back 6A titles, Highland football finally gets shot at Open Division

🏊‍♂️IRONMAN Announces Details of Upcoming Event

November 17th

November 18th

November 19th

Gilbert police, fire chiefs outline big capital needs

Gilbert Fire Station No. 4, built in 1999, is now inadequate for the town’s current and future needs. Fire Chief Rob Duggan outlined the station's limitations, including insufficient space for apparatus and staff, lack of a fitness facility, and safety concerns. Plans are being considered to expand or rebuild the station to approximately 12,000-13,000 square feet, with more apparatus bays and bedrooms. The Town Council will discuss costs and funding sources in a December workshop. Other proposed projects include renovations and expansions for several other fire stations, a fire fleet building, and the Police Department's facilities, highlighting the need for updated public safety infrastructure to keep pace with Gilbert's growth and evolving needs.

Gilbert Days Festival set for regional park Nov. 17-18

The Gilbert Days Festival at Gilbert Regional Park is set to entertain the community on Nov. 17-18, featuring live music, food, drinks, and family activities. The festival, part of the 2023 Gilbert Days Celebration, includes performances by cover and tribute bands, with a range of products for sale and free inflatables and games for families. Sensory-friendly spaces are provided, and tickets are required for entry, with online purchases offering a discount. Food and drinks are separate purchases, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and sealed water, while several items and activities are prohibited for safety. The event is pet-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed, and accommodations are available for those with special needs. Read Full Story

Saddle up for fun-filled Gilbert Days this weekend

Gilbert, Arizona, is set to celebrate its western heritage with the annual Gilbert Days, featuring a rodeo, parade, and festival from Nov. 17-19. The Gilbert Days Rodeo, a Grand Canyon Rodeo Association event, will be held at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, including professional competitions, a Lil Dudes Rodeo for kids, a free dance, and a carnival. The Gilbert Days Parade on Nov. 18 in the Heritage District will have over 95 entries, including equestrian groups, bands, and an electric fire truck. The festival at Gilbert Regional Park offers music, food, shopping, and entertainment, with tribute bands and activities for the whole family. Rodeo royalty like Princess Bryton Bradshaw will participate in these events, which aim to keep western traditions alive in the growing urban area. The festival's admission is $5 early bird or $10 at the gate, with runs/walks also planned in association with the Shun the Sun Foundation. For more details, visit the official websites.

Verde at Cooley Station hosts Gilbert races

The 10th Anniversary of the Gilbert Half-Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place at Verde at Cooley Station on Saturday, Nov. 18, starting at 7 a.m. This year's event will also feature a new Kids Dash, making it a family-friendly occasion. Local tenants at Verde are contributing to a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators. Special offerings include $1 mimosas at Sip and Shop, bags from OHM Fitness, free water from Coach Pain Academy, and discounted menu items at selected Verde restaurants. This collaborative effort aims to support runners and create an engaging community experience.

SCHEDULE

7 a.m. Half-marathon start

7:20 a.m. 10K start

7:40 a.m. 5K start

9:30 a.m. Kids Dash/Buddy Run start

Information and registration: www.gilberthalfmarathon.org

Verde at Cooley Station
3975 E. Williams Field Road
Gilbert, AZ 85295
View larger map

Construction inflation wallops Gilbert projects

Gilbert, Arizona's municipal offices will be closed from November 23rd, reopening on November 27th, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular trash and recycling services will continue as usual during this period, but there will be no bulk trash services during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed on November 24th for Thanksgiving, but it will reopen the following day. For any non-emergency issues, such as missed trash pickups or park maintenance, residents can use the Gilbert 311 service, with details available on the town's official website.

EVIT baking program taking orders for 2023 Thanksgiving bake sale

The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is hosting its annual Thanksgiving bake sale, featuring 29 items prepared by students in the commercial baking and pastry arts program. The sale includes new offerings like pumpkin chai pie and gingerbread blondies, along with savory items such as sweet potato casserole. Orders can be placed online until Nov. 17, with pickup available on Nov. 20-21 at EVIT's Main Campus in Mesa. The event supports student programs in the culinary school, and EVIT will be closed from Nov. 22-24 for the Thanksgiving break.

After back-to-back 6A titles, Highland football finally gets shot at Open Division

Brock Farrel, head coach of Gilbert Highland's football team, has transformed the program from a series of losing seasons to a successful defensive powerhouse. Farrel and defensive coordinator Jason Lyons restructured the team's strategy to emphasize defense, adapting their scheme to fit their players' strengths. The team, which traditionally struggled, has now seen significant improvements, with lower points allowed per game and back-to-back 6A state championships. Despite early season challenges, including interceptions by quarterback Kalen Fisher, the team has rallied and earned a spot in the Open Division playoffs for the first time, with an upcoming game against Chandler High School.

IRONMAN Announces Details of Upcoming Event

The 2024 edition of the Paradox IRONMAN Arizona triathlon, set for November 17, 2024, will mark its 20th anniversary. The event, part of the VinFast IRONMAN North America Series, will be sponsored by Paradox, a Scottsdale-based recruiting software firm. The anniversary race promises new experiences and enhanced support for participants. The event has a history of attracting international athletes and will continue its legacy of celebrating human resilience. Athletes can register for the 2024 race at the IRONMAN Village at Tempe Beach Park or online starting November 27, 2023. The 2023 race, featuring over 2,000 athletes, includes a swim in Tempe Town Lake, a bike course through the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, and a run along Tempe Town Lake and through Papago Park.