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🎅 Higley Center hosting two holiday shows 💡 Illuminating the Valley: Discover the Top Holiday Light Spectacles and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #047

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 23, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🍷 Embrace the Festive Cheer at Metro Phoenix's Holiday Popup Bars

 🎅 Higley Center hosting two holiday shows Dec. 22-23

 🏠 Developers Seek Water Law Reform Amid Metro Phoenix Construction Limits

 🔋 LG's $5.5 Billion Battery Project Gains Queen Creek's Trade Zone Support

 💡 Illuminating the Valley: Discover the Top Holiday Light Spectacles This Season

 🏈 Williams Field High getting new track

December Ongoing

December Upcoming Events

Embrace the Festive Cheer at Metro Phoenix's Holiday Popup Bars

As Phoenix welcomes chillier weather, the city is shimmering with Christmas lights adorning homes and businesses throughout the Valley. Popular festivities like Lights at the Farm and the Chandler Tumbleweed Tree have made their annual return, while bars across metro Phoenix are immersing patrons in the holiday spirit with extravagant decorations and themed drinks.

For those who delight in festive indulgences, a variety of metro Phoenix bars and pop-up experiences offer a merry assortment of treats. From boozy candy cane milkshakes and s'mores by the fire to cocktails in Santa-themed tiki cups, these establishments promise a uniquely spirited celebration.

Here are the top 8 holiday pop-up bars to visit for a festive experience around metro Phoenix.

  • Après Chalet

    The Après Chalet at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale offers a ski-lodge-inspired holiday pop-up bar with a selection of unique seasonal cocktails and tasty bar bites. Visitors can enjoy drinks like the 'Altitude' and 'Maplenut' while roasting marshmallows for s'mores over a fire pit. In the spirit of giving, a portion of the proceeds will support Healing Hearts Animal Rescue. Detail: 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale. 480-444-1234, hyatt.coms

  • Bar Blitzen

    Culinary Dropout Tempe's holiday pop-up, Bar Blitzen, is back for another season in Tempe and now Gilbert. Visitors can enjoy festive cocktails and Christmas decor in a cheerful setting. A $5 cover charge per visit supports the Toys for Tots charity, enhancing the spirit of giving. Details: 149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe. Also, 383 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. culinarydropout.com.

  • Feliz Navidad Cantina

    Scottsdale's Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill transforms into Feliz Navidad Cantina for the holiday season, offering a festive menu with items like Christmas enchiladas and mistletoe Martinis. Visitors can enjoy weekly appearances from Santa Claus and the Grinch amidst vibrant holiday decor and participate in a toy drive to support the community.Details: 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 115, Scottsdale. 480-661-5463, saltandlimeaz.com. 

  • Miracle at Floor 13

    Downtown Phoenix's Hilton Garden Inn rooftop bar offers a holiday escape with kitschy decor and themed cocktails like 'Naughty and Nice' shots and the 'Christmapolitan.' The festive atmosphere is complemented by food specials such as candy cane charcuterie and 'Elf Yourself' flatbread, creating a merry dining experience. Details: 15 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-396-7168, floor13rooftopbar.com/miracle-bar..

  • Saguaro Summit Ski Lodge

    Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix and Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails are reviving their holiday cocktail pop-up bar on November 27, featuring unique drinks like the Reindeer Fly-By and bourbon-infused hot cocoa, offering a festive and flavor-filled experience. Details: 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-258-0231, bluehoundkitchen.com.

  • Sippin' Santa

    Sippin' Santa holiday at Bitter and Twisted in downtown Phoenix is a festive tiki bar offering unique drinks like the Merry Spritzmas and North Pole Bowl. The venue combines holiday cheer with a tropical tiki atmosphere for a unique celebration.Details: 1 W. Jefferson, Phoenix. 602-340-1924. bitterandtwistedaz.com. 

  • Winter Wonderland at JoJo's ShakeBAR

    Until January 14, JoJo's ShakeBAR hosts Winter Wonderland, offering boozy holiday drinks and activities like mixology classes, ornament painting, wreath making, and gingerbread decorating, creating a festive and engaging experience. Details: 15037 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite J150, Scottsdale. 520-636-5572, jojosshakebar.com.

  • 50 Shades of Christmas

    50 Shades of Rosé in Scottsdale is hosting a Christmas popup with holiday-themed drinks like cinnamon toast shots and Christmas cookie martinis, along with DJs and festive photo ops for a joyful celebration.Details: 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. 50shadesofroseaz.com. 

Higley Center hosting two holiday shows Dec. 22-23

Nathan Pacheco

The Higley Center for the Performing Arts is set to host two holiday concerts on December 22nd and 23rd, with a limited number of tickets still available. Nathan Pacheco, a classically trained tenor known for his global performances and collaborations with artists like Yanni and Olga Tañon, will present his Christmas Live in Concert show on December 22nd. Pacheco's performance will include Christmas favorites, original pieces, and other classics, with tickets priced between $29.90 and $49.90.

On December 23rd, A Rocky Mountain Christmas will take the stage, featuring Jim Curry and his band performing the music of John Denver. The show promises a nostalgic experience with sing-along holiday songs, some of Denver’s biggest hits, and synchronized winter scenes and videos. Tickets for this event are available from $25 to $39. Both events will have doors opening at 6:30 p.m., and those with inquiries can reach out to the box office: 480-279-7194. 

Developers Seek Water Law Reform Amid Metro Phoenix Construction Limits

Developers in Arizona are seeking revisions to state water laws following the government's decision not to issue permits for new subdivisions in certain areas of metro Phoenix due to inadequate water supplies. The Home Builders Association of Central Arizona is urging lawmakers to amend the 1980 Groundwater Act and related laws, which they argue unfairly restrict construction in affordable areas and contribute to rising home prices. Spencer Kamps, the group’s executive director, advocates for "sensible modifications" to ease these restrictions without specifying the desired changes.

Governor Katie Hobbs, who is crucial for any law change, has been accused of enacting a moratorium, which her office denies, stating she is merely adhering to the 1980 law. Hobbs is open to working with stakeholders for a sustainable solution that doesn't compromise Arizona's future, particularly in "active management areas" with existing groundwater use limits. Meanwhile, development continues in regions served by municipal water companies presumed to have a 100-year water supply. Even in affected areas like Buckeye and Queen Creek, construction is ongoing on 80,000 lots with previously granted water supply certificates.

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LG's $5.5 Billion Battery Project Gains Queen Creek's Trade Zone Support

The Queen Creek Town Council recently cast a divided vote on LG Energy Solution’s application for a foreign trade zone (FTZ) designation, crucial for its upcoming electric battery factory. Council Member Leah Martineau, adhering to her fiscal conservative principles, was among the two dissenting voices in the 5-2 decision. The FTZ status, part of the agreement with South Korea-based LGES, is seen as a significant step in realizing the $5.5 billion investment for two facilities on 650 acres, promising 3,700 jobs at full operation.

The council's move aligns Queen Creek with LGES's pursuit of FTZ approval through Phoenix, outlining shared responsibilities and property tax reclassifications. The designation, a federal initiative from the 1990s to attract foreign business, offers numerous financial incentives, including duty exemptions, tax deferrals, and streamlined customs. For Arizona, specifically, an activated FTZ significantly lowers property tax assessment ratios for qualified companies, fostering economic growth through substantial property investments.

Illuminating the Valley: Discover the Top Holiday Light Spectacles This Season

The Valley transforms into a wonderland of lights during the holidays, with John Nelson's Queen Creek home being a standout with its 70,000 lights. While concerns about high electric bills from such displays exist, the use of energy-efficient LED lights minimizes the impact. The community is invited to experience the magic firsthand or through virtual showcases, as the Valley offers a range of festive lighting experiences from residential creativity to organized municipal and commercial displays.

  • Vertuccio Farms in Mesa transforms into "Arizona's largest walk-through synchronized Christmas light show" with 10 acres of lights set to Christmas music. The farm enhances the festive atmosphere with food, music, and a 4,000-square-foot synthetic ice-skating surface. Located at 4011 S. Power Road, "Lights at the Farms" invites guests to a unique holiday experience running through December 30.

  • Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek offers a Christmas wonderland with activities like a carousel, Santa visits, mini-golf, bonfires, and ice skating. The farm's light displays are best enjoyed on the Illumination Express Train. Located at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, the festive event runs through December 24.

  • The Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights is a long-standing holiday tradition, dazzling visitors with over 4 million lights, wildlife lanterns, and a 50-foot floating tree with synchronized lights. Located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway, the event, offering a blend of animal encounters and a holiday wonderland, runs until January 14.

  • Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Glendale Glitters lights up Downtown Glendale with festive decorations and holiday installations, including a giant snowman. The event, near 59th and Glendale avenues, offers a vibrant holiday experience running through January 1.

  • Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix hosts Las Noches de las Luminarias, offering luminaria-lit trails and holiday lights for a serene experience. This Southwest tradition involves candles in brown-paper bags, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The event at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway runs until December 30.

  • Christmas at The Princess at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort features a four-story musical tree, ice skating, Princess Express trains, and over 6.5 million Lagoon Lights. This winter wonderland at 7575 E. Princess Drive offers a festive experience through January 6.

  • Enchant Christmas at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale offers a large light maze, ice skating, and a Christmas Village with artisan shops and an Ice Bar for adults. This immersive holiday experience runs through December 31 at 7555 N. Pima Road.

  • Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza in Old Town Scottsdale offers free events, culinary demos, and family activities, plus art installations and an illuminated Christmas tree at the Scottsdale Waterfront. The festive event runs through December 31.

  • World of Illumination presents two themed drive-thru light displays: "Reindeer Road" in Glendale at Desert Diamond Casino and "Cosmic Sleighride" in Tempe at Diablo Stadium, both running through December 31.

Williams Field High getting new track

Williams Field High School is set for a major upgrade to its track and field facilities, with the Higley Unified Governing Board approving a $2.6 million contract for renovations. The project, planned since the start of the year, is in response to extensive use and safety concerns arising from the current field's condition. Over 700 student athletes regularly use this field, which has been in service since the school's 2007 opening and has seen significant achievements, including state football championships and record-breaking performances in track and field.

The renovation involves complete replacement of the field and track, addressing soil instability and leveling issues. The current synthetic turf, installed in 2015, has been found to severely lack shock absorption, posing a high risk of injury to athletes. The new turf, along with upgraded technology, promises improved safety and reduced maintenance costs. During construction, set to begin after the soccer season ends and finish by June 30 for the 2024-25 school year, the track team will temporarily relocate to Higley High School. The project is a significant investment in the school's athletic infrastructure, aiming to provide a safer, more efficient facility for students.

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