Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Whether in a canoe or kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, all offer a calm, serene way to enjoy boating - unless of course there are many power craft sharing the lake or a sudden storm makes an appearance. Then, the best advice is to hug the shoreline and quieter waters, or if in real danger, the obvious choice is to get out of the threatening weather. (Experts will always advise that you "know before you go"; in other words, check the weather reports before putting in.) September in Arizona is... Full story
September 2: Labor Day September 8: Grandparents' Day In February 1977, Senator Randolph, with the concurrence of many other senators, introduced a joint resolution to the senate requesting the president to "issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as 'National Grandparents' Day'." Congress passed the legislation ... September 11: Patriots' Day In the United States, Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year in memory of the... Full story
Wonderful scholarships are available for you. The VFW Auxiliary offers several scholarships, including: • Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Open to students in grades 9–12, including home-schooled students. The national first-place winner receives a $15,000 scholarship. The submission deadline for 2025 is March 31. • 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest Open to students in grades 9–12, including home-schooled students. The national first-place winner receives a $2,500 scholar... Full story
Cool, clear air. Sparkling stars on velvet sky. Heady fragrance of pine. Soft breeze. Gentle stream songs. Delicious aromas of brewing coffee, of sizzling bacon. Silence. Peace. Refreshment. These are some of the descriptors I could use as I remember my days of camping in Washington State and in Alberta, Canada. Mind you, I could also say "cold", "freezing", "chilling", but those would apply to late-season camping in the Northwest. Not here in the Southwest. In fact, generally that is one of... Full story
August 6: More Opportunities The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) once again will be offering hunting opportunities that will provide hunters with a chance to draw an additional elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and Gould's turkey permit-tag, while generating revenue to support wildlife conservation efforts across the state. The draw will close at 5 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Aug. 6. Applicants who are drawn for a limited-entry permit-tag will be contacted by the department (during... Full story
From bears to bison, from trout to turkeys, from fish to falcons, our Arizona wildlife is a plethora of precious beings who share our world. Arizona Game & Fish is a major guardian of this resource, assisted by various species-specific groups and caring individuals. The Wildlife for Tomorrow's Hall of Fame each year recognizes people and organizations who have significantly cared for the environment and those who inhabit it, our wildlife. We congratulate this year's inductees and thank them... Full story
JULY 1ST – JULY 7TH Downstream Events Calendar July 2024 Photo Courtesy dulcey-lima-as9sa7c81e4-unsplash Prescott Frontier Days® World's Oldest Rodeo® 840 Rodeo Drive, Prescott AZ Prescott, Arizona 86305 JULY 3RD Downstream Events Calendar July 2024 Photo Courtesy ray-hennessy-gdTxVSAE5sk-unsplash Fireworks at Lake Pleasant July 4TH 4th of July at Green Valley Park... Website
Salute 'Old Glory' George M. Cohen said it well in the song he composed: " You're a grand old flag; you're a high-flying flag, and forever in peace may you wave; you're the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave... " June 14 we are reminded of this on Flag Day and again on Independence Day, July 4. Even in disturbing times like these, there is hope that all that Old Glory has symbolized will prevail. In celebration of our nation's independence, the folks at Lake Pleasant H... Full story
June 1: Free Fishing Day When can you fish for free in Arizona? Arizona fishing licenses are not required when - fishing any public water on free fish ing day, which usually takes place on the first Saturday of National Fishing and Boating week. June 1-8: Star Party The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 1 through Saturday, June 8, 2024, on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. National Parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some... Website
We never tire of reminding boaters to wear their life jackets, ideally the entire time they are out on the water. PFDs are no longer bulky, unattractive, and ill-fitting. Now they are comfortable, come in many styles, even colors, and some of the kid's jackets are nothing short of "cute and fun to wear". If you are new to life-jacket shopping, check with the Coast Guard or its Auxiliary, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the National Safe Boating Council. Another good resource are the members... Full story
May-July 7 There Is A Bonus To Buying Raffle Tickets Early Conservation First USA is not only offering $10 raffle tickets for a chance to hunt big game, but the group also is entering you into monthly drawings to win BONUS PRIZES. Yes, you read that right! Do not miss this opportunity. Visit the website to buy your raffle tickets and learn more about the monthly bonus prize drawings. Raffle Details - Seven lucky individuals will win one of seven special big-game tags (bighorn sheep, elk, mule... Website
Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many volunteers place American flags on the graves of military... Full story
With the warmer temperatures and change of seasons, "a young man's (and woman's) fancy turns to thoughts [of fishing]". Throughout the Southwest the focus is on both fresh and salt water fishing. If you are in Arizona's high country, it's time for trout stockings; if you are in San Diego, the annual Day at the Docks celebrates the start of salt-water fishing. Whatever your preference, we wish you tight lines. And when you are on the water, salt or fresh, remember to think safety first. Our... Full story
Tour de Scottsdale APR 12TH – APR 13TH HOURS7:00am – 5:00pm ADMISSION$125 The Honor Health Tour de Scottsdale offers challenging and scenic courses that will undoubtedly push the limits of cyclists WestWorld Scottsdale 16601 N. Pima Rd Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 520-745-2033 Adventure Van Expo APR 13TH HOURS10:00am – 5:00 pm (saturday) 10:00am – 3:00pm (sunday) ADMISSION: $5 at the door TIME10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Open house vans, DIY contest, Live Music, Food trucks, Camping. Adventure Vans are the... Website
Not only does Daylight Saving Time begin this month, but so do many other great things. In the Valley of the Sun, fans' thoughts turn to diamonds, baseball that is, as Spring Training is underway. Wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts look forward to the annual Arizona Game and Fish Expo; the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Outdoor Expo will feature everything from wildlife exhibits and family fishing tanks and trying out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the range. Dates are March... Full story
March 21- May 4,11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Downstream Events Calendar March 2024 Photo Courtesy dev-leigh-__bngifbHWI-unsplash Raptors At The Rails By partnering with Phoenix's Liberty Wildlife the Verde Canyon Railroad provides visitors an opportunity for a close-up glimpse of raptors such as hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and eagles at the depot. Once or twice a month, Liberty volunteers will share several rescued educational animals, and fascinating information about each species, with passengers on... Website
Huzzah: New In 2024! We are thrilled to announce the following new and exciting additions for the upcoming 2024 Arizona Renaissance Festival season. Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, prepare to be captivated by the exquisite new additions awaiting your arrival. The Hops!! - New Pub Crawl Introducing "The Hops!!" - a brand new pub crawl at the Arizona Renaissance Festival! Whether you're a seasoned pub crawler or new to the experience this limited capacity, tickete... Full story
Here it is: already February of a new year that just got started "a day or so ago", didn't it? No, it was over a month ago, and 2024 is well underway. My how time flies, and it's easy to miss opportunities because they're often over even before we make our plans to participate. So, what's the bottom line here? Don't miss out. Ideas are plentiful: from Arizona Game & Fish, from 'Touch a Truck' at Lake Pleasant, from Margie Anderson, from Fearless Kitties in Fountain Hills, from the Arizona Ren Fa... Full story
February Feature During February, Fearless Kitties of Fountain Hills, Ariz., is seeking $10,000 in donations to try to get matching funds. Any amount is welcome and can be a gift in memory of either a loved one or even a beloved pet. At the rescue home, there is also a Giving Tree with ornaments for sale. There will also be a raffle. Fearless Kitty Rescue is known for saving kitties in need, its Continuing Care Program and is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) cat/kitten rescue group. More information is... Website
Each year, more than 4,000 high school students from across the country participate in the VFW Auxiliary's Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The contest began in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth. This contest comprises only two-dimensional entries. The 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest is exclusively for three-dimensional art pieces. Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest https://vfwauxiliary.org/wp-content/uploads/YACPAC-entry-form-... Full story
• More revelry at the Renaissance Festival, • More safety for drivers and elk, • More awards for positive outdoor activities and supporters, • More trout in community waters, • More places to explore, and • More focus on the Second Amendment. This issue celebrates the "newsy New Year" that is ahead of us. This month the Arizona Game & Fish Commission honors those individuals who have excelled in their support for wildlife and outdoor concerns. In February, the annual chance to step back in tim... Full story
January TBA Renovations at Roadrunner Pond in Phoenix should be finishing up and refilling is expected to occur sometime in January. Eldorado Pond in Scottsdale is still undergoing renovations with no specific completion date. Trout stocking has been underway since mid October for CFP waters in Prescott Valley, Payson, Show Low, and St. Johns. Jan. 6 POLAR BEAR DAY... Website
It's the season of giving. We have had suggestions for boaters, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts overall, and veterans. But, what about the other members of our "extended family" - our wonderful wildlife? Of course they cannot let us know what they need, but I think with some guidance from organizations such as the Arizona Game & Fish Department, Conservation First USA, and multiple other species-specific support groups, we can embrace some great gift ideas for our wildlife. Three examples come to... Full story
CAME CHRISTMAS During the night — velvet, dark and quiet, Beyond the river — silver, soft and deep, Above the trees — standing still and silent, In the sky — hushed and asleep, APPEARED A STAR. With a promise — bright and shining, For a world wrapped in fear, Into a moment shot with silver, To a place so far, yet near, CAME CHRISTMAS. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all! –by Carol L. Allen... Website
Lake Havasu State Park Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 4 p.m. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, because Lake Havasu State Park will again be offering free admission to the Windsor 4 event area for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights! The entrance gate from Paseo Del Sol will be open for free admission at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. Restrooms will be open for public use, and a limited number of picnic tables will be placed along the shoreline and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Propane... Full story