Anthem Days 2004

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March 2004
Anthem Days - Something for Everyone

The 5th Annual Anthem Days is scheduled for March 20-21 at the Anthem Community Park, and it promises to be bigger than ever.

As Anthem continues to grow in population, the Anthem Days special event is evolving as well. John Sefton, Manager, Parks and Recreation, relies on the partnership of dedicated staff, several community groups, and volunteers to pull together the high-caliber experience that the community has come to expect. "Our job is to plug groups into the event, and coordinate for safety and fun," says Sefton. "Del Webb has built an incredible community park. This event takes full advantage of the amenities to offer an outstanding family experience." By relying on the extended team outside of the Community Center, Sefton has worked to make the event self-supporting, while offering a memorable weekend for the community.

This year's event promises to have something for everyone. Kicking off the excitement at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, the traditional Anthem Days 5k run just hasn't been enough . so a loop has been added to make a 10k option! Special thanks go out to Cameo Cleaners for their support of the running events. The Titan Pest Control Kid's Dash lets the little guys burn off some of the early morning energy.

Shoppers will enjoy the Magic Bird Arts & Craft Festival. The Anthem Business Fair provides an excellent opportunity to find that unique art piece or necessary home service. Many of the businesses at the Fair are looking for an opportunity to give away samples and services, and to meet their Anthem neighbors. The Business Network @ Anthem will be on hand to take DNA samples for your children - an important child-identity tool to keep in case you need it. The GFWC Anthem Women's Group will be selling bricks to benefit the North Valley Regional Library.

The Arizona Free Flyers Kite Fest has been a standard attraction for the past three years and will again provide the sky flying decorations. In addition, the Hot Air Balloon Company will be on hand to offer a "higher" perspective of Anthem's beautiful park.

Other event activities include the National YoYo Team exhibitions and teaching sessions, pony and carriage rides and a western town by the Arizona Ranch Experience, KidZone Inflatable Attractions, wildlife displays, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team and Canine Division, Ben Avery's Gun Safety Training Trailer,a performance by the Anthem Community Chorus, a Talent Show, and family fun activities sponsored by the Preferred Businesses of Anthem. Daisy Mountain Fire District will sponsor a Bike Rodeo on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. for young bike riders - don't forget the helmet!

Hungry yet? The Food Court at Anthem Days will be offering an international variety of tasty cuisine to meet every hungry event-goer. Community sponsored Pepsi products will certainly quench the afternoon thirst.

You won't be able to miss the Frazier Carnival Shows, moving into the park with roller coasters and other stomach-lurching rides, on Thursday, March 18th. Frazier is offering unlimited rides on Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. for $18.00. Present your Anthem Community I.D. Card for a $4.00 discount during these times only.

High Desert Little League will hold Season Opening Ceremonies, featuring games and fun for players and families alike. HDLL will sponsor the Wilson Sport Trailer to be on hand with a pitching machine and the latest sporting equipment on display. Games are scheduled to start after 3:00 p.m.

One of the most exciting new additions to this year's event according to Sefton is the Anthem Auto Pageant. The GFWC Anthem Women's Group is sponsoring the inaugural auto show featuring 'Retro' automobiles from all over the valley. Kristine Koschke, publicity director for the group says that response from car enthusiasts has been good. "The excitement over this event is so incredible and amazing," she says. "It's also a good opportunity for the public to take a look at these different cars." There will be 16 different classes that will compete in the show. Proceeds from the event will go to the GFWC philanthropic fund.

Parking for Anthem Days will be located in the dirt lot at the south end of the Community Park, accessible from Whitman Drive or the lower park entrance off of Gavilan Peak Parkway . Sefton asks that those who can walk or ride a bike to the event please try to do so. "We'd really like to avoid that 'after the concert' parking scenario."The Anthem Posse and MCSO Deputies will be on hand to facilitate the flow of traffic and provide a safe environment, and Daisy Mountain Fire will be onsite for first-aid.

This year's Anthem Days is made possible by sponsorships from Bell Lexus/Bell Ford, as presenting sponsors;and Landmark Home Inspection, Titan Pest Control, Tobias' Automotive, Excel Water, John C. Lincoln Health Centers, Cameo Cleaners, Hampton Inn, Qwest, Big Apple Bagels and the Outlets at Anthem as support sponsors. Each will have space on "Sponsors Row" in the Business Fair.

Onsite maps and event schedules will be available at information booths and the Community Center.For more information and general questions, call the Anthem Community Center front desk at 623-879-3011.