Join DRAFT Magazine at this historic event and sample from among the biggest collection of beers collected under one tent in Arizona history, as over 75 of your favorite local, national and international breweries pour hundreds of different beers for your tasting pleasure!
The Big Pour festival comes to Hohokam Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Mesa, the spring training facility of the Chicago Cubs. Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, The Big Pour will feature over 75 local, regional, national and international breweries – plus a wide range of educational and recreational components. These include live music, entertainment pavilions with pool, darts, foosball and ping pong, an “Ask the Brewer” area, and displays on home brewing, beer history and culture. Join a lot of your friends in sampling 100+ brands of beer.
The Big Pour features two sessions: 12pm - 4pm & 5pm - 9pm. General Admission is $35.00, VIP is $50.00, Super VIP is $75.00 and the Designated Driver is $15.00. It appears the Super VIP is the best deal which includes all the food and beer. The Super VIP Lounge, also located on the concourse level, which will feature a Mexican buffet for which there is no charge. Plus an invitation to the Brewers Bash on Friday Night, November 21.
Proceeds from The Big Pour benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.
If you are traveling from out town or just want to enjoy the weekend, here are some hotels near the Stadium for your convenience:
Best Western Dobson Ranch
Official Site
1666 S. Dobson Road
Mesa, AZ 85202-5699
Tel: 1-480-831-7000
Best Western Mezona Inn
Official Site
250 West Main Street
Mesa, Arizona, 85201
Tel: 1-800-528-8299
Fax : 1-480-844-7920
Hilton Phoenix East Mesa
Official Site
1011 West Holmes Avenue
Mesa, Arizona
Tel: 1-480-833-5555
Fax: 1-480-649-1886
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Official Site
Phoenix-Mesa/Chandler
1600 S. Country Club Drive
Mesa, AZ 85210 United States
Tel: 1-800-315-2605
Marriot Phoenix, Mesa
Official Site
200 N Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
Tel: 1-480-898-8300
With the holiday weekend ahead of us there is bound to be Halloween parties all weekend. Not to mention little ones hitting the streets begging for candy from door to door on Friday evening. With that said, safety this weekend is definitely a high priority.
As for the weekend Freeway Restrictions in the Phoenix Valley you might want to just simply keep the car parked all the way around! Depending on your Halloween travel requirements - you may want to consider that as a scary hot tip for this weekend . . . because the way it looks- it’s simply not safe for a ghoul or goblin out there!
Remembering the areas affected by the new installation of DPS speed enforcement cameras . . . after these are installed and working, I bet a number of us will wish that we could disappear like a ghost! The following areas are targeted for this weekend, so you will need to find alternative routes for these affected areas (closures range from 10 pm Friday to Sunday at 5 am):
- Northbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) closed between Glendale and Northern Avenues
- Southbound 1-17 closed between the I-10 “Stack” and 24th Street
- Eastbound I-10 closed between 59th and 19th avenues
In addition, ADOT road closures will pop up in other areas of the valley as well. This witches brew of construction activity includes closing a section of Northbound Loop 101 between Warner Road and Southern Avenue throughout the weekend for carpool lane construction and closing Westbound I-10 between State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) and I-10/I-17 “Split” from midnight to 7 a.m. Saturday.
Image via Wikipedia
Now the work in the other affected areas of the valley will result in the “watch out/slow down” lane restriction variety (narrowing the freeway to one or two lanes), however, in most cases the restrictions will last throughout the weekend. Areas affected include (see map or details below for exact areas):
- I-10 (Westside of town near Dysart Road)
- Southbound Loop 101 (Scottsdale area/Loop 202)
- State Route 51 (North side of town near Greenway)
- US 60 (Tempe near I-10)
As you can tell, many areas will be under some type of closure and/or lane restrictions this weekend. Your options might be better if you fire up your broom and take it for a spin and avoid the street traffic, but if you must. . . check out the best possible route beforehand and identify alternatives routes as well, just in case. As always, buckle up and drive safely! Have a Happy Halloween too!
Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (Oct. 31-Nov. 3)
PHOENIX —Several projects to add new lanes and make other improvements along Phoenix area freeways will require closures or lane restrictions this weekend (Oct. 31-Nov. 3). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers use alternate routes and allow extra travel time.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has recently begun a project to install speed-enforcement cameras on freeways around metro Phoenix . While the Arizona Department of Transportation does not operate this program, ADOT is working with DPS to create safe work zones while crews install the cameras.
To facilitate the safe work zones, occasional restrictions and closures may be necessary to install the camera hardware on freeway shoulders, and to embed sensors into the freeway pavement. ADOT will make every effort to keep the public informed when these installation activities affect freeway traffic.
The following closures and restrictions are for freeway construction work:
- Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Warner Road and Southern Avenue from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Nov. 3) for carpool lane construction. US 60 ramps to northbound Loop 101 also closed. DETOUR: Northbound traffic will detour along frontage road.
- Westbound I-10 closed between State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) and I-10/I-17 “Split” from midnight to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1) for freeway maintenance. DETOUR: I-10 traffic can use northbound SR 143 to westbound Loop 202 to reach I-10.
- US 60 (Superstition Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between I-10 and McClintock Drive for start of widening project. Eastbound US 60 narrowed from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). Westbound US 60 narrowed from 11 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 2). DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.
- State Route 51 narrowed to two lanes between Greenway Road and Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) for carpool lane construction. Northbound SR 51 narrowed from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). Southbound SR 51 narrowed from 10 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 2). Westbound Loop 101 ramp to southbound SR 51 also closed during Saturday night restriction. DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone.
- Southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to two lanes between Via De Ventura and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Nov. 3) for lane striping. DETOUR: Please slow down and merge safely in the work zone.
- I-10 narrowed to one lane in each direction between Dysart Road and Avondale Boulevard from 9 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday (Nov. 3) for freeway widening work. DETOUR: Please slow down and merge safely in the work zone.
The following closures are for DPS photo enforcement camera installation this weekend:
- Northbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) closed between Glendale and Northern avenues from 11 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). DETOUR: Traffic will exit at Glendale Avenue and take 91st or 99th avenues north to Northern Avenue .
- Southbound 1-17 closed between the I-10 “Stack” and 24th Street from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 1). DETOUR: I-17 traffic can detour on eastbound I-10 through the Deck Park Tunnel.
- Eastbound I-10 closed between 59th and 19th avenues from 10 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 2). DETOUR: Traffic can detour south to Buckeye Road to 19th Avenue to reconnect with I-10.
For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is coordinating freeway improvements throughout the Phoenix area. These projects, including new freeways, additional lanes and interchanges, quiet rubberized asphalt, new landscaping and more, are included in the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County . More than $15 billion in comprehensive, diverse transportation improvements are funded in the plan through a voter-approved sales tax. More information about ADOT’s work as part of the Regional Transportation Plan is available at www.ValleyFreeways.com.
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DPS has rolled out mobile cameras throughout Arizona, and they’re now starting to put up stationary cameras too.
The first nine DPS Photo Radar cameras will be up and running by October 22nd (they’re starred below). The other locations will follow.
When finished, there will be a total of 60 stationary cameras and 40 mobile ones throughout Arizona. If you get a ticket for going 10 miles over the speed limit, you’ll pay $181. Drive slow or you’ll pay for it.
Interstate 10**Eastbound, I-10, 287th Ave. |
State Route - 51Southbound, SR-51, Thomas Road State Route - 101**Southbound, SR-101, McDowell Rd Southbound, SR-101, Olive** Eastbound, SR-101, 75th Ave |
US 60Westbound, US-60, Alma School |
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**Starred camera locations will be set up and taking pictures starting between October 17th and 22nd
The search for the perfect pumpkin will be at The Great Pumpkin Festival on October 24 - 26, 2008. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s very own pumpkin patch, where each day children aged 12 and under can choose their own free pumpkin. Children also can enjoy face painting, the Amazing Bale Maze, balloon artistry, pumpkin decorating and carving demonstrations.
The Great Pumpkin Festival schedule and details is as follows:
Friday / October 24 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday / October 25 & 26 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$12 Non-Member Adult
$6 Non-Member Child (ages 3-12)
$2 Member Adult
$2 Member Child (ages 3-12)
Children Under 3 - Free
Price includes Garden admission, hay ride, and festival activities.
The perfect pumpkin is waiting for you at the Desert Botanical Garden. Take a hay ride out to the Garden’s pumpkin patch, where each day children 12 and under can choose their own free pumpkin. Get lost in the Amazing Hay Bale Maze, visit with friendly animals in the Petting Zoo, enjoy lively Country and Western entertainment, and much more!
The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoenix, Arizona, near the cities of Scottsdale and Tempe, on 145 acres in the midst of the red rock buttes of Papago Park at 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85008.
Picking your own pumpkins for Halloween decorations and cooking is an October tradition just about everywhere in the United States. Arizona is no different, and there are several places you can go to enjoy picking your pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. Here is a small list of local Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and Halloween activities in Maricopa County:
- Crooked Sky Farms - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field,
5835 N 83rd Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85303. Several fields in Arizona based in, Glendale, AZ 85303. Directions: (SE corner of N. 83rd Ave. and Bethany Home Rd.) Crops are usually available in October. Open: check website for hours. Free admission. Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales, produce, photo-boards, pumpkin-o-meter. - Fun Farm Corn Maze - Haunted corn maze 2209 North 99th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.
- MacDonald’s Ranch - hayrides, horse rides, and Pumpkin festival in October and early November. Located in the tranquil Sonoran Desert of Scottsdale, Arizona, MacDonalds Ranch offers activities for small parties, large conventions or corporate gatherings. Choose from Guided Horseback Trailrides, Hayrides, early morning, mid-day, or evening Cowboy Cookouts, and many varieties of Entertainment. Just minutes from most Valley resorts, hotels and airports. Located at 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255.
- Brooke’s Pumpkin Patch at Mother Nature’s Farm- Pumpkin patch, hay rides, school tours, animals, picnic area, and corn maze. Located on Baseline between Stapley and Gilbert Rds. 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233. Phone: (480) 892-5874. U-pick peaches and apples in May and June. Call ahead for hours.
- Pumpkin Patch At Kiwanis Park - pumpkins, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, child-sized hay bale maze,
111 West Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283. Phone: 623-521-8894. Open: Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 8pm. Also open weekdays by reservation for groups/schools. Farm-grown pumpkins, a bounce house, ghoulish games for the kids and our unique multi passenger cycles, paddle boats and kayaks available to rent. If you get hungry, food will be only steps away, including candy apples and ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth, juicy cheeseburgers, hot dogs and refreshing drinks to wash it all down! Guaranteed fun for the whole group!. - Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party - Pumpkins, hay rides, pumpkin decorating, make your own scarecrow, live music, bonfire. Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party. Check at Fry’s for discounted tickets. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from October 2 though November 2. Schnepf Farms is located at 22601 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek, Arizona 85242. Call for exact dates Phone: 480 987 3100
- Superstition Farm - straw or hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 3440 S. Hawes Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212. Phone: 480 986 7781.
- Tolmachoff Farms - pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, the pumpkin patch is already gathered from the field, train rides, corn maze, haunted corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, corn cannon, pre-picked produce, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze opens October 1, 2008; The corn Maze will close November 23, 2008; 5726 N. 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85303. Phone: 623-386-1301.
- Vertuccio Farms - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, train rides, 10-acre corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals and located at 4011 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212. Phone: 480-650-6611. Corn Maze/Pumpkin Patch is open from October 5th through Nov. 5th, 2008.
- Maze Farm Search - Search all over the US for maze farms for taking the family out for some October fun!
Pumpkin scrapbook graphic compliments of my very talented sister in-law & beautiful niece and nephews! copyright2007- JHaltom
GILBERT’S COSMO DOG PARK located near Ray Rd. and San Tan Loop 202 is a great place to take your loyal fido’s and family! Its original July 2006 opening drew an estimated 6,000 people and 1,500 dogs.
I frequent Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert often with “Bella” our little long haired Chihuahua/Pekinese mix and "Taco" our long haired Chihuahua. We get there pretty easy from our neighborhood, Greenfield Lakes. The park has closed back in July 2007 for renovations and repairs due to the high traffic and volume of users that caused need for replacement of bald grassy areas and in some areas more desirable expansion such as the lake shore line.
…2007 "outstanding dog- and owner-friendly features"
Fancy Dog Magazine
best dog park…
The changes last year allowed for a bigger beach near the man made lake for the dogs and dog owners to wade and more commemorative bricks dedicated to pets. There was also a newly fenced area added for disabled, older and the more timid dogs on the north end of the park. Be sure to check out my previous Blog, Gilbert Cosmo Dog Park to Re-Open Soon with more details about the “best dog park” in the country!
Fancy Dog Magazine awarded Gilbert’s Cosmo Dog Park with "best all-round dog park” in 2007 for it’s “outstanding dog- and owner-friendly features”. Not surprising since Money Magazine ranked Gilbert, Arizona as one of the top 100 best cities to live’. So if you are a dog lover and have a desire to live in the southwest, you just might want to call Gilbert, Arizona home.
Check out our slideshow taken from a previous trip! My little “Bella” feels a little more secure on top of one of the tables since we don’t use the more timid park area and while we co-mingled with the bigger dogs. "Taco" however is a terror in the park, he believes he is a BIG dawg!!
One dog-owner shared with me that he came all the way from Queen Creek to let his boxer run since this was the closest dog park for him. Another coupled showed up and let their little “Maddie” come check out the facilities and said this was their “first time” and heard about it from a friend. The word is out and seems everyone has heard about Cosmo Dog Park, I guess it’s time to let the dogs out!
Other amenities at Cosmo Park for the non-dog lovers you can find one large group ramada and three picnic ramadas for BBQ’s that are located throughout the park. You can also enjoy the lighted basketball court, playground equipment, and bleachers for outdoor events. The Town of Gilbert will also rent for private or company functions. For more information be sure to contact Community Services customer service at 480 503-6200 for additional information as needed.
If you love dogs, you’ll love the BARKtoberfest this Saturday, October 10th, 2008
This weekend in the Valley of the Sun there aren’t much traffic restrictions to report. With Christopher Columbus Day upon us, it appears to be smooth sailing! I know, I know . . . many of you are clearly disappointed!
For those of you who are actually happy about the news - and want the details, let me see if I can break this down for you - I 17 and Loop 101 - bad! Actually, it’s just the 101 ramps at the 1 17 that will be closed from midnight tonight until 7:00 am on Sunday (use 19th and 35th Ave as detours).
This ADOT report is almost complete, except for one additional speed bump . . . northbound I 17 will be narrowed to one lane between Rose Garden and Pinnacle Peak. So, if you are trying to go north out of town, well, it may be a little trying. However, other than that . . . if you happen to get caught up in a traffic jam this particular weekend, it won’t be ADOT’s doing!
So if you were thinking about taking a leisurely drive to soak up the desert scenery, go right ahead - THIS IS THE WEEKEND to do it! May I suggest that while you are warming the car up this weekend, that we take a moment to thank ADOT for leaving most of our roads intact for the next couple of days (oh yes, and Christopher Columbus too - big day for the old explorer this coming Monday) - then get behind the wheel, buckle up, plan ahead, & please everyone - drive safely.
As always, if there is any assistance that you need - don’t hesitate to give me a call
Good news for drivers: Light weekend for construction work
PHOENIX —After several busy weekends of Valley freeway projects, drivers will get a break this weekend with only two scheduled overnight restrictions. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) urges everyone to buckle up, drive safely and slow down through construction zones.
- Northbound I-17 narrowed to one lane overnight between Rose Garden Lane and Pinnacle Peak Road from midnight to 7 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 12) for freeway widening. DETOUR: Please slow down and merge safely in the work zone.
- Both Loop 101 ramps to northbound I-17 closed overnight from midnight to 7 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 12) for freeway widening. DETOUR: Drivers should use 19th and 35th avenues as alternate routes.
Valley drivers can now use new carpool lanes that opened this week along State Route 51. The northbound HOV lane runs between Shea Boulevard and Greenway Road , while the southbound HOV lane runs between Bell Road and Shea Boulevard . The project that extends the HOV lanes north to Loop 101 will be complete later this fall.
During weekday morning and afternoon rush hour periods, carpool lanes can be used by buses, motorcycles, approved alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles, or vehicles carrying two or more people. The weekday rush hour times are 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. The carpool lanes are open to all vehicles at all other times, including weekends.
For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is coordinating freeway improvements throughout the Phoenix area. These projects, including new freeways, additional lanes and interchanges, quiet rubberized asphalt, new landscaping and more, are included in the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County . More than $15 billion in comprehensive, diverse transportation improvements are funded in the plan through a voter-approved sales tax. More information about ADOT’s work as part of the Regional Transportation Plan is available at www.ValleyFreeways.com.
Arizona weather is changing and the warmest summer heat is behind us, and the Phoenix Fall Festival lineup has begun. If you enjoy corn dogs, cotton candy, grilled corn on the cob and Indian fried bread then you will most likely be a patron of the Arizona State Fair! The gates finally open this Friday, October 10th. The Arizona State Fair will open this year on October 10, 2008 and continue through November 2, 2008 (closed Mondays). It’s almost time for rides, food, livestock, exhibit halls, and concerts!
The 2008 Arizona State Fair will mark the 124th year of tradition that spans three centuries. It was 124 years ago that Arizonan came together to show off their best livestock and share their agricultural accomplishments. Arizona wasn’t even a state 124 years ago.
"In November of 1884, a group of citizens in the territory of Arizona wanted to organize an event with the family in mind. The very first Arizona Territorial Fair was held in Phoenix in late fall, near the Salt River west of Central Avenue. Fairgoers of the day were treated to horse, pony, and mule races along with exhibits including agriculture, home economics, and dairy and beef cattle. Fairs were held here annually until 1891, when the untamed Salt River flooded and destroyed the site’s buildings and racetrack.
Reviving the Fair became the mission of a citizens’ group which formed the Arizona Territorial Fair Association in 1905. Financed by its members, the group led by hotelier J.C. Adams purchased the present location for $9,200.
The Association immediately developed the property, adding two racetracks, a grandstand, and a wooden fence around the grounds.
To aid the Association with their 80-acre development, the Territory of Arizona created a Fair Commission. With a legislative appropriation of $22,500, the Commission constructed two buildings on the property.
After renting the property from the Fair Association for $10 a year, the Fair Commission purchased the property in 1909 for $30,000. With statehood granted in 1912, the State Fair Commission continued the work of the Territorial Fair Commission in presenting the annual Fair. With the exceptions of 1921 (cotton crop failure), 1934 to 1939 (Depression era), and 1943 to 1945 (World War II), the Fair has been presented yearly.
The 2008 Arizona State Fair preserves the best of the Fair’s traditions, while moving forward with 21st century innovations in technologies for education and entertainment. This year’s Fair marks the 63rd consecutive time Arizonans have celebrated with an annual State Fair."
Don’t miss out on all the fun at the Arizona State Fair. There are many new and returning attractions at the 2008 Arizona State Fair. If you are a ride fanatic, check out the great ride deals before you make your trip.
2008 will be equally as good and no different. Be sure to check out the concert schedule — Goo Goo Dolls, Larry the Cable Guy, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, Blake Shelton and more, all free with your Fair admission. Reserved Seating is available through ticketmaster. Coliseum seating chart.
For more information parking, directions, and more, and discounts be sure to check out the the Arizona State Fair web site at www.AZStateFair.com
BARKtoberfest is a party in the park October 11, 2008 for adults and children to celebrate the relationships we share with our most loyal of friends—DOGS! BARKtoberfest is sponsored by the Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit, no kill animal shelter. The Town of Gilbert, one of the sponsors for the annual BARKtoberfest from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm will be held at the Gilbert Civic Center in Gilbert.
Local Gilbert residents, and others from all over the valley are invited for free to bring their pooches for a day of fun in the sun. There will be shopping, live entertainment, dog wash, DOGvinci (where your dog is turned into an artist), dog adoptions, raffle, contests (costume,look-a-like, best trick, etc.), and more will keep both people & pooches entertained. Funds raised from this event aid in saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats in our community. Admission is FREE but some activities may require a donation to participate! BARKtoberfest downloadable flyer here.
| Schedule of Events:
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM: 10:00 AM: 11:00 AM: Noon: 1:00 PM: 2:00 PM: 2:30 PM: |
Last year I attended my first BARKtoberfest and we adopted my little guy, ‘Taco‘ there! He has now been apart of our family a year and we have adapted really well. Outside of his puppy chewing issues, we adore him! He has a fun personality and I can’t imagine him not with us!
Last year I was in awe at how many different breeds in attendance and some I had no idea that existed! You will see unique breeds for sure! Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend the day dog-watching.
Please remember that all dogs must be leashed and aggressive ones should be muzzled. There are bags available to clean up after your dog and a Frisbee or two is always around for a toss.
I recommend getting there early as it still gets very hot by noon in October. Bring plenty of your own water for you and your pet. Feed your dog before attending–it keeps them from eating all the treats that are available, preventing that awful upset tummy he might get later. (And we all know how awful that is to clean up)
The event is held at a the Gilbert Town Center located at 50 E. Civic Center Drive in Gilbert on Saturday, October 11th, 2008 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. See you there!
Other Phoenix Fall Festivals of events lineup
Well, let’s see - It appears that as the valley’s triple digit heat index begins to dwindle . . . so does the number of ADOT project areas on our local roadways!
Closures you ask? There are only two this weekend - and are confined to SR 51 Southbound near the 101 and I 17, both north and southbound between, Dunlap Ave and Thunderbird Road. So simply plan ahead for a little detour and you should be fine!
The impact of the remainder of work will result in narrowing of lanes out in the west side of town on the I 10 (street details below/or on the attached map), so you may need to slow down or may experience some delays - depending on traffic volume. The good news is the the road is still open for use.
So another weekend in the Valley of the Sun is here. If business is in your travel plans this weekend - or you just would like to escape to the pines - please plan ahead, buckle up and drive carefully! Have a wonderful weekend no matter what you do!
Weekend freeway restrictions in Phoenix area
(Oct. 3-6); watch for I-17, SR 51 closures
PHOENIX – Drivers in the Phoenix area are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use alternate routes this weekend if their travel plans include some stretches of State Route 51 and Interstates 10 and 17. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) says freeway improvement projects will require closures or lane restrictions in the following locations:
- Southbound State Route 51 closed between Loop 101 and Shea Boulevard from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Oct. 6) for carpool lane construction. Loop 101 ramps to southbound SR 51 also closed. DETOUR: Use Cave Creek Road and Tatum Boulevard as alternate southbound routes. The southbound SR 51 on-ramp at Shea Boulevard will be open.
- Northbound Interstate 17 closed between Dunlap Avenue and Thunderbird Road from 9 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 4) for pavement improvements. Southbound Interstate 17 closed between Thunderbird Road and Dunlap Avenue from 9 p.m. Saturday to 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 5) for pavement improvements. DETOUR: Exit ahead of closure and use 19th or 35th avenues as alternate routes.
- Westbound Interstate 10 narrowed to one lane overnight between 91st and 99th avenues from 11 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 4) for widening project. DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in work zone.
- Eastbound Interstate 10 narrowed to one lane overnight between 107th and 99th avenues from 11 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 5) for widening project. DETOUR: Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in work zone.
For a complete listing of highway and freeway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is coordinating freeway improvements throughout the Phoenix area. These projects, including new freeways, additional lanes and interchanges, quiet rubberized asphalt, new landscaping and more, are included in the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County . More than $15 billion in comprehensive, diverse transportation improvements are funded in the plan through a voter-approved sales tax. More information about ADOT’s work as part of the Regional Transportation Plan is available at www.ValleyFreeways.com.
My local Gilbert Ace Hardware store located at 870 E. WILLIAMS FIELD RD. is just one of the local valley wide Ace Hardware stores to host a free winter grass clinic on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Ace Hardware was recently ranked, for the second consecutive year the “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Major Home Improvement Retail Stores” by J.D. Power and Associates in its inaugural study of the retail home improvement industry.
If you are new to Arizona and want to learn the ‘how-to’s’ of Arizona winter lawns and need step by step instructions, perhaps this free winter grass clinic was designed especially with you mind.
Mid September through 2nd week of October is the preferred time in metro Phoenix to begin the process of overseeding your lawns. The experts at Ace Hardware are offering a free class and will provide step-by-step tips on overseeding and lawn care solutions for the winter months.
I called my local Gilbert Ace Hardware store to confirm that they are participating and they told me that they were. I recommend you call your neighborhood Ace store to make sure they are.
I’ve noticed around town, especially on the Arizona golf courses, and Greenfield Lakes Golf Community where I live has started the overseeding process. John Arterburn, owner of Pinnacle Peak Ace Hardware offers a tip about the importance of preparation of your lawn care,
“In order to grow a successful lawn in a warm climate, it’s important to begin preparation for overseeding when evening temperatures drops to 64 degrees. At that point, the grass will become dormant and the rye grass won’t have to compete with the summer lawn,” said John Arterburn, owner of Pinnacle Peak Ace Hardware. “There are several different seed options available, including new hybrid alternatives, which grow faster and require less water than the average perennial seed.”
For me, overseeding is not an issue any longer as my desire is a low-maintenance landscape, however over the years I know the investment not only in cost but importance of timing that is crucial to getting your lawns in order for winter grass.
It’s important to know your plan of attack when preparing your winter lawns. Bermuda grass should be scalped nearly to bare soil with lawn mower and then rye grass seed to be spread on top of the soil and you must then water frequently to keep it moist and promote germination. If the seeds are allowed to dry out even slightly, they die. Watering several times per day for a few minutes each time. The biggest job is removing all the old clippings before you overseed. This is important because the seeds need good soil/seed contact. Mow the lawn gradually lower with a bagging attachment and then go after carefully and pickup what you can. If you can find an equipment rental stores which rent dethatchers (vertical mowers) you can set it at a low (shallow) setting and run over the lawn several times in each direction. Besides re-moving the thatch (which must be raked and bagged) you accomplish the task of scarifying the soil (preparing it for the seeds, and ensuring good soil/seed contact). Another tip to remember is to not fertilize the lawn until the annual rye is well established (3 weeks).
Taking the time to stop by your neighborhood Ace Hardware might prove well worth your time Saturday morning to get you started in the right direction.
If you are looking for some landscaping experts and would rather hire someone to tend your lawns then you can contact Lalo Guzman with Guzman Landscaping in Phoenix valley at 602-434-7524. Guzman Landscaping does a fantastic job with trimming trees and lawn maintenance. Guzman has over ten years of experience with all types of landscaping and also works with flagstone, pavers, BBQ build outs, concrete, block walls and more.
