28 JULY 2018 By Mallory Gleich Cities in the Valley are painting themselves red, white and blue in honor of the Fourth of July. There are endless choices of where to celebrate Independence Day, and if you don’t feel like traveling, have no fear, for the Arcadia Fourth of July parade is here. The Arcadia parade started back in 1997 when neighbors Bud Kaatz and Johanna Boslin decided to plant American flags in their neighbors’ front yards. “They looked around the neighborhood and thought ‘wouldn’t a parade be nice?’” said Kevin Riley, who has been on the parade committee for several years. The parade started small, with just a few people donning red, white and blue and walking the neighborhood. From there, it grew to wagons, pets, a color guard, floats, a fire engine, and cars. The parade committee is comprised of Riley, Barry Paceley and Emily Whitwell. They are in charge of coordinating the media and the fire department as well as local businesses who participate in the event. The parade attracts around 250-300 people a year. “We kick off the parade with the National Anthem and even have coverage on local television stations,” said Riley. “Usually Cory McCloskey (FOX 10) shows up, and either April Warnecke or Kim Quintero from Channel 3.” The parade route starts at Calle Tuberia and Jokake and heads west for two blocks to 58th Street. From there, the route goes south to Calle del Paisano, to 60th and 62nd Street, and the north back to the starting point. The route is around a square mile. There are also awards for Best Pet, Best Float, Most Patriotic and other categories. “Sometimes we have families that dress up as something or someone colonial, like the founding fathers or Ben Franklin,” Whitwell said. “The kids always get really creative decorating their bikes!” Local businesses also get involved, setting up tables and handing out snacks and drinks. Chick-fil-A hands out lemonade and Pie Snob Bakery brings pies for an after-the-parade pie eating contest. Title Boxing brings out a set of gloves to let kids try their hand at hitting a punching bag. “I have always said that Arcadia is a small town in a big city, and that can’t be any truer than at an event like this one,” Whitwell said. “It’s great to see all the neighbors come together and catch up and participate in the parade.” Following the parade, there is also a potluck at Calle Tuberia and Jokake where residents supply treats for parade-goers. Then, the Fire Department hooks the engine up to the fire hydrant and provides a shower with the fire hose to keep patrons cool. “Everyone anticipates the parade. It’s a high point during the year for the neighborhood,” Riley said. “It really shows Arcadia’s community spirit.” For more: arcadiaparade.com. Arcadia’s Fourth of July parade hits the streets DATE - July 4th Rain or Shine REGISTRATION - 7:30 a.m. PARADE START - 8:00 a.m. END - 9:00 a.m. STARTING LOCATION: 60th Street & Calle Tuberia; Note that 60th Street is also “Jokake.” E Calle Tuberia E Calle Tuberia E Lafayette Blvd E Calle Rosa N 58th St N 59th Pl N Jokake Rd N 61st St N 60th Pl E Calle Del Paisano E Indian School Rd Arizona Canal Trail N 62nd St ★ ★ ★ ARCADIA PARADE ROUTE ★ ★ ★ Insurance products and services offered by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company or one of its affiliates. Registered Representatives offer securities through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representatives offer advisory services through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. AFN42811 Art Mier Arcadia/Biltmore 602-265-8223, ext 240 art.mier@mutualofomaha.com Insurance. Retirement. Investments. Insure Your Possibilities ®

29 JULY 2018 By Megan Forrester Sweets possess a magical power. Indulging in them can transport us anywhere from the first bite. The Valley heat may be here to stay for a while, but devouring treats in the delight of these six local spots may tame the sizzle of the Valley for at least a moment. Sweet Republic, Nami, Frost Gelato, The Baked Bear, AZ Pops and the Water Connection all offer unique treats that are sure to bring a smile to any Phoenician during these dreaded summer months. Ice cream has always been a staple, but today it’s so much more than just a simple scoop of vanilla. At Sweet Republic, there are more than 24 flavors of award-winning ice cream to choose from, such as Peaberry Espresso and Blue Cheese & Date. Ice cream has also evolved at Nami, where organic ingredients and environmental consciousness have led to a masterful vegan ice cream treat named the tSoynami. Made in more than 18 flavors such as the DOHboy and Coffee Coco Loco, each tSoynami is served in a biodegradable cup and shows the progression of ice cream just gets sweeter and sweeter. Ready to take on the ice cream sandwich experience? Head over to The Baked Bear, where the mission is to bring a smile to every customer’s face with inventive ice cream sandwiches. By offering a selection of cookies, donuts or brownies along with the ice cream sandwiched between them, The Baked Bear allows each visitor to find the perfect combination with an Instagram- worthy touch. The Valley may not seem glamorous this summer, but that doesn’t mean your taste buds cannot ravish in some luxury. At Frost Gelato, the gelato is hand-crafted in Phoenix with ingredients directly imported from Italy, which means an eight-hour plane ride is not necessary for a taste of Europe. With more than 60 flavors of gelato and 25 flavors of sorbet, Frost Gelato is the perfect getaway for anyone with an experienced sweet tooth. Seeking frozen treats? AZ Pops provides 46 flavors of popsicles made with all-natural ingredients and no artificial flavorings or preservatives. Also, the Water Connection’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is made from purified ice that is finely shaved and combined with homemade syrups. Share some of your favorite spots for cool treats on our Facebook page: /ArcadiaNews. Cool treats to tame the sweltering summer months Sweet Republic serves an assortment of handcrafted ice cream. FOR MORE: sweetrepublic.com tsoynami.com frostgelato.com thebakedbear.com azpops.com waterconnectionaz.com Anna McDowell-Isaacson 602-526-1213 AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com ABR, CRS, GRI Anna McDowell-Isaacson Anna McDowell-Isaacson 602-526-1213 602-526-1213 AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com ABR, CRS, GRI Anna McDowell-Isaacson Anna McDowell-Isaacson AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com Spectacular historic restored classic adobe compound with detached guest house and bonus/game rooms on stunning 3/4 acre grounds. SALE PENDING Wonderful updated ranch on 19,000 s.f. lot w/chef’s kitchen and guest house 2 blocks from Hopi Elementary. 4102 N. 52ND STREET • $1,295,000 • 4 beds/3 baths, 4,400 s.f. SOLD Spacious luxury home w/dramatic curb appeal, soaring ceilings, gourmet kitchen, beautiful wood floors & woodwork, .6 acre lot w/ mountain views, 4 car garage. 4932 E. LAFAYETTE BLVD • $2,195,000 • 5 beds+office/5 baths, 6,050 s.f. JUST LISTED Providing Arcadia with professional & personalized service for over 20 years. 6515 E. LAFAYETTE • $2,950,000 • 4 beds/4baths/2 offices, 6,047 s.f. Charming storybook home w/ incredible high end finishes on a quiet street close to Hopi Elementary. SOLD 5415 E. CALLE VENTURA • $1,489,000 • 4 beds/4 baths/1 office, 3,200 s.f. Stunning yet warm quintessential Arcadia home with the finest classic finishes. SOLD 5407 E. CALLE TUBERIA • $2,245,000 • 5 beds/5 baths, 4,400 s.f.