26 MARCH 2022 By Cliff Summerhill There is no shortage of St. Patty’s Day fun in the Valley this year. Read on to learn about some of the holiday events happening in the Phoenix metro area. The 39th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire March 12, parade starts at 10 a.m.; Faire from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The annual Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire is back in person and is the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the Valley. After the parade, head to Margaret T. Hance Park and indulge in Irish music, step dancing, bagpipes, food, drinks and clubs. The Irish Cultural Center will also host a Satellite Faire on their grounds. The parade starts at 3rd and Oak Streets; Faire is located at Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St. stpatricksdayphoenix.org Grand Ol’ Irish Week March 14-19, times vary. Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave. A whole week of events: Monday, March 14: The Irish Cultural Center hosts a movie night featuring two movies (one for adults and another for the family). The family-friendly film is called Riverdance: The Animated Adventure . Afterward, The Commitments will be screened for adults – $ 5 for members, $10 for non-members. Tuesday, March 15: Join the center for a night of Irish readings sourced from novels, poems and plays, all rooted in Irish and Celtic traditions. Members are free; non- members are $5. Wednesday, March 16: In partnership with Arizona and Irish distilleries, taste some of the best whiskeys during this year’s Whiskey Wednesday celebration. $45 for members, non-members are $50. Thursday, March 17: Emmy Award- nominated singer Michael Londra, from “Ireland with Michael,” will host a live event with Irish music, dance and stories. During the celebration, he will be joined by Tony Award winner and Irish world dance champion Trent Kowalick. Tickets for members start at $30; non-member tickets start at $35. Friday, March 18: The center will host a traditional Ceili Irish dance class for all ages. Tickets are $6 for members; $10 for non-members. Saturday, March 19: Bring on the laughter with Irish comedians Sean Finnerty, Martin Angolo, and Dave Nihill for the Real Irish Comedy Fest. Member tickets are $25; non-members are $30. azirish.org/grandolirishweek Clancy’s Old Town Scottsdale St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Thursday, March 17, 6 a.m. Clancy’s Pub, 4432 N. Miller Road Starting with Irish coffee and breakfast at 6 a.m., join Scottsdale’s oldest Irish pub for a day filled with Irish celebrations. Various musical artists will perform in the pub’s outdoor garden throughout the day, including the Glendale Pipes and Drums (11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.), Sugar Thieves (5:30-7:30 p.m.), and Cory Golden Band (8-10 p.m.). clancyspubscottsdale. com/st-patricks-day St. Patrick’s Day Greening of the Fountain March 17 at noon. Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd. Since the 1980s, Fountain Hills has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by turning their world-famous fountain emerald. The fountain will light up in St. Patrick’s Day’s famous green color in the evening. Bring the family, enjoy a picnic at the park and revel in this colorful celebration. fountainhillsaz.gov Time to bust out the green décor – it’s St. Patrick’s Day MEET THE IRISH CULTURAL CENTER The Irish Cultural Center has been Phoenix’s link to Irish and Celtic culture Since 1999. What started as a memorial for The Great Famine expanded over the next 20 years with a great hall, library and cottage, all focused on providing the public with education, resources and events. Currently, the nonprofit hosts monthly events and classes and is a pillar of resources for those interested or genealogically connected to Irish and Celtic culture. “Last year, we took the time to rethink everything we have been doing to make it bigger and better,” Operations Director Ciara Archer said. They are expanding and reformatting to give members and participants better Irish and Celtic education. “We have major events every month with the hope and mission to better promote Irish and Celtic culture,” Archer said. Launching in May 2022, the organization will host semester-like classes for traditional Irish instruments such as drums and penny whistles, language, genealogy and more. In addition to hosting this year’s Grand Ol’ Irish Week and their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Phoenix, the center is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the McClelland Library. Named after Norman McClelland, the late CEO of Shamrock Foods, the library houses over 12,000 volumes of Irish and Celtic traditions and history. “Since we haven’t had a St. Patrick’s Day in two years, I think people will be anxious and excited to get out,” Archer shared. The center is open to the public but does require a membership to access some of it’s features. azirish.org St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Phoenix.

27 MARCH 2022 W ith summer quickly approaching, booking vacations early is critical. Hotels and resorts worldwide are selling out. Here are some of the top trending destinations for summer 2022. EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES Small European river cruises are a naturally immersive and enhancing travel experience. Stopping in different towns each day provides ample opportunities for exploration. Ships stay at port longer and set up enriching dinners and evening performances off the ship, allowing travelers to experience the destinations fully. And unlike their ocean counterparts, travelers averse to crowds will enjoy the small boat ambiance and personalized service. Perhaps the best part is you only unpack once! LUXURY RANCHES Scattered throughout Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, you will find resorts that have redefined the definition of “dude ranch.” A visit to a luxury ranch provides the perfect mix of nature and adventure while being pampered in top-notch accommodations. Luxury ranches are typically located on hundreds of acres of untouched wilderness, allowing you to spend your days hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, or simply reading a good book. It is one of our favorite suggestions for a multi-generational trip, with unique experiences for kids and adults of all ages. ALASKA Alaska remains one of the most popular summer destinations, inspiring travelers with its natural wonder as a true “paradise on earth.” While Alaskan cruise ships continue to be appealing to all ages, more and more of our clients are exploring by land. Customized itineraries lead clients on glacier hikes through spectacular national parks, allow you to get up close and personal with diverse wildlife, and fall asleep under the northern lights. Whether by small or large cruise ship, car or train, Alaska stuns with its picturesque land. COSTA RICA This small but mighty country can take several trips to fully explore, although a 7-10- day itinerary can provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. It’s a fun destination for adventurous couples and ideal for families with kids. It’s great for combining beach time with national parks, jungle exploration, wildlife viewing, or volcanic hot springs. Other desirable destinations include Portugal, Croatia and Italy. It’s time to dust off your old suitcase, call your local travel advisor, and decide “where will your journey take you?” Pack your bags! Travel expert and writer for Boutique Travel Advisors. travelbta.com BY REBECCA HOGAN