24 JULY 2023 C layton Wolfe has set a high bar for life, as in high climbing, high flying and high adventure. The 33-year-old entrepreneur has made it a point to challenge himself at seemingly every turn. As soon as he achieves a lofty goal, he sets out on an even loftier one. “Being a farmer made me who I am today,” Clayton said. “It wasn’t easy living in two countries, splitting time between Canada and Arizona.” He attended Cal-Poly University, earning a degree in Agricultural Business. He then began managing the 17,000-acre family farm in the summers, returning to Arizona to grow his real estate business the rest of the year. After seven years of back-and-forth responsibilities, the Wolfe family sold the farm, and Clayton settled in the Valley for good. His work ethic and desire to test himself have been well-established. In addition to his day job as a residential realtor, he is a pilot, flight instructor, mountaineer, cyclist, and devoted philanthropist. “I’m an entrepreneur at heart, and I love everything I do,” Clayton said. What he does most these days is hike mountains – tall mountains! He began in 2019 by conquering Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Denali, Mt. Vinson and then Mt. Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, in May 2022. He trained for six years and reached the summit in a remarkable 21 days, a feat that normally requires eight weeks. “There were definitely tears of joy when stepping onto the top of the world,” he said. Clayton has now set his sights on conquering the “Explorer Grand Slam,” which consists of climbing the tallest mountain on seven continents and cross- country skiing to the North and South Poles. He has completed four summits with three to go and two polar expeditions remaining. Fewer than 60 people in the world have ever achieved the Grand Slam. Wolfe’s training regimen includes hiking Piestewa Peak daily, running, weight training and emphasizing recovery practices like IV therapy. “I’m a goal-oriented person, and if I’m passionate about something, I get it done,” he said in a gross understatement. He credits his father with introducing him to hiking and his love of flying. “My dad was always taking us out on adventures, and though they were not always in my comfort zone, it piqued my interest to become comfortable with being uncomfortable,” he said. Clayton says there are similarities between mountain climbing, flying airplanes and selling real estate: “All three come with risks, and to achieve success, you must be incredibly well prepared and work hard.” Clayton has incorporated aviation into his business, flying clients anywhere in the state to show properties or enjoy a day of pleasure. When he isn’t working or challenging himself, Clayton enjoys volunteering. He is a member of The Saguaros, a philanthropic club that raises money for children’s charities. He has used his expeditions to raise funds for the group by preselling $100 Everest Tokens, and so far, he has raised over $14,000 from the tokens and $100,000 for all other fundraisings. Asked about his future ambitions: “I’ll continue to pursue goals that challenge me both mentally and physically, and I look forward to giving back to my community along the way.” Clayton Wolfe I’m an entrepreneur at heart and love everything I do. PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING FOR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES A to Z Tree & Turf provides homeowners with an exceptional outdoor living experience. We design and build some of the most prestigious landscapes in the Valley. Our unparalleled attention to detail and excellent customer service ensures your outdoor living space is exquisite year-round. WE CAN CREATE THE PERFECT SPACE FOR YOU! CALL 480-549-0590 FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! Serving Arcadia and surrounding areas for over 10 years. ¥ Design - Build - Install ¥ Planting & Hardscapes ¥ Irrigation & Lighting ¥ Artificial Turf ¥ Plant Health Care ¥ Beautification & Enhancements ROC #313230 Licensed I Bonded I Insured Member of AZ Landscape Contractors Association Your Personal Landscape Experts atoztreeandturf.com

25 JULY 2023 By Jennifer Marshall The Scottsdale 4th of July event is celebrating its 10 th anniversary this year – and its history started with a need for festivities. “Eleven years ago, the City of Scottsdale did not have an official 4th of July event,” PR rep Alyssa Pillar said. “Two Scottsdale residents, Kerry Dunne and Brandon Maxwell, decided to step up and create a citywide event at WestWorld. Their companies, M Culinary and R Entertainment, joined forces to create one of Arizona’s largest patriotic gatherings.” The event boasts the largest fireworks show in Scottsdale. The party starts inside the 300,000 square-foot fully air- conditioned Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld. Last year, nearly 17,000 people attended, and they’re expecting to top that this summer. In addition to spectacular fireworks, which are held on the polo field, visitors can enjoy a rodeo, a Medieval Times show and jousting training for kids, and the fourth annual Parade of Heroes ceremony. There will also be live entertainment venues, music and plenty of food and drink options. New this year is the first Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers Slider Eating Competition Finals, with 14 competitors taking the stage for a chance to win big prizes and bragging rights. “For a decade, the Scottsdale 4th of July event has illuminated the spirits of attendees at WestWorld, becoming a cherished tradition for families across the valley,” Dunne said. “This year, we are most excited to witness the breathtaking fireworks, the largest display in Scottsdale history, among many other patriotic festivities all will enjoy.” The event takes place on Tuesday, July 4, from 5-9 p.m. at Westworld (16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale). Tickets range from $25-$50. scottsdale4th.com HERE ARE A FEW VALLEY HOT SPOTS FOR FIREWORKS AND FUN: For more than 25 years, Arcadia residents have hosted the annual Fourth of July parade, bringing together local groups and entertainers to the neighborhood to celebrate the Fourth of July. Arcadia’s parade returns this year to ignite the spirit of celebration and patriotism for families and friends on July 4 from 8-9 a.m., starting at 60th St. and Calle Tuberia. arcadiaparade.com The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor its annual fireworks show, Fabulous Phoenix 4th, held at Steele Indian School Park (300 E. Indian School Road) from 6-10 p.m. with fireworks commencing at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free, while food and drink are available for purchase. Kids will find inflatables to enjoy, while parents can visit the various vendor booths. phoenix.gov McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (7301 E. Indian Bend Road) will host its second annual Red, White, and Choo & Choo event from 4-9 p.m. on July 2. The celebration features live music, bounce houses, a dunk tank, water slides, field games, a pie-eating contest, train rides and fireworks to cap off the evening. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for ages 3-11, 2 and under in free. therailroadpark.com For a Valley staycation, head to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (7575 E. Princess Dr.) for their 4th of July Freedom Fest. Here food, fun and fireworks rule the day and night. Check the website for summer specials, availability and pricing. scottsdaleprincess.com Tempe will host the 71st annual 4th of July Celebration at Diablo Stadium (2200 W. Alameda Dr.). Live music, food and fireworks are all part of the fun and jubilation. Admission is $10. tempe4th.com Found:RE Boutique Hotel (1100 N. Central Ave.) will host a poolside holiday party on July 1 from 12-5 p.m. Admission is free, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Cool off in the pool while listening to live DJ music. foundrehotels.com Octane Raceway (9119 E. Talking Stick Way) has a special that might interest you! For $44, guests can experience the thrill of three separate kart races with an hour of gameplay from 6-10 p.m. octaneraceway.com Mavrix (9139 E. Talking Stick Way) is hosting a $16 unlimited fun pass on July 4. Guests will find various activities, like bowling, billiards, laser tag and a fully stocked arcade. mavrix.com Red, white and 4th of July fun in and around Phoenix Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration. Lily Bien gearing up for this year’s Arcadia parade. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALYSSA PILLAR PHOTO COURTESY OF LENNA BIEN 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.” For more: arcadiaparade.com E Calle Tuberia E Calle Tuberia E Calle Tuberia E Calle Tuberia E Lafayette Blvd E Lafayette Blvd E Lafayette Blvd E Lafayette Blvd E Lafayette Blvd E Calle Rosa E Calle Rosa N 58th St N 58th St N 58th St N 59th Pl N 59th Pl N Jokake Rd N Jokake Rd N 61st St N 60th Pl N 60th Pl E Calle Del Paisano E Calle Del Paisano E Calle Del Paisano E Calle Del Paisano E Calle Del Paisano E Calle Del Paisano E Indian School Rd Arizona Canal Trail N 62nd St N 62nd St N 62nd St H H H ARCADIA PARADE ROUTE H H H