By: Ann Belfield

After President Obama chose Mesa, Arizona, to release his Making Home Affordability Plan in February 2009, three months later, he once again, brings Arizona into the national limelight. On May 13^th, over 8,000 lucky graduates from Arizona State University, along with their parents and guests, will hear President Obama speak at their commencement ceremony.

What makes Arizona so fortunate to be in the national limelight again? Could it be the location, the economic upheaval Arizona has experienced, the majestic beauty of the State that draws the President here, or a mix of all three? The President’s speech will be intriguing to hear, in the midst of a staggering unemployment rate and a dim job market for most graduates. It stands to be inspiring as well. He will lead graduates over the next four years of his Presidency and the way he gauges and strategizes the economic climate of the United State has the potential to make or break their future. Will he bring graduation presents for those who cannot find a job – in the form of another economic stimulus? A few Billion $$$?   Maybe the President will make Arizona his second home, up the street from Senator McCain.

Scottsdale: Enjoy the 19^th National Festival of the West at West World, March 19^th-22^nd. The festival features a Western Music Jamboree, Mountain Man Encampment, Shopping Expo, and much more.  Show hours are 10am-7pm. On Friday, March 20^th, Kids Under 12 are FREE. For Ticket Info call 602.996.4387. West World is located at 16601 N Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, off 101 North, near Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.

Phoenix: Come explore the wonderful Spring Butterfly Exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens, March 7^th – May 31^st, Daily from 9:30am-5pm.

Also, do not miss out on the spectacular Chihuly glass exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens. The Nature of Glass Exhibit continues now until May 31^st at the Desert Botanical Gardens.  Reservations are required for this special exhibit, and are best reserved online. The Gardens number is: 480.481.8188 and it is located at 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ just south of Mc Dowell Road.

Apache Junction: Arizona’s Renaissance Festival, continues this weekend through March 29^th.  The Festival is located at 12601 East Highway 60 in Apache Junction.

Cactus League Baseball Game Schedule for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Anaheim Angels can be viewed here.

By:Ann Belfield

Phoenix: 26^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire, Saturday, March 14^th at 10am. The parade begins at 3rd Street and Sheridan, in front of St. Mary’s High School, proceeds south down 3rd Street at Moreland, just before Margaret T. Hance Park, where the Grand Irish Faire will be held. Events continue from 10am – 4:10pm. For a list of events, click here.

Valley of the Sun Goes Green on March 13^th & 14^th. On Friday, March 13^th and Saturday, March 14^th, the Phoenix Convention Center features the BIG Southwest Build-It-Green Expo. The convention is anticipated to have over 500 exhibitors that include: building and construction products, architectural and engineering services, various governmental, non-profit, and private green programs, waste management, renewable energy, transportation, furnishings, landscaping, consumer goods and HVAC & AC companies. Green educational programs will be held throughout each day.

Fountain Hills: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Saturday, March 14th from 10:30am-6:30pm. At 12:00 watch the fountain turn GREEN. Click here for more info and directions to the event.

Tempe: St. Patty’s Day 8k & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, March 1 5^th at 7:30am. Location: Sister City Garden Area on All American Way. Registration Begins at 6:30am. For more info click here.

Scottsdale: St. Patrick’s Day 4 Mile Run/Walk, March 14^th at 5pm. This run takes place in good ole’ Old Town Scottsdale on the Arizona Canal between 56^th St and Goldwater. Register & pick up your race packet at 3pm. For more info, click here.

Arizona’s Renaissance Festival, continues this weekend through March 29^th.  Special Events this weekend: ahoy ye Landlubbers on the 21^st, with a kids Treasure Hunt from 10-2, Kids pirate contest at noon and on Sunday, an Adult Pirate Contest is scheduled at noon. Getting there:  the Festival is located at 12601 East Highway 60 in Apache Junction.

Scottsdale:  Parada del Sol Rodeo begins at West World on Friday, the 27^th at 1pm, continuing through Sunday, March 1^st. A schedule of events can be found here along with ticket pricing. Getting there:  Located just off of the 101North at 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

Soaking up the Sun

Fun Events Taking Place in the East Valley of Phoenix this Weekend include:

Apache Junction: Arizona’s Renaissance Festival, continues this weekend through March 29^th.  Special events this weekend include a performance by the Midiaeval Babes and the Venetian Carnevale.  Getting there:  the Festival is located at 12601 East Highway 60 in Apache Junction.

Gilbert: On Saturday, the 21^st, Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve is offering FREE Audubon Family Bird Walks at 8am and Earth Science with Curious George at 9am.  Getting there:  the 110-acre Riparian Preserve is located at 2757 E Guadalupe Road, just East of Greenfield Road.

Mesa:  On Saturday, February 21st, the 7th Annual Pakistani Style Kite Flying Festival comes to Red Mountain Park in Mesa.  The event is held from 11am-6pm.  Getting there:  the park is located at 7745 E Brown Road between Sun Valley Blvd and 80th Street.

The Blues Blast event will be held on Sunday, February 21^st at the Mesa Amphitheatre.  The Amphitheatre was voted the BEST local live music venue.  For list of venues, click here for the Blues Blast Schedule.  Tickets cost $20 if purchased prior to the event or $25 at the door.  Getting there:  the Amphitheatre is located at 263 N Center Street, on the SE corner of University Drive & Center Street.

Phoenix:  Spend a day at one of the Top 5 zoos in the United States, according to the USA Travel Guide.  The Guide gave the Phoenix Zoo a fourth place ranking.  The Zoo is the largest non-profit zoo in the country and is home to over 1,200 animals.  Special Attractions at the zoo include a Carousel and a Sting Ray Exhibit.  On Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 11-2pm the Phoenix Zoo will host a Bridal Fair.  Getting there:  the Zoo is located at 455 N Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, between McDowell Road and Van Buren Street.

Scottsdale: The 56^th Annual Parada del Sol, Historic Parade is held on Saturday, February 21^st, beginning at 10am.  The parade starts at Oak and Scottsdale Road, continuing north to Indian School, ending in Old Town Scottsdale.  Getting there: here is a map of downtown Scottsdale.