Check out our new commercial to find out why you should contact The Ehlen Team, home of the Buy & Sell Program, for your real estate needs!
We specialize in the Southeast Valley and live, work and play in Gilbert, AZ.
We are currently the top real estate agents in Gilbert's prestigious white picket fenced, tree lined streets, and grass throughout community of Morrison Ranch for 2015 - no one has sold more real estate than us in the neighborhood! Second place winners in the East Valley Tribune's Best of Gilbert 2015 Real Estate Agent / Agency Category. We have been honored to have been sought out by Bloomberg News to discuss the hot real estate market in the Gilbert, AZ area. Ultimately what matters most is our clients and delivering top notch service throughout the home buying or selling process.
Having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy or sell your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This means helping you understand each step of the buying or selling process. This commitment level has helped our team build a remarkable track record of delivering results and great client testimonials. The current time it takes to sell a home is 73 days in Arizona, with The Ehlen Team we are currently trending an average of 32 days to get your home under contract!
Nothing is more exciting to us than the gratifying feeling we get from helping people buy or sell a home. You can count on us to always do what's in your best interest. We pride ourselves on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the real estate market. We know how important it is to find the right home for you or get the best offer for your property. Therefore we will make it our responsibility to help you achieve those goals.
Whether you are an experienced investor, first time home buyer, looking to upsize or downsize we can help you in finding the property that matches your needs. Please feel free to browse our website or let us guide you every step of the way by calling us at 602-320-7056 or 602-330-3379 or e-mailing us at info@TheEhlenTeam.com to set up an appointment today. Remember our services are FREE to you as a buyer and we offer some incredible promotions to both buyers and sellers to help save you money.
Ask us about our monthly promotions we offer our clients buying and selling that will put THOUSANDS of dollars more in our client's pockets! We have put over $35,735 back in our clients' pocket in 2015 and growing! Visit www.TheEhlenTeam.com or www.BuyandSellProgram.com for more information.
We are active in our local community participating in local neighborhood events, HOA events, school fundraisers, and we are members of the local Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. We believe in supporting/referring local business owners/partners that deliver great service to our clients as well.
Thank you in advance for the opportunity to earn your trust and help you with your real estate needs!
World-class companies and vibrant recreation make this the fastest growing city in Arizona
PHX EAST VALLEY (Aug. 25, 2015) Ranked in the top 25 best places to live in the United States and the only Arizona city on the list, Gilbert has proven to be a preferred location to live, work and play.
Since the city’s inception in 1920, Gilbert has made a transformation from an agriculture-based community to an economically diverse suburban center, home to world-class companies, talent and recreation. Once known as the “Hay Capital of the World”, Gilbert has evolved into one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona with 130 homes being built per month, adding 400 new residents monthly.
Providing a quality of life for a thriving and diverse community, Gilbert currently offers three community centers, two public libraries, four public pools, seven golf courses and nearly 50 miles of trail system. In addition, the city offers 9.8 million square feet of retail and more than 600 acres of developed parkland, with an additional 258 acres to be developed in the coming years.
Recently named the No. 1 city in the nation for working parents and the safest city in the United States it is understood why so many want to live and relocate or expand business in Gilbert. Business development is booming with a targeted focus in the science, technology, engineering and math industries. Gilbert is home to many companies that focus on advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, bio-technology, clean technology and renewable energy.
Gilbert business cluster provides a hub for talent and innovation in the community including Orbital ATK, Lockheed Martin, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, GoDaddy, Celebration Stem Cell Centre and many more. Sixty-two percent of the region’s high-tech industry jobs are located within a 30-minute commute of the City of Phoenix.
“Gilbert has transformed into a thriving community with an active lifestyle,” said Roc Arnett president and CEO of East Valley Partnership. “As a key community in the PHX East Valley, it offers a competitive advantage for companies looking to attract and retain employees who are looking for an ideal environment to work, live and play.”
In the last three decades, Gilbert has seen tremendous growth, increasing in population from 5,717 in 1980 to 239,277 as of 2014. As the city approaches build-out over the next decade, the estimated population is expected to reach 330,000.
PHX East Valley is comprised of Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction and Queen Creek. To learn more about more about PHX East Valley or for more information on a city or business listed, visit www.phxeastvalley.org.
It can be stressful to see your home languish on the market while others in your neighborhood are moving quickly. A home that isn’t selling can cost you time and money, not to mention your sanity.
Here are five reasons your home may not be selling, and advice for addressing them.
1. Pricing Of course you want to sell your home for as much as possible. But an overpriced home can turn away even the most eager buyers. On the flipside, if you repeatedly reduce the price, buyers can see it as a sign of your desperation to sell – prompting them to submit even lower offers. Your listing agent can help you come up with a price comparable with other properties in your neighborhood. A professional home appraiser may also be able to help.
2. Timing If possible, hold off on selling until the main buying seasons in the spring and summer. If you must sell during an off-peak time, you can still attract serious buyers – but you'll need patience and ways to sweeten the deal.
To offset bad timing, you might offer incentives such as paying some or all of the buyer's closing costs. To pique interest among real estate agents and brokers, consider offering a selling bonus above the standard commission. Just make sure you stipulate it’s available only if the agent brings a full-price offer to the table or closes the sale on your preferred date.
3. Location If a poor or unsafe location is preventing your home from selling, you may have better luck generating interest among buyers by adding new security measures. Consider installing an alarm system, outdoor lighting and gates or fences.
Additionally, promote any practical and safe features of the location such as the proximity of public services (fire and police stations). Also offer to introduce prospective buyers to neighbors you know. This can provide a sense of community and make them feel welcome.
4. Condition Investors and buyers with home improvement skills look for bargains, so they will typically offer less for a home that needs a new roof, has faulty plumbing or electrical systems, structural problems or that needs a lot of cosmetic work. The more repairs you make before buyers view the home, the more likely you are to receive competitive offers. It’s usually cheaper to do the repairs yourself than to offer allowances in the closing contract.
Another idea is to purchase a home warranty that covers items that break down after the sale. This gesture gives prospective buyers additional peace of mind about the home's condition.
5. Marketing If everything else is lined up and your home still isn’t selling, it could be due to your marketing. Particularly in a crowded market, it’s import to make an extra effort to get your home noticed.
Buyers usually go online first to search for homes, so make sure your photos represent your house in all its glory. It’s often a good idea to hire a professional photographer. Also be sure the home description doesn’t skimp on listing all the features, amenities and upgrades. This is where a listing agent can come in handy. They’ll be able to use their professional experience to create a marketing plan that makes your home standout.
Remember, when you're ready to start the process of selling your home, help is just a phone call or email away. Your local RE/MAX agent is standing by.
Article Courtesy of RE/MAX.com Sat, July 25, 2015
Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home? Contact The Ehlen Team, RE/MAX Solutions in Gilbert, AZ
There are plenty of typical things to do before listing your home for sale — cleaning, de-cluttering, staging, and so on. We all know of these obvious tasks, but what are some of the less obvious ways to make your home sell fast and stand out amongst the sea of For Sale signs?
Here at Freshome we understand that readers want new, helpful hints — ones that are not already pasted all over the internet. When homes are hot, you need to try every possible method to make your home stand out — even some unconventional methods.
This stone and cedar home will certainly attract plenty of buyers. Image Source: JK and Sons
Hire the Home Inspector Before Listing the House
The hiring of a home inspector is usually done by interested buyers who have already put a contingent offer on your home. However, if you live in an area where there are a lot of homes for sale, then you want to stand out, and nothing makes you stand out better than a sign in your front yard that says, “Inspected by XXX”.
Home shoppers will drive by and see that you already had a full home inspection done and saved them the cost of doing one. Buyers may end up wanting to hire their own inspector afterward, but this will certainly pique initial buyer interest.
Ask your home inspector to show you the top 5 or 10 repairs that they think should be done before listing the home. Fix these items before listing your home and you will be well ahead of the game.
Quality home inspectors will go over every inch of your home. Image Source: Sicora
Start Your Own Social Media Campaign to Sell Your Home
Not all of us are social media experts. In fact, some of us are still trying to decipher the difference between hashtags and tweets.
Social media can be a powerful thing when it comes to selling your home. Realtors should do some of the social media for you via online house tours and photos, but there is more that can be done.
Most realtors do not run Facebook campaigns, or tweet pictures of your home, or post images via Linkedin, Google+, and Pinterest (some expert realtors may do this, so just ask). These online outlets are all amazing modern ways to bring your home to more buyers.
Imagine if one of your ‘friends’ on Facebook shared your ‘Home for Sale’ post, and it was viewed by someone who fell in love with your home — someone who otherwise may never have known it was for sale. That’s how social media campaigns work — you reach more people with your message!
If you don’t know the difference between tweeting and texting, then maybe consider asking a friend to help you. It is worth the effort to reach potentially hundreds more people than your realtor normally would.
Placing images of your home on social media may help it sell faster.
Have you ever been on a tour of a model home? Model homes are like well-dressed women or expensive hotel rooms; they are classy, modern, yet not overdone.
Have you ever been on a tour of a model home? Model homes are like well-dressed women or expensive hotel rooms; they are classy, modern, yet not overdone.
Go on a couple model home tours and take a cue from the decor. On most tours, you will notice airy, open rooms with simple, stylish furnishings. Tables will be set for dinner with floral centerpieces and crystal glassware; kitchens will have open, clutter-free countertops; windows will be dressed in high-end curtains; hors d’oeuvres will be offered, and floors will shine.
These are all the things to replicate in your own home — clean, stylish, and uncluttered with a generic modern decor that appeals to almost everyone. Buyers love to see luxury interiors, so consider these ideas to bring a luxe appeal to your home.
If you do this in your home, you will surely attract more buyers — you may even end up with a bidding war!
Stage your home by setting the table for guests. Image Source: Vendome Press
Pack Half of Your Belongings Before Listing Your House
This seems like a lot of work, but packing up half of your household belongings is a smart strategy to de-cluttering.
Go through all your closets and pack away all the clothes and shoes that you don’t need for the next few months. Same goes for your kitchen cupboards and countertops — pack away all the glassware and appliances you don’t use everyday. Also consider packing your personal pictures and knick knacks because these personal items really do deter buyers.
Essentially, cut out all of the clutter and make your rooms and closets seem bigger by packing away those items you don’t use everyday. Buyers want to see large, airy rooms where they can imagine themselves — not cluttered rooms full of someone else’s personal belongings. Once your belongings are packed you may start thinking about the move to your new home, so read this first 10 Things to Consider Before Buying A New Home in 2014
Large airy rooms sell fast. Image Source: CGA partners
Ask an Honest Friend for Advice Before Staging Your Home
Sometimes we don’t see our homes for what they really are. We don’t notice the boxes of cereal stacked on top of the fridge because that’s where we have put them for years, or we don’t notice the big leather chair in the den is blocking an amazing view of our backyard because, again, it’s been there for years.
This is where a good, honest friend can come in handy. Ask a friend to come through your home and point out all the things they see as potential distractions for buyers.
Yes, you can have your realtor do this, too (and you should), but when this advice is coming from a friend it is much easier to take and is more readily listened to. After all, honest advice is what friends are for!
Asking a friend for help with decluttering your home is a smart move. Image Source: Miller Wright
We all want to sell our homes fast and reach as many buyers as possible. Here are the main points to take away: Think outside the box by hiring a home inspector before you even put the house on the market; dive into a social media marketing campaign for your home; tour a model home and mimic its aesthetic; have a packing day where you pack away half of your belongings, and finally, have a good honest friend go through your home to help you find unappealing areas of clutter.
These methods, along with all the typical home preparation tips, will surely make your home shine above the rest. Aside from what’s mentioned here, can you think of something else that will make a home stand out to buyers?
Unless you've purchased a brand-new home that includes warranties on the newly installed systems and appliances, there's no guarantee you're covered for repair or replacement if something stops working in your new place. One way for buyers of pre-owned homes to protect themselves against the risk of costly repairs is to consider purchasing a home warranty.
A few things you should know about home warranties:
1. They’re NOT homeowner’s insurance.
Homeowner's insurance generally protects the structure of your home and your possessions inside your home, while warranties cover appliances and systems. For example, some things covered by a warranty would be repairs to your furnace, hot water heater or electrical system. Homeowner’s insurance, on the other hand, typically covers repairs of damage to the home from theft, fire and some weather-related incidents; it also covers injuries that are caused by these types of incidents.
2. They’re not all-inclusive.
Although warranties usually include HVAC, plumbing and electrical, they do not include everything you might personally consider a “system” or “appliance.” It depends on the specific policy. For example, some basic policies cover septic systems; others don’t. Talk with your warranty issuer to make sure you're getting the coverage you want and need.
3. They cover the unknown.
Any existing issues with your systems and appliances should have been found during your home inspection and addressed prior to you taking ownership of the home, if you negotiated repairs and replacements. Warranty companies consider problems identified during a home inspection as “known conditions,” and often don’t cover them. Home warranties generally cover “unknown conditions,” issues that would not have been revealed through a normal home inspection or ones that develop after you move in.
4. They won’t break the bank.
Generally, home warranties range from about $350 to $500 per year. Often, it’s up to you to purchase a policy. Other times, sellers may include a policy as added incentive during negotiation of the home sale. Some real estate agents give homebuyers a home warranty as a gift after the home purchase is settled.
5. They come with fine print.
There are a number of companies that offer home warranties. Ask your agent for guidance on where to turn. And be sure to read the entire policy to confirm exactly what’s covered, to what extent and the steps you’ll take if you ever need to file a claim.
6. They’re great for first-timers.
Home warranties can be especially helpful in providing peace of mind for first-time homebuyers who are unfamiliar with home maintenance and repairs – as well as buyers of high-mileage homes – especially during the first year.
And don't forget The Ehlen Team offers our clients looking to buy a home a FREE one year home warranty ($400 value). You can choose any company and any type of warranty and we will pay up to $400 of the warranty to provide peace of mind in your new home! Remember our services are FREE to buyers! Contact us at 602-320-7056 or info@TheEhlenTeam.com for your real estate needs.
Celebrate our nation's independence with fireworks, food, music and patriotic remembrances across the Valley.
Fireworks Family Night
Kids can dress as their favorite superheroes to watch the animated Disney film "Big Hero 6" indoors on a huge LED screen. There will be bounce houses, games and food, followed by a fireworks show after sunset. Church members also will perform "Celebrate America" at 9 and 10:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, July 5.
Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. Phoenix First Assembly, 13613 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Free. 602-867-7117, phoenixfirst.org.
Anthem's celebration will include water slides, inflatable rides and plenty of food, including hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, kettle corn, ice cream, snow cones and fry bread. The Rotary will have a beer garden sell margaritas. Blankets, lawn chairs and coolers are permitted, and on-site grills are available. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. after the national anthem. Check online for traffic restrictions.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 2. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. Free admission and parking; $15 for ride bracelets. 623-742-6050, onlineatanthem.com/events.
Light Up the Sky
Inflatable rides, games and community organization booths will fill the stadium at Maryvale Baseball Park. Big Red from the Arizona Cardinals, Smokey the Bear and other mascots will be on hand. Fireworks will begin at 9:10 p.m. Only unopened water bottles will be allowed inside the stadium. Food and beverages will be for sale.
Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2. 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix. 602-262-6575, phoenix.gov/parks.
Cave Creek 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza
Three restaurants and bars are involved in this bash. Harold's Corral will offer an outdoor barbecue, mobile gaming truck, shaved ice and face painting. The Buffalo Chip Saloon will serve corn dogs, smoked turkey legs, roasted corn and snow cones. The Cave Creek Roadhouse will have balloons and giveaways. All three will offer drink specials, live music, free open seating and a view of Rural Metro's fireworks display just after sunset. Complimentary shuttles from 6 p.m. to midnight are available but limited to get partygoers around town. Carefree Resort & Conference Center (480-488-5300, carefree-resort.com) will offer discounted room rates and a breakfast buffet.
Details: 5 p.m. Friday, July 3.
• Harold's Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road. Free; table reservations are $10 for two; $15 for four; $30 for 10. 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com.
• The Buffalo Chip Saloon, 6811 E. Cave Creek Road. $10-$30 for reserved seating. 480-488-9118, buffalochipsaloon.com.
• Cave Creek Roadhouse, 6900 E. Cave Creek Road. Free. 480-488-3300, cavecreektaphaus.com.
Salute From the Shores
Watch fireworks lakeside at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort and Marina. Bring lawn chairs and coolers and claim a spot early. Water slides, bounce houses, Euro trampoline bungee and country music from Mogollon will be featured. There will be food and drink vendors. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce event will be at Pecos Park this year. Activities include a pool playground, splash pad, dunk tank, zip line and carnival games
before fireworks at 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment and a color-guard march, but no skydivers this year. Vendors will sell beer, shaved ice, frozen lemonade, kettle corn, nachos, ice cream and fry bread. A misted Boom! Room and the Oasis Lounge include food, drinks and other amenities.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, July 3. 17010 S. 48th St., Phoenix. Free; $5 parking; $25 for Boom! Room or Oasis Lounge. 480-753-7676, red-white-boom.com.
Fourth of July Wet 'n' Wild Hike and Splash
Combine the best of hiking and swimming at this fun summer event. It's a half-mile hike from the parking lot to Lake Pleasant, where visitors can cool off with a swim. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear water shoes or grubby sneakers you don't mind getting muddy. Life vests are required; loaners are available at the trailhead. And don't forget to wear sunscreen. After returning from the lake, the park will raffle off a four-pack of tickets to Wet 'n' Wild Water Park in Glendale.
Details: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. $6 per vehicle. 928-501-1710, maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant.
Made in the USA Rooftop Independence Day Weekend Pool Party
Party poolside at Lustre Bar at Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Phoenix. There will be a DJ and live music, specialty cocktails, beach balls, pool toys and a rooftop view for fireworks after the Arizona Diamondbacks game July 4. Wear patriotic gear and compete for the best-dressed contest. Cabana and room reservations are available.
Details: 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5. 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $10 for non-hotel guests. 602-253-6633, Search "Lustre" at eventbrite.com.
Great American Fourth
Copper Sky Regional Park in Maricopa will have a water zone with wet and dry inflatables, bounce houses, a game truck, community performances and food vendors. Kids can count on being drenched by fire trucks for 10 minutes every hour. NineBall will play rock tunes, and there will be a patriotic celebration and veteran recognition featuring Mayor Christian Price and Jaime Buchholz, Miss City of Maricopa. A fireworks display will begin after sunset. A free shuttle will operate 5:30-11 p.m.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4. 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Free; $5 unlimited ride wristbands for age 3 or older. maricopa-az.gov.
Independence Day Car Show and Fireworks Celebration
Spiffy wheels and fireworks are the highlights of this annual event presented by Art of Noize. View more than 200 cars while enjoying drinks and food at the onsite bar and
restaurant. Volleyball, beanbag toss, horseshoes and more take place throughout the day along with a fireworks show beginning about 9 p.m.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Victory Lane Sports Park, 22603 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. $20 to enter car; $4 general admission for age 13 or older. 623-581-6000, artofnoize.com.
Independence Day Music Festival
There will be fireworks at Talking Stick after a July 3 concert by Wilco with Dr. Dog. Sit in reserved seats, on the grassy field or in the baseball stadium. Get pit tickets for dancing up-close to the entertainment. Blankets, seat cushions and two unopened bottles of water per person are allowed, but no umbrellas, chairs or outside food or drink.
Details: Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts at 6 Friday, July 3. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Loop 101 and Pima Road, Salt River Reservation. $25-$95; free for age 2 or younger (pit seating excluded). $10 parking. 480-270-5000, saltriverfields.com, ticketmaster.com.
4th of July Celebration
Watch a Rookie League baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners at Surprise Stadium. There will be games and giveaways between innings, the Nothin' But a Party Band will play and vendors will sell merchandise. Fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m. Grab a seat on the grass of the adjacent soccer field, where That Kool Band will perform at 6:30 p.m.
Details: Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; game starts at 5:30 Saturday, July 4. 15960 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. Free admission with canned-food donation. 623-222-2000, surpriseaz.gov/specialevents.
Bag It for Bucks
Float the Salt River and collect trash in provided litter bags as you go. Your reward for being a patriotic steward of public land will be a Star-Spangled Bucks coupon for each full bag, good for a $7 discount on tube rental for a future float through Aug. 28. Beach balls, water-balloon contests, prizes and live entertainment will be featured. KKFR-FM (98.3) and JAMZ-FM (101.5) will broadcast live.
Details: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5; tubes rented until 2 p.m.; last shuttle bus at 6:30 p.m. Salt River Tubing & Recreation, 9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa. $17, includes tube rental. 480-984-3305, saltrivertubing.com.
$4 for the Fourth
Visit Phoenix's 1,000-year-old prehistoric Hohokam archaeological site to get a feel of life in the Salt River Valley hundreds of years ago. Walk ruins trail, imagine how games were played at ball court and mound areas, see artifacts and let kids feel history in a hands-on gallery. Admission is $4, a $1-$2 savings for moms, dads and grandparents. A golden coupon for 20 percent off a gift-shop purchase of $20 or more (some books excluded) can be found online.
Details: July 2-4. 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $4; free for 5 or younger. 602-495-0901, pueblogrande.com; coupon at localfirstaz.com/independents-week.
Scottsdale 4th of July at WestWorld
In air-conditioned comfort, find a free zone with such activities as "Frozen" land, live music, Grand Prix Gatsby-era racing on a track (age 16 or older), video-game trucks, mutton busting, bull riding, an extreme trampoline show and music and theater performances. Wristband purchase includes obstacle courses, slides, a zip line, bounce house, mechanical bull and a bungee run. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Food and drinks will be sold. The family four-pack includes access to all activities, all-you-can-eat food and bleacher seating for the fireworks.
Details: 2-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. 16601 N. Pima Road. $17; $12 in advance; $6 in advance for Scottsdale residents; free for age 5 or younger and military families with ID. Wristbands are $20, $10 for each additional child 6 or older, $5 for age 5 or younger; $120 in advance for family four-pack. 866-977-6849, westworldaz.com.
Fourth of July Celebration
Dress like your favorite '80s personality and show up at Veterans Park in Tolleson for a chance to win cash prizes. Dance to music from Rock Lobster and cool off with free water slides and watermelon slices. At 5 p.m., watch contestants scarf down as much pie and hot dogs their stomachs can hold. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
Details: 4 p.m. Saturday, July 4. 8601 W. Van Buren St. Free. 623-474-4992, tollesonaz.org/events.
Red, White & Rawhide
The frontier town will have three stages of music by A.B. Quintanilla and Los Kumbia Kings All Starz, David Cook, Matt Farris, the Electric Cowboys, Caleche Ryder and AzTex. Guitarist Chris Perez, widower of Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla, will sign his book "Selena, With Love." Keep cool on multiple water slides. Dining options include the Fourth of July Buffet in the Rawhide Steakhouse, Town Grill and food trucks.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Doors open at 4 p.m. 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Reservation. $30, $25 in advance; $19.75 each for family four-pack; free for age 5 or younger; $10 to park. 480-502-5600, rawhide.com/red-white-rawhide-2015.
All-American Festival
This blowout at the Peoria Sports Complex includes a water zone, beanbag tournament, live music and bounce houses. There will be three eating contests where challengers will stuff their faces as fast as they can with food from Sonic: tater tots, footlong hot dogs and Route 44 slushes. Watch the skies at 6:55 p.m. for a flyover of vintage aircraft. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food and beer will be for sale. Presented by Sears Vacations.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4. 16101 N. 83rd Ave. $10; $7 by July 3; free for age 12 or younger; free parking. 623-773-8700, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents.
4th of July at Schnepf Farms
Activities include free hayrides, as well as a water slide, train rides, a roller coaster, rock-climbing wall, miniature golf and jumping pillows for $3 each. A patriotic performance at 7 p.m. will be followed by fireworks at 9. Rides will remain open until 10:30 p.m., and a family-friendly flick will be shown on a giant screen until 11:30 p.m. to help avoid a traffic jam as the crowd leaves. Watermelon, funnel cake, pie, hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled pizza and other food will be for sale at a shaded outdoor pavilion. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center.
Details: 5-11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road. $15 per car (cash only); $12 for ride wristbands (cash or credit card); $3 per ride. 480-987-3100, schnepffarms.com/event/4th-of-july.
Westgate Fireworks Fest
Bring the family, blankets and lawn chairs to Westgate Entertainment District. A splash pad, DJ music, games, prizes and face painting will be at Fountain Park near AMC Theatres. Bands will play, multiple radio stations will be broadcasting and there will be a beer garden at Waterdance Plaza. More than 20 restaurants will offer "grab and go" dining deals. A 15-minute fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.
Details: 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, Glendale. Free. westgateaz.com/fourth.
Fox 10 July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival
If sharing a lakeside fireworks show in the desert with a crowd of thousands sounds good, then Tempe Beach Park is your destination. Claim your spot on the lawn to enjoy live music, rides, a rock-climbing wall and splash playground. Blankets, chairs,
umbrellas up to 4 feet long and one sealed gallon of water per person are permitted, but no outside food or drink allowed. A 30-minute fireworks show over the lake will begin at 9:15 p.m. Get tickets in advance at Fry's or online. Misted VIP seating is available.
Details: Gates open 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. $5 or $6 in advance; $8 at the gate; $15 for two at the gate; free for military and age 12 or younger. $30-$60 for VIP garden. 480-350-5189, tempe4th.com.
Fourth at the Fountain
Celebrate Independence Day around Fountain Hills' landmark 560-foot fountain and lake. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. The bash will include a parachuting demonstration, bounce houses, beer garden, DJ music, food and beverages. New this year are a water slide and 25-foot-tall climbing wall. No coolers permitted. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
There will be music and eating contests, and beach balls will be given away. Hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, snow cones, lemonade and glow necklaces will be for sale. Two additional viewing locations are available nearby for the fireworks show about 9 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 4; gates open at 5:30 p.m. Central Christian Church, 965 E. Germann Road, Gilbert. Free; canned-food donations requested. 480-305-7500, centralaz.com/fireworks.
Hometown Fireworks Celebration
Game booths and a kids zone with bounce houses and water slides will be included in this Apache Junction party. Decorate bicycles, wagons, tricycles and mini floats for a contest. Judging will be at 6:30 p.m. with winners announced at 7 just before the band Reign-N-Country takes the stage. There will be free watermelon (while it lasts). Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. The nearby Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center will have a co-ed volleyball tournament at 8 a.m. and public swimming and wacky activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Apache Junction High School's football stadium, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive. Free; fees apply for game booths. 480-983-2181, ajcity.net/events.
4th of July Celebration
A kids zone with water rides and bounce houses are featured. Play checkers and eat watermelon for free, and buy hot dogs, kettle corn, roasted chicken and shaved ice. Glow sticks and bracelets will be sold by Friends of the Recreation Center, with proceeds benefiting youth scholarships. The Screamin' Javelinas will play classic rock, folk and country from 7 p.m. until the fireworks start at 9.
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye. Free; $5 wristbands. 623-349-6322, buckeyeaz.gov/events.
Republic Services Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Mesa's celebration includes an indoor memorial to Arizona's fallen soldiers, local heroes and displays of public-safety vehicles, military vehicles and classic cars and trucks. Other highlights include a 7 p.m. naturalization ceremony, a Revolutionary War re-enactment, a patriotic chalk mural and art and culture displays. At America's Heritage Lane and Independence Hall, take a civics quiz, learn about your family's military genealogy and more. Keep cool at a splash zone or with sprays from fire trucks. Vendors will sell food and drinks. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.
Details: 6-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Mesa Amphitheater and Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., and along Center Street between Second Street and University Drive. Free. azcelebrationoffreedom.org.
Fabulous Phoenix 4th
This celebration at Steele Indian School Park draws 100,000 people each year for the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show, which will last 25 minutes this year. You can bring your own refreshments, but with 10 food trucks and 30 vendors on site, options will be plentiful. No alcohol will be sold or allowed. Activities include a classic-car display, arts and crafts and interactive exhibits. Local bands will perform on two stages, and Kids World will have rides, bounce houses and a water-spray zone.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Third Street and Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. 602-262-7424, phoenix.gov/parks.
Fireworks Spectacular
Bands will play and vendors will sell food and drinks at Chandler's Tumbleweed Park. Although there will be no kids games or activities, a 25-minute fireworks display will be featured at 9 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs and coolers are welcome, but no alcohol or glass containers. Vehicles can enter from Germann Road at Hamilton Street or from McQueen Road at Celebration Way.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. 2250 S. McQueen Road. Free admission; $5 cash to park. 480-782-2735, chandleraz.gov/4thofjuly.
Butterfly Wonderland
Red, white and blue butterflies will fill the atrium and may land on your head. There will be live music, food trucks, face painting and curator talks. Visitors can take photos with the new Butterfly Princess, Miss Antoinette, and with Blue Morpho Lady, dressed like the butterfly. Wear red, white and blue for 10 percent off admission.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Salt River Reservation. 480-800-3000, butterflywonderland.com.
Michael Senft and Ashley Whalen contributed to this list.Wendy Killeen, The Republic | azcentral.com 5:19 p.m. MST June 26, 2015
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