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Hey Maricopa, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: A bustling farmers market needs growers, a backyard becomes an event venue, and a free taco fest + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Maricopa protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Boosting the farm-to-market pipeline: Maricopa’s Copa Farmers Market is bustling but needs more local growers. Founder Kevin Keone Okuma, named a 2026 Community Champion, is seeking farmers to keep organic produce fresh and abundant — see what’s needed from growers.

Community kindness in action: Maricopa will rally for Pima Butte teacher Denise Palmer on March 14 at a community walk and fundraiser at Maricopa High School. Proceeds will support her Stage 4 lymphoma treatment — see how you can help.

Backyard gatherings take shape: Looking for affordable party space, a Hidden Valley couple is turning their 1.25-acre property near Maricopa into an event venue. Their 5,000-square-foot yard will host its first event in mid-March — see what the space offers.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Donate $15 and shop rescued produce
• Dine on spaghetti, bid on desserts
• Country Divas electrify Pinal County Fair
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Twirl-worthy pasta plans: Whether you’re craving linguini or lost in saucy daydreams, Valentino’s Eatery keeps it cozy with from-scratch sauces, local ingredients, and plates like Linguini Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, and chicken-and-bowtie Pasta Giovanni. Consider it a midweek carb hug, with bonus leftovers tomorrow if you can resist polishing the plate.

Treasure-hunting that gives back: From gently used staples to oddball gems, BowWow Meow Thrift & Consignment Shop keeps the racks in constant rotation, so treasure-hunters always score something fun… and every purchase supports Valley Humane Society. Think retail therapy with a wagging tail.

Reset without an ice bath: Salt and Sound Holistic Health Studio in Casa Grande lines up infrared sauna, red light therapy, halotherapy, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, delivering a midweek de-stress or post-workout bounce-back without the cold plunge. Sweat, breathe, and recharge… the easy way.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎸 Concerts in the Park @ Mike Ingram Heritage Park | Sunday (3/8) at 6:00 PM – The brand-new Heritage Park amphitheater finally gets a workout, with Sedona Red launching the first show, a free, family-friendly concert. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and that neighbor who ‘never goes out,’ settle into the grass, and enjoy actual music, actual people, and no cover.

🏫 New Parent Orientation & Registration @ Casa Grande Elementary School District Office | Monday (3/16) at 1:00 PM – New to CGESD for 2027? Swing by the District Office on Kortsen for a no-drama orientation and registration, where real humans walk you through the enrollment maze, answer the oddball questions, and tame the paperwork. Less chaos, more clarity, maybe even a celebratory coffee after.

🌮 2026 Southwest Taco Fest @ Dave White Regional Park | Saturday (3/21) at 4:00 PM – Craving tacos without the tab? Southwest Taco Fest is back and free, with food trucks, live performances, and enough salsa choices to keep the table talking. Bring a healthy appetite, a patient waistband, and that friend who swears cilantro tastes like soap.

🐰 Bunny Bash @ Central Arizona College, Maricopa Campus | Wednesday (3/25) at 2:00 PM – CAC’s Maricopa campus is going full spring mode with a Bunny Bash, complete with age-based egg hunts, free activities, giveaways, and goodie bags. Bring the kids, or borrow some, for photos with Hoppy the Bunny and Vaquero Pete, and toss in non-perishables for the pantry.

🛍 Maricopa Night Market – Spring Edition @ Lowe’s Home Improvement | Saturday (4/4) at 6:00 PM – Ready for a proper small-town night out that doesn’t involve folding laundry? Hit the Maricopa Night Market for live music, food trucks, local makers, a bloom bar, a petting zoo, and a kids zone with a foam party. Entry’s free, donations help local families.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Maricopa report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 86°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny. High near 86, with temperatures falling to around 84 in the afternoon. West wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 85°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

Stylish 4-bed showcases nearly 12-foot ceilings and an open plan. The kitchen features rich cabinetry, granite, under-cabinet windows and a pantry. Each bedroom links to a bath, with a luxe primary suite and huge shower. Out back, a covered patio overlooks a private pool with fountain jets, plus an EV-ready garage and access to a splashy community park and pool.

Take a peek inside →