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It’s Friday, Fountain Hills! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Stuart Yankell’s never-before-seen works, police e-bikes hitting 28 mph, and a helicopter expo + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Lively motion across vibrant scenes: Bella Fine Art will open Sonoran Serenade on March 12 in Old Town Scottsdale, featuring Stuart Yankell’s never-before-seen works inspired by the Sonoran Desert and his signature fluid, joyful figures — see what’s on view.

Upscale newcomer’s deep pedigree: Texas-based Il Bracco will open its first Arizona location in nearby Scottsdale on March 30. Expect housemade pastas, sandwiches, and steaks with lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are open now — see the space and team.

Emergency lighting and minimal training: Phoenix police have replaced traditional bikes with 10 new e-bikes for downtown patrols, aiming to beat gridlock and speed up responses, reaching 28 mph. The program could expand — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.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 all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Watch the fountain glow emerald green
• Enjoy award-winning blues-rock from Znora
• Cars and canines benefit rescue dogs
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Vegan burger fix: When a craving hits, UNiQ Burger nails that nostalgic, messy smash-burger vibe, minus the meat. Picture melty plant-based cheese, crispy chick’n, and fully loaded fries that vanish before you know it. A simple, satisfying upgrade to your usual takeout rotation.

Treasure hunt, upgraded: Scottsdale’s Antique Trove is a 23,000‑square‑foot rabbit hole with 140+ vendors, from mid-century furniture, vinyl, and jewelry to western collectibles and “didn’t know I needed that” curios. Many arrive for one thing, then leave with a story… and probably a lamp.

Brows that stay put: Eastside Microblading & Beauty delivers natural-looking microblading, soft liner, and lip blush that outlast gym sweat, desert heat, and back-to-back meetings. Wake up polished, skip the pencil, and keep mornings easy with results that look like you, refined, durable, and low-fuss.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town this weekend

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.

🛍 Not Your Ordinary Market @ Presby Pickins Flea Market | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Skip the big-box run and swing by Presby Pickins’, a volunteer-powered flea where your finds fund local ministries and community programs, right here in Fountain Hills. Live music from hometown folks, solid food trucks, friendly haggling, and treasures with stories included, no extra charge.

🚗 Freedom for Heroes: Classic Car Show @ Vintage Iron & Restoration | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Shine up your old V8 for a vintage iron car show raising funds for veteran outdoor adventures. Live music, Helping Vets BBQ, raffles, and a silent auction, with every dollar sending vets outside to heal. Got a ride or auction item? Bring it.

🚁 Helicopter Expo @ CAF Airbase Arizona | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Trade yard work for whirlybirds at Airbase Arizona’s annual helicopter expo, a 70-year stroll through rotor history. Get up close to the Huey, Hueycobra, Chickasaw, and the nimble Cayuse, then debate which one steals the show, like civilized adults.

⛺ Arizona Outdoor Expo @ WestWorld of Scottsdale | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Head to WestWorld for a one-stop fix of off-road rigs, overland builds, boats, and the hunting, fishing, and camping gear you’ll actually use. Kick tires, talk shop with pros, let the kids climb on everything, and pretend you’re just browsing, like last time.

🎶 Sip, Shop & Live Flute Music @ Native Art Market | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – This indoor sip-and-shop brings Indigenous flute by Moontee Sinquah, a three-time world champion hoop dancer, to Native Art Market in Old Town. Browse work from 300-plus Indigenous artists, enjoy free piñon coffee and fun drinks, and support a free, Indigenous-owned event. No sunburn required.

🌸 The 8th Persian New Year Festival @ Scottsdale Waterfront | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Skip the usual Old Town shuffle and hit the Scottsdale Waterfront for a family friendly Nowruz celebration packed with music, culture, and great Persian food. Live performances, art, a tea house, a beer garden, and a VIP lounge if you prefer clean bathrooms.

☀ Sun & Sounds @ Civic Center Live | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Patio weather calls for free tunes, cold drinks, good eats, and a stroll past Merchantile Market vendors at Scottsdale’s longest-running concert series. Arizona talent onstage, cocktail bar upgraded, dogs welcome. It’s the easiest yes of your weekend, and sunscreen counts as dressing up.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 OTL @ K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill – 6:00 PM
• 3/7 Freedom for Heroes: Classic Car Show @ Vintage Iron & Restoration – 9:00 AM
• 3/7 Live Music on the Patio @ Scottsdale Elks Lodge #2148 – 2:00 PM
• 3/7 ChaChooga and more @ Pho Cao – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Paquito D’Rivera @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 Velvet Crush @ El Dorado Bar and Grill – 8:00 PM
• 3/8 Sun & Sounds @ Civic Center Live – 1:00 PM

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.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Fountain Hills report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 71°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 71. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. North northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 78°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 4%

Sunny, with a high near 78. East wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Something in your house is about to break 🏠

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It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

Perched above Ancala Country Club, this south-facing modern transitional estate delivers cinematic views of Camelback Mountain, city lights, and the Sonoran Desert. The single-level new build spans 1.55 acres with 4 ensuite bedrooms, a 1-bed casita with kitchenette, and resort-style perks like a negative-edge pool, raised spa with fire features, a BBQ bar pavilion, and a game room with bar.

Take a peek inside →