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Hi Fountain Hills, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Helicopter expo thrills, Paquito D’Rivera lights up the stage, and the Persian New Year festival returns + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Retail veteran and Army reservist: Scottsdale Fashion Square has named Jaymes Bell general manager, leading the Palm Court makeover that began in February and is set to finish by the end of the 2026 holiday season — learn about his background.

A night of classics: Scottsdale Philharmonic’s March 22 concert will feature Rachmaninoff’s Paganini Rhapsody at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, with free streaming and free tickets for students and veterans — check out the full lineup.

State-of-the-art member services: Nuvision Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new Mesa-Longbow branch on February 24 with a ribbon cutting and check presentations to Paz De Cristo and VFW Post 1760 — see branch features and highlights.

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.

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:

• The Petersens bring authentic bluegrass to Mesa
• Watch the fountain glow emerald green
• Enjoy award-winning blues-rock from Znora
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger night upgrade: Paradise Valley Burger Company in Scottsdale turns burger night into an event with the Brulee Burger, made-to-order patties, and other indulgences. Its creations earned love on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Man v. Food… making a night off from cooking feel like research.

Roll into the week: Whether you’re nailing crossovers or rediscovering your groove, Skateland Mesa spins live DJs, a big arcade, and themed nights that turn Tuesday into prime time. Crews lace up, quads hum, and the rink soundtracks the week.

Your midweek art reset: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art serves up rotating, thought-provoking shows in a striking space by Will Bruder, plus a James Turrell skyspace, Knight Rise, that turns sunset cinematic. It’s the ideal low-stress culture hit between grocery runs and life catch-ups… easy, satisfying, and serene.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fountain Hills for grown ups

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.

🌸 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.

🎷 Paquito D’Rivera @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday (3/7) at 7:30 PM – Paquito D’Rivera is rolling into town with clarinet and sax in hand, blending Latin jazz, classical, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into one globe-trotting set. Expect virtuosic fireworks, toe-tapping danzóns and choros, witty stories between tunes, and the pleasant realization our music scene still has taste.

🌵 Desert Plant Walk: Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert @ Fountain Hills Botanical Garden | Tuesday (3/10) at 4:00 PM – Take a slow, guided wander through Fountain Hills Botanical Garden with Desert Moon Botanicals, and actually meet the Sonoran Desert’s medicinal plants. You’ll practice ID and talk everyday uses, it’s educational, not a foraging free-for-all. Early bird $40, regular $50, advance registration required, no walk-ups.

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
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Fountain Hills report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 78°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny. High near 78, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. South wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 45. North northwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 71°F – Low: 47°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 71. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. North northeast 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

This coastal California style retreat in Desert Mountain pairs panoramic Valley of the Sun views with easy indoor-outdoor living. Beam-accented ceilings, a statement fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen set the tone. The 1,788-square-foot detached guest retreat adds a private theater, game room, bunk room, kitchenette, and ensuite bedroom. Resort-worthy patios, pool, and spa shine at sunset. Golf membership available.

Take a peek inside →