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Rise and shine, Surprise!

In today’s planning-your-week edition: Whole Foods takes over former Big Lots, fourth grader’s pizza box art win, and St. Patty’s Day preparty + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Surprise 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

Grocery chain expands footprint: Whole Foods is coming to Glendale with its first West Valley store, taking over the former Big Lots. Exterior work is done, but no opening date has been announced yet — see what’s known so far.

Strengthening lifesaving services citywide: Peoria has broken ground on Fire-Medical Station 198, the city’s first fire station in two decades, set to open next year, with a temporary Saddleback-area station planned to boost coverage — see how services will expand.

Unexpected win for young artist: A Valley fourth grader got a big surprise from Zzeeks Pizza after winning its annual box art contest, earning $1,000 and a 12 inch box design seen across the Valley — read the full story.

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.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate Black history with multicultural music
• Play casual pickleball at Heroes Park
• Enjoy baseball bites and craft brews
• You’re probably overpaying for car insurance

🏆 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

Crave-worthy wing fix: When “what’s for dinner” turns into a group chat spiral, Crazy Mike’s Wings steps in with crispy, juicy wings, bold sauces, and fries that disappear fast. Earn instant peace at home… plates stay clean, fingers don’t, and everyone claims the last drum like it’s a trophy.

Stock your nail stash: If your at-home mani or pro kit needs a lift, Nationwide Nails Supply stocks wall-to-wall gel colors, dip powders, acrylics, and matching tools, thoughtfully curated for DIYers and techs. Restock close to home, skip the cross-town haul, and likely find your next signature shade.

Desert round, dialed in: Need a little high-desert magic? Quintero Golf Club serves up 18 holes with dramatic elevation changes, spotless greens, and a peaceful, far-from-town feel, without the long drive. The course gently dials your game up while your stress drifts down.

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.

📆 Our favorite events this week

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.

🏠 Maricopa County Home Show @ State Farm Stadium | Friday (3/6) at 10:00 AM – Ready to trade Pinterest dreams for actual floor plans? Hit the Maricopa County Home Show at State Farm Stadium, swing by booth 3026 to talk real budgets, smart builds, and that kitchen you keep measuring. Adults $10, kids 12 and under free.

🖼 “Beyond Becoming” Art Opening @ Conscious Creations Art Studio | Friday (3/6) at 4:00 PM – Think you’re done becoming, Phoenix? Cute. Rwandan-born, Phoenix-based artist Christian Nshuti Manzi opens the art show Beyond Becoming, a thoughtful mix of pencil, watercolor, pen, and paint that digs into the quiet stuff after change, inviting you to spot memories, questions, and yourself.

🌵 Xeriscape Garden Tour @ Surprise Water Education Center | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Join Master Gardeners first Saturdays for a free stroll through Surprise’s Xeriscape Garden at the Water Conservation Center. Learn which desert plants sip, not chug, and how to lure bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds without turning your yard into a thirsty jungle.

🎶 Multicultural Music Festival and Black History Celebration @ Centennial Plaza Park | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Bring a lawn chair and two step to Centennial Plaza for a multicultural music fest and Black History celebration where the set list travels farther than your last vacation. Hear jazz, Latin, country, and gospel, plus vendors, good eats, and community health booths.

♀ West Valley 26th Annual Women’s Day Out Expo @ Glendale Civic Center | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Grab your friends and head to Glendale Civic Center for the 26th Annual Women’s Day Out Expo, a West Valley staple with shopping, beauty, wellness, and decor from local makers. Retail therapy that supports neighbors, plus inspiration, samples, and a guilt free excuse to linger.

☘ St Patty’s Day Preparty @ Paseo Verde Park | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Peoria’s St. Patty’s pre-party brings a free outdoor screening of Zootopia 2, night market and food trucks, pups welcome. Wear green, spread a blanket, let the kids chase balloon animals and dance themselves sleepy while you shop, snack, and call it quality family time.

🐾 Bingo Bash Charity Event @ Cross Eyed Cricket | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Bingo returns to Cross Eyed Cricket, and yes, your lucky dabber still works. Expect lively rounds, raffle prizes, a 50/50 pot, and drink specials, all fueling Pops for Paws to help animals. Call it charity, call it community, call it your chance to shout BINGO guilt-free.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/2 Monday Night Karaoke @ Easy Tiger Bar – 9:00 PM
• 3/3 Music Bingo @ Chicken N Pickle – 7:00 PM
• 3/4 Karaoke Wednesday! @ Cheers Tavern – 9:00 PM
• 3/5 Leading Ladies of Laughter Comedy Show @ Stir Crazy Comedy Club – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 George & Georgia @ Quench Taps and Tapas – 5:00 PM
• 3/7 Multicultural Music Festival and Black History Celebration @ Centennial Plaza Park – 10:00 AM
• 3/8 Wicked for Good Skate @ Great Skate – 1:30 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.

• 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
• Treat yourself: Save $ on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Surprise report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 91°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny. High near 91, with temperatures falling to around 89 in the afternoon. South wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 0 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 86°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 54. North northwest 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.

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This custom cottage-style standout in Copper Creek Estates sits on over an acre with nearly $1M in upgrades. The 5,338 sq ft main house offers 5 beds, 7 baths, and a loft game room. A 1,352 sq ft RV garage adds a half bath and 360 sq ft mezzanine lounge. Control4 and Lutron automate a resort backyard and basketball court.

Take a peek inside →