Frisbee + Hats = Awesome
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5
Himmel Park
1000 N. Tucson Blvd.
As an organization, Tucson Ultimate doesn't run tournaments during the summer. The members wait until the weather is cooler to invite people out to throw around the disc.
A sport played on a space like a soccer or football field, ultimate Frisbee features players who are not allowed to run with the disc in their hands; the point is to toss the disc down the field.
Pascal Mickelson, a member of the board of directors for Tucson Ultimate, invited everyone to jump into the first tournament of the fall season. "You don't need a team to participate—just show up on the day of, and we'll place you on a team," Mickelson said.
Ultimate Frisbee, even at the most-competitive levels, is usually a self-refereed game, and this tournament offers a twist: Players who don't wear a hat or mask can't call a foul.
"It's a process of conflict resolution on the field. Normally, anyone can make a call, but we want to encourage people to wear creative headwear, so we're putting in a special play," Mickelson said.
The Dia de los Discos tournament was previously called Cat in a Hat.
"The name is brand new, but (the event is) inherited from our past. We're excited about that kind of synergy. We'll get a handful of out-of-towners, but since this is (only) a one-day tournament, it will attract more of a local crowd." Mickelson said.
Ultimate is a great way to meet people, said Mickelson, who expressed hope that the tournament would draw enough people to have six to eight teams of 10 to 14 players each.
Registration on the day of the tournament is $12. —D.H.
Faeries and Artists
Bogdare at Valley of the Moon: "The Art Extravaganza"
5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5
2544 E. Allen Road
323-1331
Valley of the Moon—an enchanted garden with rabbit holes and gnome caves to explore—has been around since the 1930s, and was built by George Phar Legler.
"It was his vision to give an escape for people," said Prince Jay, co-founder of Bogdare, an artistic production company that will be putting on a benefit at the park.
After hearing about Valley of the Moon a few years ago, Jay said, it sounded far-fetched. "I had to check it out. It turned out to be Tucson's random little attraction, I was amazed."
Bogdare's benefit, "The Art Extravaganza," will highlight more than 25 local artists and performers.
"We work with artists who are either aspiring or established," he said. "We're trying to show people who are waiting to get their work out."
As part of "The Art Extravaganza," Bogdare's last show of the season and the biggest so far, Jay wanted to leave behind some inspiration in a park that's been around for 80 years.
"Each artist is donating a sheet of muslin cloth which we're using to create a mural. ... Little trinkets people have left behind have really added something to the atmosphere here. We want to be a part of that," Jay said.
The show will include flame-dancing and belly-dancing performers, as well as musicians.
Children and adults alike are welcome to enjoy a faerie-guided tour through the park. The tour was established when the park was first built.
"We can bring to light Valley of the Moon and share this location with people," Jay said.
Admission is $5. Come in costume, and pay $3. Children 7 and younger are admitted for free. —D.H.
Great Scott!
Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games
Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 6
Rillito Raceway Park
River Road and First Avenue
807-9509
Everyone loves bagpipes, right? Right?
The 25th annual Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games features traditional festivities, bagpipes, food and drink for all ages.
The opening ceremony starts at noon on Saturday and is lead by—what else—a mass pipe band. Popular Celtic folk-fusion-rock band Seven Nations kicks off the evening performances on Saturday at 6 p.m., and will be followed by fire dance performed by Elemental Artistry.
Asherah Caldwell, the president of the Tucson Celtic Festival Association, has been a part of the festival for seven years. "It has grown into a really wonderful part of Tucson's cultural fabric," Caldwell said.
Prior to the main event, guests are invited to participate in a formal torchlight ceremony and ceilidh on Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. Entry is $5 at the door.
The festival proper occurs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Attendees can look forward to Celtic festivities including athletic competitions, whisky-tasting, food, dancing, shopping and even an opportunity to find one's family clan. Special junior highland athletic competitions will be available for children—with the guidance of professional athletes, of course.
"It's not a renaissance festival," reminded Caldwell. "It is very unique, and we like to hold the integrity of that. It is a reflection of Celtic culture currently."
Admission is free for children younger than 6; $5 for kids 6 to 15 years old; $9 for seniors and military members; and $12 for adults (or $18 for a two-day pass). Adult admission is $2 off with a nonperishable canned food donation to the Community Food Bank. Parking is $2 per day. —J.B.
For the Dogs
Greyhounds and Friends Fall Festival
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
3482 E. River Road
886-7411; www.azgreyhoundrescue.org
The Arizona Greyhound Rescue is hosting its third annual Greyhounds and Friends Fall Festival—a chance for people of all ages and their four-legged friends to socialize and contribute to a good cause.
Local chefs and eateries are donating sweet prizes for guests to bid on during a live gourmet-dessert auction. All proceeds go to AGR to pay for veterinarian expenses, dental care, foster care, kennel fees and other services needed to prepare dogs retiring from Tucson Greyhound Park and other tracks for adoption.
Humans aren't the only ones who get treats, though. Guests are encouraged to bring their best homemade dog treats for a "Biscuit Throw-Down," during which the dogs will sniff out the winner. There is no extra charge to enter, and for $5, your dog can be a judge. The winning recipe will be posted on the AGR website.
"To do something on this scale for the dogs is great," said Jean Williams, vice president of AGR. "Knowing that these animals have just been entertainment for people ... they deserve a better retirement."
Other activities include a human and canine dance performance from the Tucson Musical Canine Freestyle Club, canine massage therapy, and a presentation by Claudia Presto from the Greyhound Gang that will answer the question: "Why Does My Hound Do That?"
For guests looking to adopt a wet-nosed companion, representatives from a number of animal-rescue agencies will be on hand to provide information.
"It's a fun, social time for people with greyhounds and other dogs to come socialize," said Williams.
Admission is $5 per family and includes a raffle ticket for a door prize. Contact Cynthia Guldberg at baukie7@gmail.com if you plan to participate in the Biscuit Throw-Down. —J.B.
