Tempe Events Guide


More Than Just A Football Town!

Two days after Thanksgiving, when most of the country is munching on left-over turkey, Tempe will become a shimmering, winter wonderland for the coming holidays with the fifth annual Tempe's Fantasy of Lights, co-presented by America West Airlines and Arizona Public Service (November 28, 1998-January 17, 1999). Downtown Tempe, located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, will celebrate a sparkling season this winter by bathing in hundreds of thousands of lights for 51 days.

Opening Day Ceremonies begin at noon with free activities continuing until 10 p.m. The City of Tempe's Tree Lighting Ceremony at Centerpoint, fireworks over "A" Mountain, Santa's arrival in his carriage, Tempe Kiwanis Parade, Tempe Teddy's Birthday Party, musical entertainment, Kris Kringle's Market, Kidspace with carnival rides and a petting zoo, entertainment, and Fantasy on Ice skating exhibitions and opening skating are just some of the activities you have to look forward to on Saturday, November 28.

Building lights, Southwestern and holiday animated and static light displays will celebrate downtown Tempe's winter festivities every night from 5:00 p.m. - 1 :00 a.m.

On Saturday, December 12, 1998, downtown Tempe will experience 12 tons of snow "falling" for playing enjoyment during Snow Day at Centerpoint. Ice skating, children's arts & crafts, carnival rides, a petting zoo and Kris Kringle Market (handcrafted holiday items) are just some of the activities to enjoy. At dusk, "Light up a Luminaria," presented by Friends of the Orphans, will continue the fun in downtown Tempe with a free walk up "A Mountain" (donations accepted), holiday music, refreshments and Tempe Police/Fire Department demonstrations. (Media contact: Sue McCarthy, Director of Communications (602)967-9449 or (800)528-6455)

More than 1 million people are expected to visit Tempe during the holiday season for GammageAuditorium productions, Fall Festival of the Arts, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl New Year's Eve Block Party, ASU sporting events, music performances, NFL Arizona Cardinal games and the Fiesta Bowl National Championship Football Classic.

For more information about Opening Ceremonies, Fantasy on Ice, Tempe Teddy's Birthday, Snow Day, or other events taking place during Tempe's Fantasy of Lights, please contact the Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau at (602) 894-8158 or (800) 283-6734.


Centerpoint Expecting 12 Tons of Snow to "Fall"

Tempe is expecting 12 tons of snow to "fall" into downtown Tempe's Centerpoint (University & 7th St.) on Saturday, December 12, l998. Snow Day, one of the events during Tempe's Fantasy of Lights, will have families enjoying snow (courtesy of Crystal Ice) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pictures (free with a new teddy bear for the Motorola Bear Claus Exchange) and visits with Santa, a Kris Kringle Market featuring holiday and gift items, children's carnival rides, arts & crafts, entertainment and ice skating at Fantasy on Ice (Arizona's only temporary outdoor ice skating rink) are just some of the activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Following Snow Day at dusk, "Light up a Luminaria," presented by Friends of the Orphans, will have participants walking up "A Mountain" (5th St. east of Mill Ave.) for a glowing display of traditional luminarias lining the path. Participants may walk up for free; however, donations will be accepted and luminarias may be purchased to put on the path. Holiday music, refreshments and Tempe Police/Fire Department safety demonstrations also can be enjoyed until 9 p.m. (Media Contact: Sue McCarthy, Dir. of Comm. (602) 967-9449, (800) 52W455)

Tempe's Fantasy of Lights (November 28, 1998-January 17, 1999), co-presented by America West Airlines and Arizona Public Service, is a 51-day free festival featuring hundreds of thousands of lights, colorful, animated displays and a celestial Mill Avenue bright with 1,000 stars. Kid 740 Radio and KHITS will do live remotes from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For a complete calendar of events, or more information about Snow Day and other Fantasy of Lights activities, contact the Tempe Convention and ~Isitors Bureau at (602) 894-8158 or (800) 283-6734.

 

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