The Hashknife Pony Express
For the past 57 years, the Hashknife Pony Express has made the journey from Holbrook, Arizona, to Scottsdale to deliver the mail. Rain or shine, the horseback mail run traverses 200 miles from the Mogollon Rim, over the Mazatzal Mountains, through Fountain Hills and the streets of Scottsdale. Each rider is sworn in as an official mail messenger and delivers letters that have been hand-stamped with the official logo before the trip. If you want to catch the tail end of the ride, riders will thunder into Scottsdale on Friday, January 29, reaching their final destination, the Hashknife Pony Express Monument on the north side of the Marshall Way Bridge at the Scottsdale Waterfront, at noon.
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market
Located on the corner of Brown Avenue and First Street, the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market is the place to be on Saturday from 8 a.m-1 p.m. Peruse the stellar selection of McClendon’s Select produce and, while there, pick up a loaf of freshly-baked Noble Bread. Walk through the pet-friendly market and you’ll find an array of vendors selling everything from free-range eggs and beef jerky to handmade soap and local honey. While the market is free, you might not be able to resist buying something from the local vendors.
3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale
arizonafarmersmarkets.com
Sunday A’Fair
Now in its 29th year, the Sunday A’Fair features free concerts most Sundays through April at Scottsdale Civic Center Park. The family-friendly concerts showcase Valley musicians, including blues, country, jazz, R&B and rock artists.
On January 31, hear The Everyday Players perform a mix of classics and contemporary soul, blues, rock and dance covers with some original works from noon-1:30 p.m.; and listen to Marmalade Skies, a Beatles cover band, from 2-4 p.m.
Every fair has an arts and crafts market featuring jewelry, ceramics and textiles. At 3 p.m., docents from the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art give a free tour of the park’s sculptures. Food and drinks, including cocktails and beer, are available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, kick back and have a relaxing afternoon.
Scottsdale Civic Center Park
3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
480-994-2787, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
