MUST DO
October 1
Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest
Pedal Haus Brewery and SanTan Brewing Company are joining forces for the most festive event of the fall. In addition to German-style food and games, there will be a Desert Polka party and live music from Hit Rewind and The Dirt. Prost! 3-11 p.m., $15-$20, A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, oktoberfest2022.eventbrite.com
In Remembrance
Ty James Largo
1981-2022
“Life can be a wondrous, sparkling comet trail that we leave in our wake for others to marvel at,” wrote Irish author Stewart Safford. He didn’t know Ty James Largo, but for those of us who did, the comet is a fitting metaphor for our fiery friend, who designed his life with purpose and panache. The longtime publicist and media multi-hyphenate made a career out of creating “happenings” for clients, naming his Tempe-based firm Awe Collective after “that moment of inspiration and delivery,” he told us in a 2012 interview. Advocating tirelessly for independent Arizona businesses and talent in the food-and-beverage realm, often for little or no compensation, he built a massive circle of friends and familiars. Remember PHOENIX magazine Summer Cocktail Camp? His idea, and we were grateful he recruited us. Largo died on July 27 after a short, private health battle.
Not-Hot for Teacher
Four years have passed since Arizona public school teachers drew national attention with their #redfored protests for better pay. Have conditions improved for them in the interim, relative to other states? Venn diagram time.
MISC.
Eight Great State 48s
As the 48th state to join the Union, Arizona is admittedly a bit of a late bloomer. Don’t get it twisted – we’re pretty proud of our slowpoke statehood status here in the Valley. Which is why “State 48” has emerged as the most crowded piece of branding real estate in Arizona history. Here are some of the many distinct companies to have claimed it.
State 48 Brewery: Cheers to 110 years with a locally brewed lager at one of State 48’s six Valley locations. state48brewery.com
State Forty Eight: Wear your Arizona-loving heart on your sleeve with a T-shirt designed by this popular apparel company headquartered in Chandler. statefortyeight.com
State 48 Floors: This Tempe flooring company specializes in carpet, vinyl, wood and tile. state48floors.co
State forty-eight Home Services: The owners of this West Valley air conditioning contractor company understand Arizona’s complex climate. But hey, it’s a dry heat. greatstate48.com
State 48 FC: Providing inclusive soccer programs to Valley players of all ages and abilities is the main goal of this Peoria-based sports league. state48fc.com
State 48 Theatre Company: Mesa is home to a thriving community theater that frequently stages productions for youth, teens and adults. state48theatre.com
State 48 RV: Hit the road in style with a recreational vehicle from this family-owned dealership in Apache Junction. azstate48rv.com
State 48 Door & Window: Whether you’re looking for energy-efficient windows or a midcentury-modern door, State 48 specializes in installing openings for your Arizona home. state48doorandwindow.com
