This updated news release came to us today from METRO light rail concerning Saturday's festivities. Some minor changes, bolding and a few links were added by Rail Life. The "big day" is near! We hope you plan to be part of the festivities. Don't forget to read our "what to expect" post and to read the blog for more details. I'll update as we get more information!
UPDATED: METRO station celebrations on Dec. 27
PHOENIX — Come celebrate METRO light rail’s grand opening with several unique, community-inspired station celebrations in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa on Saturday, Dec. 27.
While METRO’s grand opening is that entire weekend, Saturday is for those who like celebrations. Please join us for any of the following station celebrations occurring across the METRO line from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In addition to the following attractions, all station celebrations will include exhibitions from local businesses and community groups.
19th Ave. and Montebello – A Better Tomorrow Starts Today
·Sponsored by APS
·Live entertainment with performances by EastonAshe, Screamin' Javelinas and Carmela y Mas
·Appearance by APS’ famous clown troupe
Campbell and Central Ave.
·Live entertainment with performances by Billy Cioffi Band, James Kole and CTS
Thomas and Central Ave. – Health and Wellness
·Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Hospital and MedicalCenter
·Health and wellness fair including the MOM (or women’s health) Mobile
·Live entertainment with performances by Jonnie and Brookie, Billy Cioffi Band and David Bernstein
Encanto and Central Ave. – Arts and Culture
·Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
·Live entertainment with performances by Azteca de Oro Mariachi, Yellowbird Indian Dancers, Flutist Anthony Wakeman, Dineh Tah' Navajo Dance Troupe, Derrick Davis-Hoop Dancer and Motion Theory
·Hands-on crafts for children and demonstrations by Navajo weavers
·Scavenger hunt between the HeardMuseum, the Phoenix Public Library and the PhoenixArt Museum
Third St. between Jefferson and Washington – Phoenix Rising
·Sponsored by CityScape
·North stage entertainment featuring The Phoenix Symphony, Urban Strings, Puerta Del Sol and Pete Pancrazi
·South stage entertainment featuring the Groove Merchants, Charlene Tarango and Gooder
·Interactive displays by the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Arizona Cardinals
·Presentations by local street performers and Street Jam Stomp Company
·Phoenix Children’s Museum’s famous traveling exhibit called “In the Pipeline”
·Celebration will also serve as the launch of the new PhoenixConvention Center
44th St. and Washington – SkyHarbor Community
·Sponsored by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
·Debut of the “Phoenix Airport Shuttle” – your connection from light rail to the airport – offering limited service on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 – 28; regular service begins Dec. 29
·Children’s area featuring face painting, free snacks, SkyHarbor mascot and a special craft activity sponsored by PuebloGrandeMuseum
Priest Dr. and Washington – Papago Park Celebration
·Sponsored by SRP
·Live entertainment with performances by Texas Toast and Jam and Come Back Buddy
·SRP’s Water and Electrical Safety Exhibit
Mill Ave. and Third St. – Mill Avenue Experience
·Sponsored by Hayden Ferry Lakeside
·Live entertainment with performances by Dok and Gal, Mark Dolan and Grantman and the Island Beat; magic performed by John Fitzsimmons
·Display by Arizona Sailing Club
Fifth St. and Veterans Way – Destination Tempe
·Sponsored by Gray Development, Avenue Communities and Aloft Tempe
·Live entertainment with performances by Ringo McLennonSon, Chuck E. Baby and The Allstars, Chris Parker Project and headlining act Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
·Interactive and educational displays including The Urban Experience, Train to Tempe, The Green Scene, Transportation Zone, Archeology Project Overview and Kids on the Go Area
·Fireworks at 5:30 p.m.
·Celebration will also serve as the launch of the new, LEED-certified Tempe Transportation Center
Dorsey and Apache Blvd.
·Appearance by Phoenix Suns’ Leandro Barbosa at 2 p.m.
·City of Tempe departments and public safety displays including the City of Tempe Graffiti Truck
·Face painting and crafts for kids
Price Freeway and Apache Blvd.
·Tardeada celebration to include live mariachi music
Sycamore and Main St. – It All Starts Here
·Sponsored by SRP
·Live entertainment with performances by Second Shift, Chadwicks, Rock Lobster and headlining act Grand Funk Railroad
·Other event features include a classic car show, an interactive kid’s zone and participation by City of Mesa departments
·SRP’s Energy Efficient Kitchen Exhibit
·Launch of the new state-of-the-art bus service, the Valley Metro LINK.
Free rides will continue until 8 p.m. Saturday and pick up again Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free rides in regular service will begin Monday, Dec. 29 – Wednesday, Dec. 31. Service will be extended until 2 a.m. from either terminal in support of New Year’s Eve.
** New update from our Twitter friend JoyBroker**
Urban AFFAIR at Roosevelt Stop / 1st AVE – Music + treats (thanks Laurie!)
**Update #2 from my friend, Edward Jensen** Thanks Ed, we have really enjoyed working with the MMDNA!
Encanto/Central Ave station is the Midtown Museum District Neighborhood Association!
And don’t forget also at the Encanto/Central Ave station is the Midtown Museum District Neighborhood Association!
How the heck did that get left out? Thanks! I’ll add it now…