[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]July 4th means it’s time for fireworks, great food, and fun to celebrate America’s freedom! Check out the choices within the Ak-Chin Indian Community to make your celebration complete. The Ak-Chin Indian Community’s 4th of July Celebration is free and open to all, starting with a pool party from noon to 4 p.m. at the Recreation Center pool. Then, at Antone Park, Ak-Chin Community Departments face off in a hot dog eating contest, starting at 4 p.m. Other fun includes a watermelon eating contest and talent show. Let the kids jump their hearts out in bounce houses, offered from 4:30-8 p.m.
Fireworks go off between 8 and 8:30 p.m. from Antone Park. The display can also be viewed from the Ak-Chin Circle lawn next to the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. The UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle is always a super place to spend the day, and July 4th is no exception. Look for outdoor water activities in the early evening, including a Slip ‘N Slide. An outdoor screening of “Jaws” happens on the Jumbo Tron, located at the Ak-Chin Amphitheatre, right after the Ak-Chin Indian Community fireworks display. Outside food and beverage is not allowed in the area, but an outdoor concession stand can satisfy your food and beverage cravings. The Play ‘N Win Arcade at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle offers dollar-for-dollar matching, up to $20, on arcade cards from Friday, June 30 through July 4. In addition, the Family Fun Deal, usually offered only on weekends, will be available on July 4th between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Family Fun Deal bundles bowling, shoes, game cards, and pizza, with an option to add laser tag. Right next door, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino features plentiful food and fun for the July 4th weekend. The Buffet menu will include barbecue favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, brisket, and more, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Agave’s Restaurant is serving up baby back ribs! Enjoy a full or half slab with a side of waffle fries and coleslaw from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout July.
Enjoy the monthly cocktail special, the Frozen Golden Margarita for just $5, and see a great show at The Lounge. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino hosts a great lineup of free shows all weekend for guests aged 21 and older. These include:
The John Eric country band on Friday, June 30 at 8 p.m.
A variety group, the Thaddeus Rose Band, on Saturday, July 1, at 8 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Fortunate Son, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, on Sunday, July 2, taking the stage at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The harp/guitar duo He Said She Said perform on Tuesday, July 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Make a night of it! The hotel at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino offers special deals and a great pool —visit the website for their best offers. Golfers can enjoy July 4th play with an event at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. For $50 per player, receive 18 holes of play with cart, complimentary bottled water, on-course contests for best dressed and most patriotic, and a post-golf buffet at Arroyo Grille. Play is limited to the first 100 golfers and kicks off early with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. To register, call 520-426-6827 or visit www.akchinsoutherndunes.com.
Whatever your plans are this Independence Day, be sure to include a stop at the Ak-Chin Indian Community for some patriotic fun![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”35314″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” >
Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.
