[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’ve been in Arizona for any time, you’ve heard of Earnhardt Auto Centers and their “No Bull” approach to automobile sales and service. The Earnhardt Auto Centers team also loves and supports all things rodeo, including the 39th Annual Gilbert Days events coming up in November. This year’s Gilbert Days Rodeo happens November 10-12 at Welcome Home Ranch, 26601 S. Val Vista Drive. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday, with competition starting three hours later each day. While the rodeo is a huge draw, Gilbert Days offers many related events. The Gilbert Days 5K and 1 Mile Run happen Friday, November 17 at Freestone Park. The Mascot Run starts at 4:30 p.m., with the 1 Mile Fun Run at 4:45 p.m. and the 5K Run at 5 p.m. Register online or on site from 3-4 p.m.
Earnhardt Auto Centers founder Tex Earnhardt participates in Gilbert Days
For runners who want even more challenge, the Gilbert Half Marathon and 10K Run is scheduled for Saturday, November 18 at 7 a.m. Proceeds from the Gilbert event benefit Shun the Sun Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises money to build shade structures and provide educational information on different types of skin cancer. Runners trek through the heart of Gilbert on a route that finishes with the Gilbert Days Parade. The Gilbert Days Parade takes to the streets on Saturday, November 18 at 8:30 a.m. in the Gilbert Heritage District. Look for floats, marching bands and other groups from the local and surrounding communities. This year’s parade theme is #GILBERTKINDNESS, and entries will display how their organization supports kindness in their communities. Don’t miss this fun tradition! Earnhardt Auto Centers proudly sponsors Gilbert Days events. Earnhardt has eight dealerships located within the Town of Gilbert and its employees work, live and play in the Gilbert community. When you’re in the market for a new car, check out an Earnhardt Auto Centers dealership near you![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”37852″ 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.
