Clockwise from top left: Erin Hanson, “Saguaro Dusk;” Victoria Varga jewelry, “Cleopatra;” Dakota Pratt, “Saguaro;” Brian Lindsay vase; Stan O’Neil marble vases; Scott and Naomi Schoenherr, “Next Stop Wobegon.”

 

Writer Lara Piu

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]cottsdale Arts Festival is one of the city’s longest-running lawn parties and with good reason — there’s a lot to do. From the arts to entertainment and especially the food, this event has something for anyone at any age. This year’s event is no exception and may leave you wondering where to start. Ah, that is where we come in. Here is your handy-dandy, step-by-step festival guide.

Affogato Handcrafted Beverages
Weighing in at 25,000 pounds and measuring 28 feet long, you cannot miss the fancy black, white and red coffee truck even if you tried. Step on up and order a hot cup of gourmet joe or espresso. You just might need some caffeine to make it through the day’s activities.

Public Art Walking Tour
Meet up at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 7374 E. Second St., on Saturday at 9 a.m. Experience a free 75 minute walking tour led by Donna Isaac, Scottsdale public art director and Wendy Raisanen, curator of collections and exhibitions. You’ll get the inside scoop on the city’s public artwork, like Robert Indiana’s world-famous “LOVE” pop art sculpture and Ed Mell’s “Jack Knife” bronze sculpture.

Julia Gilmore
Known for her bold oil paintings rich in color and texture, Canadian artist Julia Gilmore is a must-see. Gilmore is among the 175 artists hand-selected by a jury of local arts professionals to showcase their works.

United Lunchadores
Art stirs the imagination and the appetite. On Friday and Saturday, the United Lunchadores Street Gourmet food cart will demonstrate why cooking channels and many other food-feasters rave about their local award-winning gourmet quesadillas and tacos. If Mexican fare is not your thing, try another vendor, like Soundbite food truck, which is a collaboration of Friends of KJZZ and the Short Leash Hotdogs food truck.

Lulu’s Sorbetto
Now it’s time for something sweet! Lulu’s Italian Ice boasts its treats are full of nutrients, packed with robust flavors and is 100 percent natural (cholesterol, dairy, soy and gluten free). Simply put, Lulu’s delights are pure, healthy goodness.

Community Art Studio

Marmalade Skies
If you need some time to relax, the Beatles tribute band, Marmalade Skies, performs Sunday at 3:30 p.m. However, if you cannot make it, no biggie, at least 20 other bands are playing all weekend long.

47th Scottsdale Arts Festival
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale
March 10-12
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adults: $10; students: $5
Members and children under 12: free

scottsdaleartsfestival.org