Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Photography Courtesy of Anthem Community Council

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n 1999, the developers of the Anthem community created an event that they dubbed Anthem Market Days. Its name was later shortened to Anthem Days and, 21 years later, it has evolved into a premier business expo and festival that is not only a cherished annual tradition for Anthem residents but also one that draws attendees from communities all over the Valley.

“The event has certainly grown in both activities offered and attendance,” says Kristi Northcutt, director of Anthem Community Council’s communications and public affairs. “It is a wonderful showcase of our businesses in this community and the Anthem area.”

On Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, Anthem Days will return to Anthem Community Park for yet another year of fun and festivities, featuring live music, a food court, a beer garden, a kids’ zone with inflatables and a free egg hunt for kids.

Otis and the Beat will perform on Saturday, playing a nonstop mix of music from the 1960s through today. Slingshot will take the stage Sunday, with a “rockin’, hip-hoppin’, shake-your-booty” selection of tunes.

“There is a lot of musical talent in the Valley so we endeavor to bring different bands to the event every year,” Northcutt says.

She adds that organizers also strive to entice new vendors to register each year and love to introduce new food options while also bringing back crowd favorites.

Attendees 18 years old and up who visit and receive stamps from ten booths during the event may enter to win a Cosori Air Fryer system. Completed raffle cards must be returned to Anthem Community Council’s booth. The winner will be notified the week following the event.

Northcutt says that kids’ zone activities vary each year but this year’s lineup promises to deliver a great time to Anthem Days’ littlest attendees per usual.

“The egg hunt on Sunday is a favorite among the kids and their families,” she adds. “No matter their age, seeing them rush onto the field for the eggs is a highlight of the weekend. Of course, Peter Cottontail and Mother Nature entertaining the kids before and during the egg hunt is very fun.”

Last year, OSR Physical Therapy offered a speed-pitch challenge. It has decided to change things up this year with a new activity — a Saturday soccer challenge in partnership with Phoenix Rising Football Club.

Another one of last year’s well-received highlights that was introduced as part of the event’s 20th anniversary — the Best in Show award for vendor booths — will also be making a comeback.

“We had great attendance last year to celebrate the anniversary and we hope that attendance will be just as strong this year,” Northcutt says. “Of course, a lot of that is weather-dependent. We have been so lucky the last several years to have nearly perfect temperatures for the event.”

The Frazier Shows Carnival will again open ahead of the event, entertaining families on Thursday and Friday evening as well as during the weekend festivities. Northcutt says that aspect of Anthem Days is especially popular among teens and young adults as well as families.

All-you-can-ride wristbands will be available for purchase at the carnival ticket booth. Discount coupons will be available ahead of the event at Anthem Community Center and Anthem Civic Building as well as on Anthem Community Council’s and Frazier Shows Carnival’s Facebook pages. They will also be available at Anthem Community Council’s booth during the event.

“Anthem Community Council’s four signature events — Anthem Days, Music in May, the Independence Day Celebration and Autumnfest — bring a real sense of community pride and togetherness to Anthem residents,” Northcutt says.

“For visitors from around the Valley, they get to see for themselves how truly special Anthem is. We often hear from new residents that they moved here because they attended a special event and decided they never wanted to leave.”

onlineatanthem.com/anthem-days

21st Annual Anthem Days

Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Anthem Community Park | 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem | Free

onlineatanthem.com/anthem-days

Frazier Shows Carnival

Thursday, March 26 Sunday, March 29 | 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday | 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday | Anthem Community Park

41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem | See website for prices and discounts | onlineatanthem.com/anthem-days