2016 Scottsdale Western Cookout Adventure, Sat., Mar. 5

Posted By Les Conklin on Nov 28, 2015

Exciting family fun, fare for visitors, locals, just about everyone!

The West, fun, food, prizes, pets, and wildlife combine for a great adventure. On Saturday, March 5th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Headquarters Cookout Site at MacDonald’s Ranch, at 26540 N. Scottsdale Road in north Scottsdale, will be alive with western fun, games, wildlife, pets, farm animals, and delicious food and live entertainment for folks of all ages. Sponsored by MacDonald’s Ranch and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association-Friends of the Scenic Drive, THE Scottsdale Western Cookout Adventure benefits the local environment and quality of life.

Afternoon Packed with Adventure

Upon check-in, you and the members of your party will receive Passports to Adventure and the freedom to roam the cookout site, set in the middle of a huge western “town.” Use your passport to find and visit more than 15 fun-packed and educational Adventure Stations.

You’ll find Adventure Stations for a desert train ride, panning for gold (everybody “strikes it rich”), and a walk-in petting zoo filled with a variety of animals from bunnies, chickens, and ducks to miniature donkeys, sheep, even peacocks. See and learn about hawks, owls, and other desert wildlife up close and personal, learn about local libraries, parks, trails, desert preservation, and wildlife rehabilitation, see exhibits and demonstrations about pet adoption, local history, the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, and more.

Take a break from adventure seeking and lasso some fun playing western games. For example, there are dummy steers to rope (a cowboy will show you how), horse shoe pits, and bean bag games. Close-by there is an optional, thrilling ride in an authentic stagecoach pulled by a beautiful draft horse team or mules; it’s true Old West travel in the Sonoran Desert.

At Trail’s End – Big Reward!

After visiting the stations, you deserve a big reward. Turn turn in your stamped passport and receive a Rewards Sack worth its weight in gold bullion (slight exaggeration). In this goody bag, you’ll discover gifts, and special offers from supporting nonprofits and merchants. Every Rewards Sack will contain a potential treat for the entire family – a chance to win a free stay at a local resort.

Sunset Owl Release, Music, Family Fare

After all the fun and games, you’ll be ready for a great meal and more fun. About sunset, the bonfires will be lit and live country music will fill the desert air. At sunset, don’t miss the unforgettable experience of watching Wild At Heart release a rehabilitated great horned owl fly to freedom.

Hungry? Join guests from afar, friends, neighbors, community leaders for a pulled pork sandwich, hamburger, cheeseburger, large hotdog, or a fried chicken sandwich. Kid’s menu includes hamburger/cheeseburger, hot dog, or fried chicken tenders. All meals include a side dish (coleslaw, French fries, potato chips) and a beverage (juice box, bottled water, can of soda) – all included with admission. Beer and wine will be available just west of the trading post.

Prizes, Drawings

Will you win the Passport Drawing and a stay at a local resort? Will you strike it rich with a Big Raffle prize? A brief program following dinner, will deliver joy and the answers for the lucky winners; let it be you!

Tickets Available Online, Jan. 1, 2016

Advance reservations and ticket prices: Adult: $38, Senior (62 and over)/Military: $35, Children: $24 (12 to 3 years old, children 2 and younger are free), reservations must be made on or before February 27. At Door and reservations made after February 27, add $5 per ticket. Ticket prices include dinner, beverages, afternoon activities, rewards bag, and entertainment. The optional Stagecoach Ride: Adult $8, Child $5 (limited availability), and Adult Beverages: Beer: $5, Wine: $5. Free parking.

For tickets and information: www.gppaaz.org, www.scenicdrive.org, (480) 361-6498 (Major Credit Cards, Check, PayPal), Mail: GPPA, 8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Road #123. Tickets available for purchase on January 1, 2016. Program and ticket prices are subject to change.

The event benefits GPPA environmental causes, including th e Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, and donations to Wild At Heart and other local conservation groups.

Thank you for your support!