Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I register online for the event?
First, if you register by February 27, 2015, you will benefit from advance ticket prices and save $5 per ticket. It’s easy to order online. When you register, you will be asked to enter your name and e-mail address. You will then place your ticket order and be given the option of ordering a reserved table and/or the stagecoach ride. Next you can order tickets for “Guests” in your party. Next, you will indicate your method of payment.
You can pay online using a debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover), PayPal, or e-check. We use PayPal for credit/debit card and e-Check processing but you don’t need a PayPal account to pay this way; simply choose “PayPal” as your payment option when you register and then indicate that you don’t have an account. To facilitate registration, have your credit card and credit card billing information handy. Advance registrants will receive confirmations and tickets via-mail, which they should bring with them to the event). If you pay by check, you will be emailed a registration confirmation. When GPPA receives your check, the tickets you ordered will be emailed to you.
You can pay “at the door” using cash, personal check, or a credit card. Advance registration discounts of $5 per ticket do not apply.
I don’t have a computer available. How can I register for the event?
The easiest way is to call (480) 361-6498 (GPPA, The Peak magazine) and we will take your order and send you tickets by post or e-mail, depending upon your computer access.
Can I register and buy tickets at the door on the day of the event?
If tickets are still available, you will be able to buy them at the ticket office at entrance to MacDonald’s Ranch Headquarters Cookout Site. You can save $5 per ticket by purchasing your tickets by February 27, 2016.
Can I purchase tickets at McDonald’s Ranch in advance of the event by calling or visiting the ranch?
No. Requests for tickets and information will be referred to us.
Are out-of-town visitors welcome at the event?
Absolutely, and it is not unusual for hotel and resort guests to “do what the locals do” and attend this type of community event. Frankly, we can’t think of a better way to enjoy Arizona. The event’s Adventure Stations provide a perfect opportunity to learn about Sonoran wildlife, preservation efforts, and the local community. In addition, a visit to MacDonald’s Ranch enables them to see something special that they might have otherwise missed. Taking a ride in an authentic stagecoach on the ranch’s dirt “roads” is a great way to get the feel of the Old West and also see Sonoran plants and animals in their native habitats. And, visitors have something in common with most of the other guests, most of whom originally came to our area as visitors.
Are tickets tax deductible?
In most cases, yes, but everyone’s financial situation is unique. Friends of the Scenic Drive is a division of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, a nonprofit, 501 c(3) organization. A portion of the ticket price may be tax deductible. When you purchase tickets, you will be mailed an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes.
Who benefits?
If you live in or visit the northeast valley, YOU BENEFIT. All of the proceeds of the event are spent on efforts related to conservation of the natural environment and quality of life, including the preservation and enhancement of Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive. It is our fervent hope that future generations of residents and visitors will enjoy the natural beauty that the cookout’s sponsors, organizers, and volunteers are seeking to preserve. More specifically, Friends of the Scenic Drive – Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, which hosts the event, uses proceeds from the event support its own nonprofit programs that include utilizing it’s A Peek at the Peak (The Peak) magazine and newsletter to support other area nonprofits, the arts, and education. The event provides exhibitors with an opportunity to educate the public about their causes.
What happens at the event?
The short answer is that everybody relaxes and enjoys themselves. Here’s the long answer.
When you arrive at the parking lot at MacDonald’s Ranch, which is located on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Jomax Roads, you’ll be greeted by a volunteer and directed to the entrance gate, adjacent to the parking lot. If you have a ticket, it will be checked and you will have the opportunity to purchase a stagecoach ride. If you don’t have a ticket, you will be able to purchase them at the ticket office.
Upon admission, all guests will be given a Passport to Adventure that will identify the various Adventure Stations. Visit each station, spend as much time as you want, and have your passport stamped at each station, then turn in your stamped passport to receive your Reward Sack. This goody bag will contain gifts and special offers from supporting businesses and organizations. It will also contain a ticket, for the Adventure Drawing, for a great prize.
Next, you can relax in the ramada and listen to live country and popular music. Getting hungry? Head on over to the serving window for a great meal. The cookout site is outside and guests seat themselves at picnic tables under an open ramada. Find a place to sit, and if you don’t know the other folks at the table, introduce yourself. You never know whom you might meet. It might be a neighbor or a visitor from some exotic place. Incidentally, it is possible to reserve a VIP Table for eight adults in advance of the event. See ticket information for details.
Enjoy a delicious and relaxing meal. Several bonfires will be lit and kids will have the opportunity to toast S’mores. Adults can kick back and enjoy a soft drink, beer or wine, enjoy a good conversation, the site, and the music.
Following dinner, there will be a short fun-packed program. Community leaders will be introduced. The winning ticket for the 50/50 raffle will be drawn. And then, the winning ticket for the Adventure Drawing will be picked.
Desert Foothills at Sunset
Can we sit with our friends?
All guests will sit at picnic tables in a shaded ramada. Each table can sit 8 adults comfortably. It’s open seating. You can reserve a table in a special VIP Section when you register for the event and order your tickets. The cost of reserving the table is $20, no matter how many people sit at it.
What should I wear? What will the weather be like?
Relax. This is Arizona and it will probably be warm, cooling off as the evening goes along. Wear jeans, slacks, shorts or your cowboy duds. Depending on the weather that day, you might want to consider bringing a light jacket.
MacDonald’s Ranch is at 1,100’ elevation and the cookout site is surrounded by lush desert, so it tends to be cooler than the rest of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Since this year’s event is in early March, the odds are good that we will have comfortably warm temperatures in the afternoon and cooler temperatures as the evening progresses. Come out and find out!
What types of items will be available at as raffle or auction items?
There are always bargains available. Because they are popular with guests and merchants, we plan to have more gift cards and gift certificates available than in the past.
Should I bring my checkbook?
Yes. You can use cash, checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, or American Express) to purchase items ($10 – $500), tickets to the event, and to pay for the stagecoach ride. You will need cash to buy raffle tickets, beer, and wine at the event.
How can a business, individual, or organization donate merchandise or a service to support the event?
It’s easy. You can also call GPPA/The Peak at (480) 361-649. We will register your donation and, if necessary, arrange for a volunteer to pick up the item. You can also make your donation online at Scottsdale Western Cookout Adventure Donation Registration.
How can a homeowners association or other civic group contribute?
We welcome the support of associations and groups. They can help by making a donation to any of the cookout organizers, purchasing a reserved table at the cookout, publicizing the cookout in their newsletters, and distributing flyers and pamphlets in their neighborhoods.
I cannot attend. Can I make a donation to support your efforts
Your support is sincerely appreciated and there are several ways you can provide that support. First, you can become of member of GPPA or become a Friend of the Community or make a donation, by calling 480-361-6498. Second, you can visit 2016 Scottsdale Western Cookout Adventure Donation Registration. Register an Event Donation or Sponsorship
Can you tell me more about the event’s sponsors.
Founded in 1977, The Greater Pinnacle Peak Association – Friends of the Scenic Drive is north Scottsdale’s oldest 501 c(3) nonprofit. Dedicated to preserving the area’s natural environment and quality of life, GPPA works to preserve and enhance the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, an area landmark since 1963, publishes A Peek at the Peak magazine, and supports conservation, education, and the arts.
MacDonald’s Ranch, which is hosting the event, began as a horse and cattle ranch in the late 1950’s, consisting of 36,000 acres in the desert that is now North Scottsdale. Years passed, the Valley grew and with the exception of MacDonald’s Ranch’s 1300 acres, the surrounding land became home to suburban neighborhoods, horse properties, golf courses, and retail centers. Today, MacDonald’s Ranch, a steadfast supporter of desert preservation, is one of Scottsdale’s oldest and experienced horseback riding stables making it the premier Western adventure in the Valley of the sun.
What other community groups are participating in the event?
There will be a variety of exhibitors including local wildlife rehabilitators, museums, and pet organizations. Plus, the City of Scottsdale library, preservation, parks and recreation, and planning staff will be manning exhibits. There is no better way to learn about our local community.
I’ve attended Cookout at the Ranch. Is this the same event?
No. Cookout at the Ranch, which has also been organized by GPPA-Friends of the Scenic Drive for 16 years, has been held in late September or early October at the Desert Foothills Cookout Site at MacDonald’s Ranch. The 2016 Scottsdale Western Cookout Adventure is held at the Headquarters Site and takes advantage of the new facilities at MacDonald’s Ranch, including the train ride, petting zoo, western games, panning for gold, stagecoach ride, and results in an event that will be enjoyed by younger families as well as seniors. Some of the more popular features of Cookout at the Ranch have been incorporated into the Scottsdale Western Cookout Adventure, such as asilent auction, raffle, buffet, live musical entertainment, natural history activities, and the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
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