Heading to our Founder’s Day events this weekend? Be sure to read our Founder’s Day FAQs first.
Block Party on Main Street | Presented by APS and Palo Verde
Saturday, March 24 | Main Street & Village Green
Q: Is Founder’s Day a resident-only event?
A: Yes, Founder’s Day Weekend is hosted by the Verrado Assembly and our community partners. Events are open to residents and their guests.
Q: What time are the performances?
A: Here’s the schedule.
- Block Party Activities: 5 – 8 p.m.
- Resident Variety Show: 5:15 – 7 p.m.
- Jack Vandervelde: 7:35 p.m.
- Spin Doctors: 8:25 p.m.
Q: What can I expect when arriving at the Block Party?
A: We look forward to another successful Founder’s Day where our residents of all ages have a safe and fun weekend. The perimeter of Main Street and the Village Green will be fenced with five entry/exit points; bags will be inspected upon entry. To help lines move quickly, hard-sided coolers and open beverages will not be permitted.
Q: What time do the ‘doors’ open?
A: The gates to the event will be open at 5 p.m. Please arrive no earlier than this time. The streets and perimeter will be closed starting at 6 a.m. and multiple sweeps of the venue will occur prior to the event.
Q: Can I bring a lawn chair or blanket?
A: Yes, but no pop-up tents, umbrellas nor other similar items please. All personal items placed in the Village Green or Main Street (within the event venue) is subject to search and removal by the Verrado Community Association, Inc., Verrado Assembly and proper authorities.
Q: What are the block party activities?
A: Balloon twisters (sponsored by Ebb & Flow Coffee Co.), face painters, Meltdown inflatable, bungee trampolines and Epic Game Trailer (sponsored by Summit Community Church). These will be available from 5 to 8 p.m.
Q: Can food be brought in to the Block Party venue?
A: Food and snacks are allowed. No hard-sided coolers are permitted. Our Main Street eateries and several vendors will also offer a variety of food for purchase.
Q: What food options will be at the Block Party?
A: In addition to our Main Street eateries (Bashas’, Ciao Grazie, Tempo Urban Bistro, Ebb & Flow and Orange Leaf), several food vendors will also be onsite offering food for purchase. A food court area next to The Center on Main will have the following food trucks:
Q: Can beverages be brought in to the Block Party venue?
A: Sealed bottled water is allowed. No hard-sided coolers or other beverages are permitted. Beer, wine and a limited selection of liquor may be purchased with a valid ID through the West Valley Mavericks. West Valley Mavericks is a non-profit partner of The Giving Tree™ and 100 percent of the proceeds from these sales will be donated to west valley charities.
Q: Can I drink alcohol at the event?
A: Beer, wine and a limited selection of liquor may be purchased from the West Valley Mavericks and consumed throughout the event venue. No hard-sided coolers or outside beverages (except unopened bottled water) are allowed into the event. Alcohol may be purchased and consumed within Ciao Grazie or Tempo Urban Bistro (located outside of the event venue), per Arizona State Liquor License controls. Any outside alcohol identified will be discarded.
Here’s a list of the options offered by West Valley Mavericks. All drinks are $6.
Beer
- Bud
- Bud Light
- Estrella Jalisco
- Shock Top
- Barrio Rojo
- Barrio Blonde
Liquor
- Reyka – Vodka
- Sailor Jerry – Spiced Rum
- Ron Flor De Cana – Rum
- Tullamore Dew – Irish Whiskey
- Milagro – Tequila
- Hendrick’s – Gin
- Glenfiddich – Scotch Whiskey
Wine
- Arizona Stronghold White Table
- Provisioner Arizona White
Q: How can I purchase Founder’s Day merchandise?
A: Commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase during the Block Party on Main Street while supplies last. Each shirt costs $18. No cash; credit card or check only.
Q: Will there be an ATM onsite?
A: ATMs are available inside Bashas’, on Main Street and on the Village Green.
Q: Will there be ADA accessible seating?
A: Yes, a limited and designated ADA seating will be available for attendees who require accessibility.
Q: Where should I park?
Parking will be available in The Center on Main parking lot and in the adjacent vacant lot. Access is off Sentinel Drive. There will be ADA parking behind Ciao Grazie.
Q: What if it rains?
A: All events will continue rain or shine. Please dress according to current weather conditions.
Community Picnic
Sunday, March 25 | Founders Park
Q: When is the Community Picnic?
A: The Community Picnic is on Sunday, March 25 from noon to 3 p.m.
Q: Are there any road closures?
A: The road surrounding Founders Park will be closed from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 25 for pedestrian access only.
Q: What activities will be at the Community Picnic?
A: Many activities will be available, including:
- Resident BBQ Rib Competition
- Chili Cook-off competition
- Bean Bag Toss Competition
- Inflatable bounce houses
- Dunk tank sponsored by Vitras Swim Club
- Egg toss sponsored by Ebb & Flow Coffee Co.
- Lots of fun activities and giveaways from our resident clubs and partners
- Lawn games
- DJ for fun games and entertaining music
Q: Will there be food for purchase at the picnic?
A: Yes, Bashas’ will be selling a selection of grilled items, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as chips and drinks. A vegetarian option will be available. Cash only. There will also be a food truck selling snow cones.
Q: What time is the community photo?
A: At approximately 2:45 p.m.
Q: How can my neighborhood win the Neighborhood Spirit Award?
A: Wear your neighborhood t-shirt and be ready to participate in fun games and activities for all ages at the picnic. Each activity or contest will allow neighborhoods to earn points, each contributing to their neighborhood totals. The neighborhood with the most points at the end of the picnic will win.
Q: What do we win for the Neighborhood Spirit Award?
A: The winning neighborhood will proudly display the “We Got Spirit” banner in their park and will win a gift card to be used for a community celebration.
Residents