Weekend Fun in the East Valley

If you're looking to get outdoors and enjoy the weather this weekend, the East Valley is the place to be. Bring the family and your friends to Apache Junction, where the Lost Dutchman Days and the Arizona Renaissance Fair will be in full swing.

Lost Dutchman Days
When: Feb. 27, 27, and Mar. 1st
The town of Apache Junction is located along US 60 at the base of the Superstition Mountains. It is here that the "Lost Dutchman" Jacob Waltz is said to have hidden his legendary cache of gold, which to this day remains one of the most sought-after claims in the Southwest.

Every year, Apache Junction remembers the Dutchman with its Lost Dutchman Days festival. This year's events include a rodeo, a parade, live music, food vendors, burro adoptions through the BLM, and a charity golf tournament.

As if that weren't enough, the Budweiser Clydesdales hitch team and the Big Taste Grill from Johnsonville Sausages will also be on hand for the three-day event. This is the 44th year for Lost Dutchman Days in Apache Junction. Don't miss it!

Arizona Renaissance Festival
When: Feb 7th through Mar 29th, 2009
If traveling back to the frontier days isn't your thing, you can go back even further to medievel Europe just a few miles down the road. That's right, the Arizona Renaissance Fair is back for its 21st year.

Ye Olde Renaissance Fair features twelve stages of live entertainment, an outdoor circus, an arts and crafts fair, jousting tournaments, and of course, a king's feast of food. It's a great way to let your hair down and relax as you walk around the 30-acre festival and check out the sights, sounds, and smells of medievel times right here in the desert.

Both events are about a 30 to 45 minute drive from North Phoenix and are accessible from your nearest freeway. Don't forget the sunscreen!