November Fun on the Fly

Finally! Cooler weather is here! It's time to get outdoors and get moving. There's a lot going on around Yuma this month - here's a sampling of some fun stuff to do with your family.

Nov. 7, 21 Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's
  The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be no cover charge for the performance, which will feature Steven Hennig, trumpet, Brian Carlson, saxes, Carl Posch, guitar, Jon Knudtson, bass, and Brandon Coz, percussion. The group will perform contemporary, Latin, and straight ahead jazz in the award winning restaurant's intimate dinner setting. For more information about this event, or to reserve a table, call Julieanna's at 317-1961.

Nov. 7, 8, Battle of the Bands
  This free two-day show at the Yuma Palms Mall features over 20 of the Yuma area's best live bands - rock, alternative, funk, pop and more. Nine bands will perform from 6-10 p.m. Friday, and 18 bands will take the stage from 2-11 p.m. Saturday. Bring the kids down and vote for your favorite band. For more information, call 539-6805.

Nov. 8, Children's Festival of the Arts
  The 15th annual festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 on Main Street Plaza. This free special event features hands-on activities, artist demonstrations, and ongoing entertainment, plus a display of outstanding student artwork in the Yuma Art Center Gallery. For information, call Rex Ijams at 373-5212.

Nov. 15, Capture the Flag and Bonfire
  This event is open to teens age 13-18. The Capture the Flag tournament is held in the dark at the West Wetlands Park. After the event, participants can enjoy a bonfire, marshmallows and s'mores. Registration is $1 per person, and pre-registration is required. Call 373-5243 for more information.

Nov. 15, Thanksgiving Canoe Trip
  Take a ride down the Colorado with your family. Remember to bring lots of water and sunscreen. Pre-registration is required, and admission is $16 per person. Ages 6 and up can participate with an adult. Call 373-5243 for more information.

Nov. 15, 16, Yuma Fall Jazz and Blues Festival
  Stop by the West Wetlands Park for a two-day music extravaganza. Two stages will host a variety of blues and jazz musicians, including some international Grammy winners. Food, wine, beer and sodas will be sold onsite. The event hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $25 per day, or 40 for both days for adults. For senior citizens and students, the cost is $22 per day, or $35 for both. Call 446-7864 for more information.

Nov. 20, AWC Family Night
  The annual Family Night promotes family fun and education in a festive way. This event features multiple entertainment opportunities, fun-filled activities for the kids and educational information for the adults. Free admission, free giveaways, free entertainment and low-cost food for the whole family at the 8th annual Arizona Western College Family Night from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 21-23, 28-30, Live! Laugh! Love!
  The Yuma Community Theater presents Live! Laugh! Love! at the Historic Yuma Theatre. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m., with a Sunday show at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, and can be purchased at the Yuma Art Center or the Yuma Civic Center box office. For more information, call 373-5202 or 373-5040.

Nov. 21-23, Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival
  The 17th Annual Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival features three days of events. Balloons are scheduled to take off from the Quechan Paradise Casinos on Friday and Cibola High School on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Balloon Glow will take place Saturday evening with fireworks to follow. Both will be held at the Ray Kroc Complex located at 1280 W. Desert Hills Drive.

Nov. 29, Holiday Pageant and Tower Lighting
  The lighting of Friendship Tower is held annually the Saturday night after Thanksgiving. There will be local entertainment at the pageant.