Mark Your Calendar

Whether it's art festivals, block parties or trips to the ballet, Yuma offers plenty of events to keep its residents and tourists entertained over the winter months. Here's a calendar to help you plot your way through Yuma's culture and fun.

SEPTEMBER
Sept. 14, Golf Tournament for Youth A golf tournament held at Desert Hills Golf Course to begin with an 8 a.m. shotgun start by Sunrise Optimist Club to help raise funds to assist with Yuma's youths through scholarships and a Christmas clothing shopping spree for underprivileged children. Cost is $55. For more information, call 446-1022.

OCTOBER
Oct. 3, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

Oct. 11, Miss Yuma County Scholarship Pageant Scholarship pageant to help young women in their education. Held at downtown's Historic Yuma Theatre, hours are from 7 to 10 p.m. Cost is $20. For more information, call Valerie Munk, at 446-2086.

Oct. 14-15, World Heritage Fair This new event celebrates diversity and multiculturalism in our world. Guest lecturers will be featured. Plus during the AWC Job Fair study abroad and exchange programs will be highlighted and international employers and multicultural entertainment will be on the agenda. Fair is free and open to the public.

Oct. 15, AWC/NAU Fall Job Fair It features more than 50 employers looking to hire students both on a part-time and full-time basis. Many internship opportunities will also be available. Bring your resume and dress for success! Some past employers included Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, city of Yuma, California Highway Patrol, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Holiday Inn, The Sun, Yuma Regional Medical Center and many others. Job fair hours will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the AWC main campus near the fountain and LR Building. Cost is free and open to the public. For information, call Donna Lay at 344-7605.

Oct. 17, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

Oct. 25, "Some Enchanted Evening" Yuma Ballet Theatre presents "Some Enchanted Evening" on the patio of the Historic Gowan Building on Oct. 25 from 6 to 11 p.m. This includes a fundraising dinner and auction with live dance, music and vocal talents. Of course, you are invited to wear costumes. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, call 341-1925.

Oct. 28, Heart of Yuma The Heart of Yuma, held from 7 to 9 p.m., is a recognition event that honors those who have "made a difference" in Yuma County. At this event are the Outstanding Volunteer, the Outstanding Leader, the Outstanding Benefactor and the Philanthropist of the Year. Two new categories this year, chosen are the Outstanding For-Profit Corporation and the Outstanding Nonprofit Corporation. Held at the Yuma Civic Center, Sunset Terrace with a complimentary dessert buffet. For information, call 539-5343.

NOVEMBER
Nov. 7, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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. 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. 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 eighth annual Arizona Western College Family Night from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 21, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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. 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.

DECEMBER
Dec. 2, Welcome Back Bash Come to Old Town for plenty of fun and excitement. Vendors will be selling their wares, plenty of food booths, free giveaways and lots of entertainment.

Dec. 2-March 31, Farmers Market Farmers Market in downtown Yuma. Features fresh produce, crafts and live music. Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Dec. 2 and ending March 31. The market will not open Christmas and New Year's Day. Call 343-1243 for additional information.

Dec. 5, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

Dec. 5-6, "The Nutcracker" Yuma Ballet Theatre presents "The Nutcracker," a magical presentation that begins the holiday season. Join YBT with the 29th year bringing this classic tale to life. Dewdrops, candy canes and sugarplums come to life in this fanciful presentation. Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Tickets are available at the YBT dance studio located at 3140 S. 4th Ave., Suite D-7 in the Southgate Mall or at the door the day of the event. Tickets are $12 VIP, $10 adults, $8 seniors and $5 for children under 12. For more information, call 341-1925.

Dec. 12, Sixth Annual Light Parade Arizona Public Service and Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area present the sixth annual Electric Lite Parade and Tree Lighting. The theme of this year's parade is "A Sporty Holiday." The parade will start at 6:30 p.m. at 8th Street and Orange Avenue and end on Main Street (look for map in The Sun the week the parade). For more information, contact Heritage Festivals at 782-5712.

Dec. 19, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

Dec. 31, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's Julieanna's Patio Café will host a gala Jazz New Year's celebration featuring the Yuma Jazz Company. The heated "special events tent" is the perfect place to ring in the new year! Great music, food and drinks, excitement and surprises. For information and reservations, call 317-1961.

JANUARY
Jan. 9, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

Jan 9-11, Old Town Jubilee Arts and Craft Festival Old Town arts and craft festival offers three days of music, food, children activities and crafts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact Heritage Festivals at 782-5712.

Jan. 15-March 26, Village Jazz Series The Village Jazz Series, now in its third year, runs Jan. 15 - March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Village area of Yuma Palms Regional Center, Highway 95 and Yuma Palms Drive. The series of free concerts features groups from Yuma, Phoenix and California. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating - lawn chairs, blankets - for the concerts. For schedule of events, go to www.yumajazz.com/village or call the Yuma Palms Center at 329-4559.

Jan. 23-25, Yuma Lettuce Days Yuma Lettuce Days 2009 will focus on agriculture in Yuma County from children activities, salad bar all three days, agriculture machinery on display, produce displays for the three days in three different locations along Main Street. "Iron Chef" cooking contest, floral center piece contest, Red Hat vegetable hat contest to name a few. Children boxcar derby Saturday morning, adult boxcar derby Friday and Saturday night, times to be announced later. Music, entertainers, food and lots of fun. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Jan. 24, Blue Grass in the Park Fourth Annual Blue Grass in the Park will be held at the West Wetlands Park off 1st Street at 12th Avenue. Tickets may be purchased at Heritage Festivals, 180 W. 1st St., Suite C. Cost is $15; or $18 at the gate - cash or check only. Dry camping is allowed on Friday and Saturday for $12 per night. Gates open at noon on Friday, and at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. No coolers. Any questions, call Heritage Festivals at 782-5712.

Jan. 31, Scout Expo Scout Expo for the kids is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Wetlands Park, with free admission, booths and activities. Barbecue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at $6 per plate.

Jan. 31, Death by Chocolate An evening of decadent indulgences, chocolate sampling and silent auction. The most fun your taste buds will have all year. Held at 6:30 p.m. at the Foothills Branch Library, 13226 E. South Frontage Road. Cocktails will be served at sunset. This event is primarily a library benefit; sponsored by Friends of Yuma County Libraries. For more information, call Ruth at 726-5914.

Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Two Rivers Renaissance Faire Huzzah! The Two Rivers Renaissance Faire recreates the charm of an Elizabethan village. Nonstop entertainment on five stages. Demonstrations of olde world crafts. Unique merchandise, food and fun for all ages. Friday is school day and senior discount day. Seniors get in for only $7 when you buy your tickets in advance. General tickets are $10. The faire opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. See Web site for more information: www.tworiversfaire.com.

Jan. 31, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

FEBRUARY
Feb. 6, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

Feb. 13-15, Yuma Crossing River Daze Arts and Craft Festival Yuma Crossing River Daze Arts and Craft Festival is three days of music, food and crafts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Feb. 14, Yuma Crossing Day An exciting celebration of the history of Yuma. The Quechan Tribal Museum, Yuma Quartermaster Depot Historic Park, Arizona Historical Society, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, and the Heritage Library will all be open Feb. 14 with free admission. Shuttles starting at 240 S. Madison Ave. will run free of charge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Re-enactments will be taking place at many of these sights. Visit Yuma's history.

Feb. 20, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

Feb. 28 - March1, North End Classic The North End Classic is back! This classic twoday staged race will be run as a points race with a challenging criterium on Saturday, followed by a long, flat road race on Sunday. Cash prizes.

MARCH
March 6, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

March 13-15, March Breezes on Main Arts and Craft Festival March Breezes on Main is downtown's last craft festival for the season. Three days of music, food and arts and crafts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact Heritage Festival at 782- 5712.

March 20, Yuma Jazz Company at Julieanna's The Yuma Jazz Company Quintet will be performing at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St. in Yuma, 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.

APRIL
April 11, "Broadway Bound" Yuma Ballet Theatre presents "Broadway Bound." It celebrates the classic music of Broadway interpreted through dance. Come for a celebration of music and dance at the Historic Yuma Theatre. For ticket information, call 341-1925 or visit www.yumaballet. org.

April 15, AWC/NAU Spring Job Fair and Nontraditional Careers Fair Two events for the price of one! Similar to the Fall Job Fair, with over 50 employers present to offer employment and internship opportunities to AWC students and the general public. The Nontraditional Careers Fair is held in conjunction with the Job Fair. At this event, professionals from the Yuma community discuss the advantages of pursuing nontraditional careers. Examples of nontraditional careers are men as nurses and women as welders. Held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AWC main campus. Cost is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 344-7605.

April 22, Let's Go Green This second annual event showcases both educational and business ventures which are committed to "going green" or preserving the environment. The first "Let's Go Green" event hosted over 50 vendors promoting green products, educational information on being "green" and an art exhibit compiled by high school and college students with saving our world as the theme. Held at the AWC main campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

April 26, Ballet and Strings Yuma Ballet Theatre presents "Ballet and Strings at Sunset." A collaboration of Yuma Ballet Theatre and Yuma Orchestra Association. Come and enjoy the sunset with local youth bringing music and dance to life. Held at 6:30 p.m. at the Arizona Western College Amphitheater. For ticket information, call 341-1925 or check out www.yumaballet.org.