Twilight Market Filled with Hot, Sticky, Happy People!

Just over 2,000 people attended the June 24th Twilight farmers Market, even thought the temperature hovered around 100 degrees. The courtyard area seems to keep a gentle breeze blowing through it, for which we were all thankful, especially the cast members for Charlotte's Web from Arizona Broadway Theatre. They were in full costume as they rang the market's opening bell.

The Pongaboys kept the place hopping by playing every one's favorite rock and roll tunes. They really were a fun group.

Equally as hot were the Ambush Make-Overs going on at the back stage area in front of the Haute C store! If you haven't visited the Vivaldi Hair Suites, you really should make a point to stop and see the most upscale hair salon in the state. Each hair stylist has their own room, some with patios!

The hair styles selected for these two women were perfect for the warm Arizona weather:

So many people come each week to do their grocery shopping so they get to know the vendors. You can hear about their farms or just how they make the bread so delicious:

It's fun to talk to the men at the JH Grassfed Beef table. It gets your mouth watering for a big steak:

For the kids, Christopher the Magician with his pet rabbit put on two fantastic shows followed by making balloon animals. Everyone wanted to pet the rabbit:

As you could see, not only the children were mesmerized by some of Christopher's magic tricks:

I love watching kids laughing and really enjoying themselves!

Jobing Arena has a table right next to the information booth. Each week, they have graciously given away tickets to different concerts being held at Jobing Arena. Don't forget to stop by their table and place your name in this week's drawing! Here's one lucky winning couple:

The Twilight Farmers Market really comes to life as the sun sets and the twinkly lights glow through the market umbrellas. Everyone seemed to relax and enjoy the last set the band played or enjoyed dining at Tutti Santi and Corbins bar & grill. Their outdoor patio tables fill up pretty quick!

July 1st Twilight Farmers Market is a patriotic theme:

Opening Bell: Luke Air Force Base Color Guard, Don (from Next Coffee) playing the trumpet

Musical Entertainment: Cracker Jack Jazz Band

See you soon!

Christopher the Magician Performs Tonight!

Tonight is the fourth Twilight Farmers Markets at the Citadelle Plaza and I imagine tons of people will be shopping for fresh AZ produce, dining in our restaurants and dancing to the music from the band 'The Pongaboys'. But I also imagine your children will have a very different take on what to do at tonight's event. Why? Because Christopher the Magician will be performing his amazing act throughout the night, in the children's entertainment area!

If you haven't seen his act, you are in for a real treat! He has performed for years in the Valley and he has a way of captivating the older and younger members of his audience. "He's hilarious", says a friend of mine.

Christopher will have two shows tonight: one at 6:30-7:00 pm following by making balloon animals; and a second show at 7:30-8:00 pm followed by more balloon animal making!

Sure it's going to be hot; we live in Arizona and it's June! So let's all jump in the pool or take a cool shower prior to coming over to the Twilight Farmers at 59th Avenue and Utopia (just two blocks south of the 101 Loop) and have a great time despite of the hot weather. Your kids will thank you!

The Citadelle Plaza is truly Glendale's Gathering Spot! See you soon.

Cooler Weather for 3rd Twilight Farmers Market

The Twilight Farmers Market is such an explosion of visual delights! Just look at these sunflowers:

We were so blessed with beautiful weather for the third week in a row. The paper said that it has not been this cool in the month of June since 1913.

The Glendale firemen rang the bell to start the market and brought engine 155 along, too. President of GPE Management Services, David Genovese presented the Assistant Chief and fireman with a basket of goodies from the market farmers.

The fireman rang the bell very softly, which was so cute since he's obviously very strong and fit.

Next, the 'AZ Thunder' tumbled and cheered for the crowd. It was nice to see how the older girls helped the younger members of the group:

I would have to say that the crowd loved when they did back bends and "walked" that way the full length of the tumbling mat:

But for me, it was the littlest members of the group that stole my heart! Just look at the faces on these two little darlings:

With so much variety of produce and growers to choose from, I have hardly entered the doors of a grocery store for weeks now. This week, we saw the addition of corn. It was so sweet and tender, just like the corn I remember eating when I was a child.

We had two new vendors this week: Maya's Gardens and Flowers and Nicole's Gardens. I tried a lemon cucumber for the first time (it looks like a yellowish apple, but tastes like a lemony-cucumber).

In fact, there was an abundance of fruits, veggies, fish, meats, tamales, dipping oils breads, apple butter, farm-fresh eggs, flowers and herbs to choose from this week. Make sure you visit Pastamore next week and ask for his Basil Parmesan Dipping Oil; it's to die for!

But, you do not want to miss the 'Butter N Me' table. She wears an apron with cupcakes on it and sells the most delicious cupcakes, cookies and other delicious treats. The other cupcake businesses in town do not hold a candle to her homemade desserts!

All evening, we heard the beautiful sounds from female vocalists, 'Pearls and Ivory'. That's Lindsey:

And that's Chelsea:

Maybe it was their lovely voices, the selection of their songs or just the cooler Arizona weather, because there was romance in the air:


Coming June 24, Chef Morgan will be away but we have a special treat for the kids entertainment area: Christopher the Magician will have two shows (6:30-7 pm and 7:30-8:00 pm) with balloon animals being made in between the shows.

We are thrilled to have "The Pongaboys" playing on the main entertainment stage this Wednesday, June 24th. You may have heard them at Aunchiladas at the Squaw Peak Hilton.

Look for the Jobing Arena girls and another ticket giveaway at their fabulous facility. And, bring your canned foods to drop off at the St. Mary's table for their food drive.

MidFirst Bank is also providing us with an ATM machine for your convenience.

I hope to see you all there!

1000+ People Enjoy the Second Twilight Farmers Market

The second Twilight Farmers Market occurred on Wednesday, June 10th where over 1,000 people enjoyed another cooler Arizona evening! I pity the rest of the country.

So-Young Chung, the 2009 AZ spelling champion rang the market bell to open the market, with youthful exuberance. She was as charming and intelligent as I thought she would be. She has worked so hard and starts back right away for next year's competition! We wish her the best of luck!

Isn't she cute?!

The Latin dancers spiced up the night with two dancing performances from the Azteca Dance Company and the Eze Mumbo Dancers. They announced the pre-party at Sangria Luxe Lounge for the 3rd Annual Salsa Festival being held in town this weekend.

They really spice things up and look like they are having a ball.

New this week was our cool (or should I say, HAUTE) backstage area. A stage, red carpet and bright lights invited guests for many types of hair demos by Vivaldi Hair Suites and a fashion show by Haute C. Two lucky guests were selected to have Ambush Makeovers and boy did they look good! Maybe next week, you will be chosen for a new look!

You may already know Zethina from her weekly appearances on ABC15's 'Sonoran Living Live' on TV and she was giving make-up sessions in front of her store.

Of course, the fruit and vegetables were outstanding. I loaded up for the week but somehow missed these beautiful apples from the Pinnacle Growers stand! Next week....

You see, at the Twilight Farmers Market at the Citadelle Plaza, there is just so many different things to do. You can shop in many fine boutiques, exercise, dine at the restaurants or dance at the Sangria Luxe Lounge. (By the way, did I mention to you that the lease for The Melting Pot was signed this week and now they will begin construction?!)

Maybe you are two little girls in pink crocs who just felt like sitting on one of the courtyard benches....

Maybe you and your best friend loaded up the car with your children and strollers for an evening outing when it's not too hot the children to relax and enjoy.....

Or maybe you are a dog and you meet your new best friend!

Don't forget to join us next week when the Glendale Firemen come to ring the market bell and bring their truck, too. The AZ Thunder girls will be performing. There will be lots of specials for Father's Day in the stores. Maybe you could pick up a gift certificate for a personal training session at Oasis or a massage at Elements or an outfit at Varo's or Haute C. We've got what you need for any of Dad's desires. See you soon...

First Twilight Farmers Market is a Hit

This past Wednesday evening, the Citadelle Plaza was transformed into an enchanting farmers market. People came from Glendale, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Surprise to enjoy an evening of entertainment, talking and buying produce and baked goods from local, smaller farmers of Arizona or simply to take their dog for a walk!

The award-winning Mountain Ridge High School Sax Choir, under the direction of Michael Warner, filled the air with beautiful music.

The WNBA Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Dancers kicked it up a notch. Vice Mayor, Manny Martinez ran the opening market bell. My favorite was seeing the little kids in the cooking classes with Chef Morgan. They made yummy fruit kabobs with yogurt and sprinkles!

The shops were all open and featured specials, make-up sessions, and champagne for their visitors! The Citadelle Plaza has some of the nicest owners and employees, making shopping, dining or receiving services such a pleasure.

The two restaurants really outdid themselves. Corbin's bar and grill passed around samples of appetizers and Tutti Santi ristorante italiano by Nina brought out a selection of Italian foods including foods from the market growers.

The Citadelle Plaza has truly become 'Glendale's Gathering Spot'. There are 8 weeks left for the summer series of the Twilight Farmers Market. They occur every Wednesday evening from 6-9 pm through July. On June 10, Walt Pitts will be playing and for a special treat, the Rumba Azteca Dance Company and Eze Mambo Latin Dancers will be performing and giving free dance lessons to market visitors.

Chef Morgan is planning another fun dish to be made by the kids and the shops have all kinds of fun activities planned. Be sure not to miss the "Come C What's Haute" section on the west end of the project, Make-up sessions with Zethina and hand massages and quick polishes in front of Indulge Med Spa. And that's just to name a few of the surprises planned.

Come play with us on Wednesday evening!