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Some of the best places to see holiday lights in Arizona

Prepare to see some sparkle – it’s time for holiday lights! Here are some not-to-miss displays:

13th Annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts tree lighting – This time-honored tradition takes place Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

 Glendale Glitters – View holiday lights from Nov. 24-Jan. 1, with a special two-day event Nov. 24-25 in honor of this tradition’s 30th anniversary.

LightsUp! – From Nov. 24-Jan. 7, the Tucson Botanical Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, dancing sculptures and luminaria displays.

ZooLights – From Nov. 22-Jan. 14, the Phoenix Zoo shines with millions of lights, hundreds of displays and much more.

– Staff report, The Arizona 100

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Call for photo submissions

Calling all shutterbugs in Arizona! Capture the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon State and showcase your talent on our site.

Our goal is to feature “every city, every county” – from Ajo to Yuma, Apache to Yavapai plus dozens in between – with the hope of spreading the goodness that is Arizona and celebrating the sweeping landscape of this place so many of us are lucky to call home.

By contributing, you grant us the right to feature your work – like this stunning snap of Sedona by Kayla Ruiz – on our website and social media channels.

Email submissions to editor@thearizona100.com.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

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There’s still time … register today for Thursday’s Gilbert Turkey Trot

Pop your bird in the oven and give thanks for a new holiday tradition at the 13th Annual Gilbert Turkey Trot this Thursday, Nov. 22 at SanTan Village in Gilbert.

Register today for the 5K (at 9 a.m.) or the mile-long Family Fun Run (at 8:30 a.m.), or cheer your friends and neighbors on as they make steady strides for a great cause.

All of the proceeds support local nonprofits AzBrainfood and Families Fighting Blindness, aimed at enriching the lives of children by providing the tools needed to confront different challenges.

Costumes – and preening of feathers – are optional.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

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Why are EVs piling up at dealerships?

Up until recently, EV buyers had to wait months for new inventory to arrive. Now, it’s the other way around. What happened?

Sure, supply finally catching up is a factor – but the main culprit is a sudden dropoff in buyers. EV adoption by state seems to hit a wall at around 8%, which tells us that early adopters have already bought their EVs – and everyone else has cold feet.

As much as I’m cheering for EVs, I can understand the hesitation. After all, charging is still a challenge and hybrid cars are SO good now that they’re hard to ignore.

– Chris Butsch, Contributor

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Trio of Phoenix businesswomen crowned ATHENA

Eleven women from across the Valley were recognized for achievements spanning leadership, community service and mentoring at the 36th Annual Greater Phoenix Chamber’s ATHENA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The internationally prized honor was bestowed upon:

Naquana Borrero, director of development and communications, Jazz in Arizona/The Nash & Owner, Bella Vita Consulting Group (Young Professional Award)

Melody Lewis, owner & founder, Indigenous Community Collaborative (private sector)

Jeri Royce, president & CEO, Advance Community (public sector)

“These influential women are dedicated to building a brighter future and ensuring our community remains strong,” said Todd Sanders, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber.

Kudos to all.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

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How to cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey

Many of you know that my daughter is vegan and that we both have food sensitivities, so we often modify Thanksgiving dishes to create new main dishes. But, there is nothing quite like a well-roasted turkey on the table. “The Pioneer Woman” has always been one of my favorite chefs to follow because she offers easy-to-follow recipes that are delicious.

The biggest secret in making the perfect turkey is planning. Make sure that you have enough turkey for everyone, plus leftovers. And, leave plenty of time to thaw and brine the turkey before roasting it.

Read the full recipe here.

Cyndee Woolley, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

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On giving thanks

America is a great land of opportunity, one of few in the world where folks have the ability to make their dreams come true.

There’s a foundation here for those who are driven and unafraid of failure – from the actor trying out for a role they’re not fit for to the entrepreneur raising capital for a product launch that’s ultimately unsuccessful.

While I strive to be grateful in my everyday life, the fourth Thursday in November is a welcome opportunity to take pause. It’s a time of reflection, a time to be thankful for all that we have.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Jeff Arnold, Founder, RIGHTSURE

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Black Friday! Cyber Monday! Giving Tuesday!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday traditionally kick off the frenzied holiday shopping season. But in recent years, we’ve experienced the “Black Friday creep” and “Cyber Weekend” as retailers release deals as early as October.

Some of the best deals typically seen during Black Friday and Cyber Monday are on items like TVs, laptops, small appliances, earbuds, online subscriptions and smartwatches.

While shopping deals are plentiful, an important day to remember this season is Giving Tuesday. The day after Cyber Monday, it’s a day to step away from the holiday rush and give back to your community by donating or volunteering.

Madison Mullinax, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

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Stay in a nest, twig hut or yurt at this unusual California property

If being off the grid in structures that are not waterproof and come with a warning you will be sleeping with wildlife, then you may be the target audience for the Twig Hut and the Human Nest at Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California.

Bring your own pillows, sleeping bag and tent if you’re concerned about rain when you stay in the hand-woven Human Nest or the Twig Hut made by local artist Jayson Fann. Both offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and have access to water and restrooms..

You can also stay in one of the waterproof yurts.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

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40th Annual el Tour de Tucson

Get in gear for one of the country’s premiere bicycling events, el Tour de Tucson – to commence and conclude at the Tucson Convention Center – on Saturday, Nov. 18.

Go the distance (a whopping 102 miles) or choose the route that meets your pedaling pace – in lengths of 62 and 32 miles, plus family FUN rides for a mile or three. Spectators are welcome along these routes to cheer on the more than 7,500 participants traveling via 15,000+ wheels.

P.S.: This event enables nonprofits and charitable agencies to raise funds for their respective organizations. Sign up or join an existing team.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100