Unlimited Opportunities, Limited Resources

That's a mantra that The Mister and I have repeated to our kids from their youth (so much so that now when we start the phrase, they kind of roll their eyes...). The truth is, of course, that there will always be choices to be made in the distribution of resources, whether it's money, time, or energy.

Well, this weekend there are lots of opportunities available for our time resources. Gilbert Days is here once again, for one. When The Mister was young and Gilbert was small, this was a huge event for the town, with lots of celebration and lots of involvement. Even when we were young marrieds, we had to go early to get a good spot to see the parade, pushing strollers and packing crackers for our toddlers. We didn't usually end up at the dance, but we tried to make it to the rodeo. (On a personal note, I grew up in Wyoming, and early on had aspirations of being the first World Champion Lady Bull Rider; those dreams eventually evolved into wanting to be Rodeo Queen, and then further devolved into becoming a CPA. Go figure.) There is probably a Gilbert Days activity for all different tastes. The AZ Republic has the schedule here:

The Gilbert Days Parade is 9 a.m. Saturday, marching south on Gilbert Road through the downtown area.

The Gilbert Rodeo Park at Val Vista Drive and Ray Road will be the site of several activities, including rodeo competition Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.

The final weekend's activities include:

Jackpot Barrel Racing: Today. Gilbert Rodeo Park.

Gilbert Days Festival: Today through Sunday. Gilbert Rodeo Park.

Lil Dude Rodeo: Friday through Sunday. Gilbert Rodeo Park.

Gilbert Days IPRA Rodeo: 6-9 p.m. Friday; 2-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gilbert Rodeo Park.

Gilbert Days Parade: 9 a.m. Saturday. Parade will go south on Gilbert Road, starting at Juniper and ending at Warner.

Gilbert Days Rodeo Dance: Saturday. Gilbert Rodeo Park. Admission is $10. Must be 21 years of age to enter.

Information: (480) 380-8399.

We hope that you enjoy the Friday night and Sunday afternoon rodeo, and go check out the Saturday morning parade, and then spend some of your limited time resources at the Morrison Ranch Second Annual Pecan Festival, from 1-4pm at Windmill Park North in Higley Groves West. This is a great family celebration and a chance to hang out with your neighbors and friends. You don't have to live in Higley Groves West; all Morrison Ranch residents are invited, past, present and future! There will be raffle prizes, contests, bouncy toys, games, food, and a holiday toy drive.
It's an easy-going celebration of the Pecan crop, and fall, and just a good excuse to get together. Last year, I won second place in the pecan pie contest (don't ask me how many total entrants there were), but I really had a good time watching the kids play.

Hope to see you there.