In this issue: ride the carousel, goofy gardening, dive in movie, water safety, nature photography, getting moving, Idol competition, learn to kayak and Miss Native American USA.

This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.

If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly “Free Things To Do” column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.

Events are presented here in date order.

What: BOGO Train and Carousel Rides
When: August 2012
Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
Bring a non-perishable food item to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in August and you’ll get two rides for the price of one on the train or carousel. Donations benefit the food bank at Vista del Camino which is in dire need of food and supplies. The food bank needs these items: Peanut butter; Boxed items like prepared meals (MacNCheese, Hamburger Helper) and cereal; Canned items like meat (tuna, chicken), prepared meals (chili, ravioli), beans and fruit. The Railroad Park hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. (Note: BOGO is an abbreviation for ‘buy one get one’.)

What: Goofy Garden Fun
When: Friday, August 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
During this month’s class children ages 3-6 will learn gardening basics through crafts, games, experiments and songs. Activities include vegetable painting, planting an edible plant and more. The cost is $6 ($9 for non-residents) per child with an additional $3 supply fee due to the instructor at the beginning of the class. The fee is per child, with 1 unpaid adult permitted. Register at 480-782-2890.

What: Dive In Movie at Wet ‘n’ Wild
When: Friday, August 3, 2012
Where: Wet ‘n’ Wild, Phoenix
Catch great movies while floating under the stars at Wet ‘n’ Wild’s wave pool – Monsoon Bay or simply lounge around on a deck chair. The movie begins shortly after sundown. Dive ‘n’ Movies are free with park admission. Showing this Friday: The Adventures of Tintin, rated PG. (More about Wet ‘n’ Wild)

What: Water Safety Day
When: Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Both the Eldorado and McDowell Mountain Ranch aquatic centers in Scottsdale
Fun events and activities for the entire family as well as a mock rescue with the Scottsdale Fire Department. The event recognizes Drowning Impact Awareness Month. Regular pool admission fees apply. For more information call 480-312-2484.

What: Nature Photography
When: Saturday, August 4 and August 11, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Learn the basics of nature photography in this 2-day class just for kids/teens ages 8-15. Topics to be covered include exposure and aperture, focusing on nature and wildlife subjects, capturing the shot, and composing to create compelling photographs. Classroom instruction as well as outdoor experiences. Students must bring their own camera, battery, and memory card. $16 per participant, $22 for non-residents. No experience necessary; all levels welcome.

What: Cartoon Network’s “Move It Movement Tour”
When: Sunday, August 5, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Wet ‘n’ Wild, Phoenix
The tour targets youth 6-14, in partnership with President Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports Nutrition and in support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative, and will feature multiple activity and learning stations presented in a themed, exciting and fun outdoor environment. Activities include: NBA/WNBA FIT NBA Hoop Troop – kids can demonstrate their fitness level by testing their basketball skills and shoot against the clock for prizes; NFL PLAY 60 – kids can practice a variety of football-themed activities, including running patterns and passing skills; Soccer Shootout Challenge – kids can show off their footwork and take aim at a custom soccer goal. Free with regular admission to Wet ‘n’ Wild. (More about Wet ‘n’ Wild)

What: Tempe Idol
When: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Contestants battle for a $1,000 cash Grand Prize and recording studio time in the final rounds of the Tempe Idol competition. Tickets are on sale for $15 each (not including fees) through the TCA Box Office (480-350-2822) or order online.

What: Introduction to Kayaking
When: see below
Where: Cabela’s, Glendale and Lake Pleasant, Peoria
Everything you need to know about flat-water kayaking for ages 12 up. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, the Desert Outdoor Center, and Cabela’s is presenting a free one-hour informational classroom session that will be held at the Glendale Cabela’s on Friday evening (you will NOT get wet). No registration is necessary to attend the classroom sessions. Then if you wish to try your skills in a kayak, you may sign up for one of four on-the-water sessions that will be held at the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant. The $35 registration fee for the on-the-water portion will be collected before the evening classroom session at Cabela’s. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. on first come, first serve basis. Cash or check only. One-hour classroom introductory sessions are free on these Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m: August 3, August 10, August 24, September 7; 3-hour on-the-water sessions are on Saturdays: August 4, August 18, Sept 8, Sept 22 (pick a 7 a.m. or 9 a.m. arrival time). Sign up and pay for the Saturday sessions on the water at any of the Friday classes. On-water sessions fill up fast, so first come, first served. The Desert Outdoor Center is a gated facility, so you must be registered to attend the water sessions. Gates will be open 30 minutes before each session begins. The boat dock is about a 1/4 mi down from the facility, so please be prepared for a short hike. There is no boat ramp access to launch a kayak at this facility, so please do not bring your personal kayaks.

What: Miss Native American USA 2012 Pageant
When: Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Miss Native American USA is dedicated to recognize and honor Native American women. The intent is to encourage Native American women to achieve their personal goals, build character, enhance self-esteem and develop leadership skills. Tickets are $15, not including fees. Seating is general admission.

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If you’ve arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more fundraisers, seminars and programs happening around town.

If you have an program or event that is open to the public that you’d like me to consider for this column, complete this form and submit it to me at least 8 days prior to the event (or registration deadline, if applicable).

_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.}