ASAP GETAWAYS : BALLOONS TO LIGHT UP ARIZONA SKY.Scottsdale, Ariz., will come aglow with more than 125 colorful hot-air balloons Saturday and Nov. 3 at the Thunderbird thunderbird In North American Indian mythology, a powerful spirit in the form of a bird that watered the earth and made vegetation grow. Lightning was believed to flash from its eyes or beak, and the beating of its wings was thought to represent rolling thunder. Balloon Classic and Norwest Thunderbird Desert Glow. Events begin at 6:30 a.m., about a half-hour before sunrise, with an ascension by a team of balloons specially equipped to fly in the dark. Festivities fes·tiv·i·ty n. pl. fes·tiv·i·ties 1. A joyous feast, holiday, or celebration; a festival. 2. The pleasure, joy, and gaiety of a festival or celebration. 3. continue all day both days with contests and test of balloonists' skills; glowing balloons will light up the nighttime sky Saturday. Other events include skydiving skydiving Sport of jumping from an airplane at a moderate altitude (e.g., 6,000 ft [1,800 m]) and executing various body maneuvers before pulling the rip cord of a parachute. Competitive events include jumping for style, landing with accuracy, and performing in teams (e.g. exhibitions, arts and crafts arts and crafts, term for that general field of applied design in which hand fabrication is dominant. The term was coined in England in the late 19th cent. as a label for the then-current movement directed toward the revivifying of the decorative arts. , food and entertainment. Events will be held at the 23-acre polo field at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Admission is $8; kids under 12 are free. Information: (602) 898-5665. Napa Valley: The Napa Valley Wine Train The Napa Valley Wine Train is operated by the Napa Valley Railroad (AAR reporting marks NVRR). The train is a privately operated excursion train that runs between Napa and St. Helena, California. will celebrate Halloween with a train trip and costume contest from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday as its Ghost Train rumbles through the wine country north of San Francisco. Participants in the costume contest - winners decided by applause of those on the train - will have the chance to win a bottle of Domaine Chandon champagne. A special meal also will be served as the train rumbles past 26 wineries on its 36-mile trip. Cost is $69.50 per person, including train fare and a four-course dinner with wine (and no, if costumes aren't your thing, you don't have to wear one). The train boards at 6 p.m. at the Napa train station, 1275 McKinstry St. Information and reservations: (800) 427-4124. |
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