July Festivals and Events in the DC Area

The Washington, DC area and its surrounding communities in Maryland and Virginia host lots of annual festival and special events.  Here are just a few, for a full list and detailed information, visit dc.about.com.

Hip Hop Theatre Festival
July 7-12, 2008. Enjoy a variety of performances of both new and established hip hop music by national and international artists.

Alexandria Birthday and Independence Day Fireworks
July 12, 2008, Oronoco Bay Park. The annual event includes children’s activities, a concert performed by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake and a fireworks extravaganza.

White House Summer Garden Tour
July 12, 2008, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visit the White House grounds and explore the beautiful gardens. Free tickets are required.

Screen on the Green
Mondays, July 14-August 11, 2008. See free outdoor movies on a gigantic screen on the National Mall.

Occoquan River Festival
July 27, 2008, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Occoquan Regional Park and surrounding attractions in Occoquan, Virginia. The first annual event will include a Taste of Occoquan, live music, family fun walk and other events focusing on the 400th anniversary of John Smith’s initial journey on the Occoquan River with a re-enactment of his landing and culminating with a parade of lights along the river.

Loundoun County Fair
July 28 – August 2, 2008. Family fun includes a carnival, rodeo-bull riding, dairy show, goat show, horseback demonstrations, magic acts, pet shows, floral exhibits, obstacle courses, tug-of-war, live musical entertainment and more.

July Festivals and Events in the Phoenix Area

The Phoenix area and its surrounding communities host lots of annual festival and special events.  Here are just a few, for a full list and detailed information, visit phoenix.about.com.

Latin Rhythms Festival
Live music, wine tasting, food sampling at Kokopelli Winery & Bistro. Downtown Chandler.  July 18 – 20

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Free Concerts
July 6, 13 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in Scottsdale. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a variety of music. Train and carousel rides are available throughout all concerts for a small charge.

Monsoon Madness
July 12 in Queen Creek. Inflatable bounce-houses, water slides, dunk tank, the Queen Creek Mud Pit, and more. 

Starry Safari Friday Nights at the Phoenix Zoo
Select zoo trails will be open as will gift shop and snack bar. Animal encounters, water play activities, carousel rides and more. Bikes and boats available to rent.

Summer Concert
July 12, 19, 26 All concerts are free and start at 7 p.m. Held at Kierland Commons Plaza.

Summer Splash Festival
July 19 Family-friendly day of water-related activities, with water slides, dunk tanks and cyber maze water tag. Aqua-Tots will be on hand to give free tot swimming lessons. There will also be arcade games, food and entertainment. Free admission. Historic Downtown Chandler.

4 Criteria for Cash Out Refinancing

Until a few years ago, it was a common practice among homeowners to pull money out of their property through a cash out mortgage refinance.  But the practice of bankrolling one’s dreams by tapping home equity has slowed dramatically due to slips in home prices and a tough economy.  Even so, there are still many homeowners with plenty of equity.  But in this time of economic upheaval, is it prudent to look to your home as a source of cash?  The answer depends on your overall financial picture and your plans for use of the money.

Here are four pointers for those considering mortgage refinance to take cash out of their home:

1. Get a grip on the present value of your property – contact a local Realtor who can prepare an market analysis for you that will let you know roughly what your home is worth.
2. Take your future financial needs into account – a trusted financial planner or accountant can help you decide if you should preserve the equity in your home or use it for other purposes.
3. Think through your intended use of proceeds from a mortgage refinance – buying a new car (not a good idea as a car is a depreciating asset),   down payment for a second home or investment property or underwriting your children’s college education are much better uses.
4. Make judicious use of home equity as a way out of credit card debt – this may be a sensible plan as most mortgage loans carry much lower interest rates than do credit cards.  Another advantage is that mortgage interest is tax-deductible, unlike credit card interest.

Source:  Ellen James Martin, Universal Press Syndicate, AZ Republic 7-6-08

Rounding out the Red Mountain Freeway – Loop 202

The final segment of the Red Mountain Freeway Loop 202 is opening on July 15, 2008!  The completion of the segment between Power Road and University Drive in Mesa represents an important milestone in transportation improvements in the Valley.  The Arizona Department of Transportation  is celebrating the grand opening on July 15, 2008 from 5-8pm

• Opening Ceremony with Governor Napolitano
• Road Show
• Video Interview Booth
• 5K Fun Run / 5K Bike Ride
• Hula Hoop Contest

For more info on the opening celebration, visit azdot.gov/loop202opening

Win a Dream Home from Taylor Morrison

Enter to win your dream home at tmdreamhomegiveaway.com inspired by the recently unveiled Innovations Dream Home at Disneyland in Anaheim, the contest is sponsored by Taylor Morrison, a homebuilder with numerous communities in Arizona, Florida and throughout the Southwest.  The winner will choose a Taylor Morrison home in one of the builder’s communities and participate in the design and selection of high-tech amenities.  Registration in online through August 20.