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Thanks for joining us for episode #8 of season 2 of The WOA Show. WOA…or W O A…stands for World Of Arizona…as in worldofarizona.com. This is a multi-format show all about Arizona and the people, and the businesses, and the places that make it what it is. That means this is both a video and a podcast. We appreciate all you podcast listeners! So what if you can’t see what we’re talking about in the Exchange-O-Gram segment. It’s not like pictures are important. Cause their not! Plus, you can always watch the video on YouTube or on our website whenever you get a chance.
And finally, this show is of course in a Run-Down format….meaning that we will run down that list on the left side of your screen, which is what we’re about to do right now. Let’s do the news!
Arizona Local Small Business News
A Portland-based company known for its creative take on the humble doughnut is finally setting up shop in Arizona. Voodoo Doughnut said Thursday the first location in the state will be in Tempe, near Arizona State University’s main campus. The shop — with more than 50 doughnuts that feature everything from cereal to bubble gum, bacon to chili peppers — is planned near Apache Boulevard and Rural Road. No opening date has been announced. Voodoo Doughnut currently operates nearly 20 stores in six states.
The Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is looking to hire 150 people as the company gets ready to open its fourth Valley location in Surprise this summer. The Illinois-based winery and restaurant also has Valley locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, with another set to open in Gilbert early next month. Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant has 55 locations nationwide, most of which are located in the Midwest and on the east coast.
This fall, the Scheels Megastore will open at Chandler Fashion Center and will be the first Arizona location for the employee-owned Midwest sports retailer. Scheels has been in the process of hiring over 500 employees to operate the megastore and has been holding hiring events leading up to the grand opening.
ASU’s Jon Rahm Wins the Masters
You may have heard by now that Jon Rahm took home the green jacket on Sunday after winning the Masters, but did you know that Rahm is an ASU alumni? He became a Sun Devil on a golf scholarship and earned a degree in communications. On Sunday, Rahm referenced Arizona Cardinals tight end Zac Ertz in his a acceptance speech. Apparently just 10 minutes before he teed off, Ertz send him a message stating “That first green is looking like a walk in the park right now.” This friendly jinx ultimately led to Rahm opening with a double bogey, and perhaps created a next level type focus. I only suggest this because Rahm rallied on Sunday to overtake Brooks Keopka and earned his first green jacket. The text was all in good fun as Rahm, Ertz and JJ Watts are all long-time friends.
Featured Article | HD SOUTH | Gilbert, AZ
What is HD SOUTH, you ask? Technically speaking, HD is an anagram for Heritage District, and South means south of the Heritage District. Therefore, HD South is South of Gilbert’s Heritage District and Home of The Gilbert Historical Museum.
Featured Event | Country Thunder | Florence, AZ
Yee-hah! The thunder is rolling in once again this weekend, the Country Thunder to be exact. Yes, all you country music lovin’ fans get ready for this years annual event in Florence, Arizona; Country Thunder. It’s goin’ be a boot stoppin’ good time with country music stars, camping, beer and fun. Notable artists include Jon Pardi, Luke Bran, Cody Johnson and Arizona’s one and only; Dierks Bentley. Don’t know where the heck Florence, Arizona is? Florence is located just 77 miles north of Tucson and 61 miles southeast of Phoenix, in Pinal County. The Country Thunder Grounds are a few miles east of Florence.
Mesa Music Festival
Mesa is giving Country Thunder a run for it’s money this weekend. Vist Mesa and Amazon are hosting the 6th Annual Mesa Music Festival in Downtown Mesa, April 13th thru the 15th. “Three Days of Music, Art & Fun!” This is a FREE event with over 200 performances. In addition to live music, the festival offers a vendor village, food and beverage trucks and art activations.
Peoria Foodstock Food Truck Festival 2023
Family-friendly event featuring more than 60 food trucks, live music, VIP Beer and Spirits Tasting, bounce house, face painting, and a Pirate-themed splash pad and playground for kids. This Saturday at Peoria Sports Complex, $5 admission. Parking is free.
Arizona Coyotes vs Vancouver Canucks | Last Game of the Season
The Arizona Coyotes will faceoff with the Vancouver Canucks tonight at 7 at Mullet Arena in Tempe. Unfortunately, the Coyotes were eliminated from playoff contention at the end of March. I thought about actually going to this game, thinking tickets would be pretty affordable since they didn’t make the playoffs and what not. Nope, the cheapest tickets were $114 and that was bench seating with no back, seriously? I will stay home and watch the YouTube Premiere of The WOA Show, thank you very much. Unless, of course, someone gives me free tickets to a seat with a back.
Exchange-O-Gram | #arizonaparks
There are thousands of parks in Arizona. City parks, parks with lakes, desert parks, hiking biking, boating, kayaking, horseback riding, playgrounds, splashpads. Since it’s park going weather and parks are cool, let’s check out the hashbrown Arizona Parks.

The List | Arizona Places to Celebrate Your B-Day
There seems to be a large number of birthdays this fine month of April. No matter what age you are, it’s important to celebrate another year around the sun. Here’s a list of places to celebrate your Birthday in Arizona. Leaning a little more on the mature side. Okay, fine, here’s a few things I would do to celebrate my Birthday. At any rate, birthdays are about the joys of life. So here are 13 joyful things to do on your birthday in AZ. 13 is a lucky number and it’s the 13th.
1. Arizona Goat Yoga
No one wants to stress out on their birthdays. Melt your stress away in Gilbert with yoga and baby goats. https://goatyoga.com/
2. Volunteer
What better way to show gratitude for another year of living than to volunteer. Arizona gives you an abundance of volunteer opportunities. One I personally recommend is an animal sanctuary. Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary in Mesa is happy to have you. Maybe you don’t feel like working, they give tours so you can just enjoy the cute animal kisses and snuggles, cow hugging and piggy belly rubs. https://aimeesfarmanimalsanctuary.org/volunteer
3. Trampoline Park
I’m sorry but what better way to celebrate your birthday or anyday for the matter than by literally jumping up and down? Arizona has several trampoline parks for your jumping, flipping and joy inducing needs.
4. Take a Hike!
There are literally thousands of miles of hiking trails in Arizona. It’s a great idea to try and stay healthy for another year. So get your body moving and experience the beautiful nature this great state provides.
5. Ride your Bike
We’ve learn on the WOA TV Series Arizona Trails with Cooper that there is ample trails to ride your bike. From the experienced mountain biker to the trike rider, AZ has a biking path for you.
6. Mini Golf
Mini Golf is just super fun. It doesn’t really matter if you completely suck at regular golf, you might be awesome at miniature golf. There is a ton of places to go to get your mini strokes in all over AZ, including Golfland SunSplash in Mesa which happens to be an article on worldofarizona.com
7. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sounds fun and scary as hell. I prefer to stay on solid ground and watch, but hey that’s me. Go ahead and live on the edge with a hot air balloon ride.
8. Get in the water
Contrary to some beliefs, there is actually water in Arizona! Taking it a step further there is water for recreational use! Visit one of the beautiful lakes AZ has to offer. Swimming, fishing, beaching, kayaking, boating, skiing, tubing, rafting, canoeing.
9. Food
Birthdays are a time to indulge a little. And by indulge, I mean stuff your face a little with some delicious eats. AZ has the eats. Did someone say Tacos? Get yourself to a local restaurant, food truck, pub, eatery, whatever tickles your fancy this year.
10. Live Music & Dancing
Local live music is a must on your Birthday! There is sure to be a local band or musician amping it up at a watering hold near you. Go on, dance like no one’s watching, you’re one year older, you’ve earned it. Make no mistake though, they are watching, and more than likely videoing you and posting your Elaine moves to the internet and judging and for sure laughing…but that’s okay, you are you and secure in individuality.
11. Arizona Party Bike
For those looking to get their birthday booze on, check out Arizona Party Bike in Old Town Scottsdale.
12. Fancy It Up!
Are there any resorts in Arizona? You betcha. Maybe you’re a little on the booshie side. Enjoy some pampering at some world class fine luxury establishments in AZ. ‘Cuz it’s all about you boo.
Arizona Biltmore | Arizona Grand | The Phoenician | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | Hotel Valley Ho | Talking Stick Resort | Enchantment Resort (Sedona) | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
13. Cake
It wouldn’t be a birthday without some birthday cake, right? Find yourself a local AZ bakery and get you some sweet goodness.
Cake This AZ! | Wife Krispies Cakes | The Velvet Buttercream | Cakes by Stiggy | Aloha Cakes AZ | Purple Elephant Cakes | Sugar and Lace Bakery