Political Calendar: Week of September 19, 2021

Send notices of your events to blogforarizona@gmail.com. Editor’s Note: Due to the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and CDC recommendations for social distancing, events are being cancelled or postponed to later dates. We are doing our best to update the calendar, but you should check with event organizers prior to attending any event to confirm the status. Some organizations are now holding virtual meetings online.

Political Calendar for the Week of September 19, 2021:

Sunday. September 19, 3:00 p.m.: AZ Democrats Environmental Council virtual meeting and Democratic Arizona Attorney General Forum. At this meeting, we’ll begin with a brief update from Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) candidate Councilwoman Lauren Kuby.For the remainder of the meeting, we welcome the three Democrats vying for AZ Attorney General: Rep, Diego Rodriquez, Kris Mayes, and Robert McWhirter. Please join us at this meeting to learn about the office of AZ Attorney General and hear from the candidates who want to earn our votes. Register in advance.

Monday, September 20, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson ONLINE MEETING September 20: The featured speaker is Rep. Reginald Bolding, candidate for Secretary of State. Register in advance for this zoom meeting. Meanwhile, you can also watch more than 40 Videos of Candidates and Speakers at Democrats of Greater Tucson.

Monday, September 20, 6:00 p.m.: Northern Pinal County Democrats meeting, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 2122 S. Goldfield Road, Apache Junction. Meet the third Monday of each month. For more information please contact David Coward at dbcoward@gmail.com.

Tuesday, September 21, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at Manda Le Bar & Grill, 3455 Canyon De Flores, Sierra Vista, Meet the third Tuesday of each month. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00. For more information please contact Pat Smith at pandw111167@aol.com. Visit our web page. Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Wednesday, September 22, 6:30 p.m.: (Special Date) Legislative District 10 meeting, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Goddard Hall, 4831 E 22nd Street, Tucson.  Robert “Bob” McWhirter, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Arizona Attorney General in 2022 will be our featured speaker. He will talk about the history of voter suppression. Zoom meeting registration. There is a social time for all members and guests, beginning at 6 p.m. Meet the third Wednesday of each month. For more information see our web site or contact Rebecca Crow at rebeccaacrow@gmail.com.

Arizona List Annual Film Event: Cinema Under The Stars

Wednesday, September 22, 7:30 p.m.: (Rescheduled event). Arizona List Annual Film Event: Cinema Under The Stars, at Mercado Annex Festival Grounds, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, Tucson, featuring the 2019 comedy/drama Saint Frances. Live event with good social distancing! Our special guest speaker will be speaking about the destructive abortion bill just signed by Gov. Doug Ducey. Arizona abortion rights are under attack. Women cannot take for granted their reproductive rights. Support Arizona List candidates who are fighting for reproductive rights. All proceeds directly help pro-choice Democratic women. Individual ticket $10, Friend level $50 (one free beverage), Sponsor level $100 (bring a friend, get 2 free beverages). Register in advance.

Thursday, September 23 – Sunday, September 26: Cochise County Fair, Cochise County Fairgrounds, 3677 N. Leslie Canyon Road, Douglas.

Thursday, September 23 – Sunday, September 26: Gila County Fair, Gila County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Road, Globe.

Thursday, September 23, 6:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Labor Caucus meeting, at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street, Tucson.

Thursday, September 23, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Friday, September 24 – Saturday, September 25: Oktoberfest at The Fountain, the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest family event is truly an authentic Bavarian-style celebration, at Fountain Park, Fountain Hills. Fee: $5 online presale (until 9/18). Regular tickets $10 online or at the gate (9/19-9/25), FREE for kids under 12. Purchase Pre-Sale for Day 1 (September 24) HERE; Purchase Pre-Sale for Day 2 (September 25) HERE.

2021 Greek Festival – Tucson

Friday, September 24 – Saturday, September 25: 2021 Greek Festival, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson. Eat like a Greek, then stay & Greek out with us! Pre-order food online, then stay for the experience. All menu items must be ordered online by September 10th – place your orders at: tucsoneatlikeagreek.com.

Saturday, September 25 – Sunday, September 26: Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest. Our annual fabulous and fun Oktoberfest 2021 will be the first two weekends in September and the last two weekends in October: September 18-19, 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm, September 25-26, 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., October 2-3, 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., October 9-10, 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 25, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Saturday, September 25, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. Meet the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Witthoeft at sdwitt77@gmail.com.

LWVGT Candidate Forum For Ward 3 Tucson City Council

Saturday, September 25, 2:00 p.m.: League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson candidate forum for Ward 3 Tucson City Council. The candidates are Kevin Dahl, Alan Harwell and Lucy LiBosha. Please click this link to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86870565902?pwd=ZnoyYnF0a1dpMHZJZVJyUWRTMTk5dz09 Passcode: 789299 You can also watch the live stream at https://www.facebook.com/lwvgreatertucson.

Special Announcements:

Green Valley Democrats Current Events Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.:  Green Valley Democrats fka Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meets on Zoom at 10:00 – 11:30. To join the Discussion Group please send your name to  santaritadems@gmail.com. Join us at the weekly meeting of the Democratic Headquarters Current Events Discussion Group. We’ll talk about some of the major events of the previous week, including but not limited to political topics, and try and go behind the news for a deeper understanding. For more information, please contact Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.

Drinking Liberally

Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally Returns to The Shanty, 401 E. 9th Street, Tucson. We need to know by the morning of each meeting approximately how many folks will attend. Please RSVP to tucson@drinkingliberally.org. Informal but thoughtful conversation. As a reminder, The Shanty does not serve food (yes, there is popcorn), so please feel free to bring your own or order in, all allowed at The Shanty. There is no obligation to order anything–but as a thank you to our host, I hope everyone will order at least one drink (alcoholic or otherwise).

Monday, September 27, 5:30 p.m.: Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Ranch Community Center, 8881 N. Coachline Blvd., Tucson. For more information please RSVP to MARANADEMOCRATS@gmail.com, or see our Facebook page.

Monday, September 27, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Pima County Housing Center, 801 W. Congress Street. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more information please contact Eva Dong at ecdong1@gmail.com.

Arizona List’s Women Ignite Change, with María Teresa Kumar

Tuesday, September 28, 5:00 p.m.: Arizona List”s Women Ignite Change, with María Teresa Kumar. Join us for this empowering zoom event, and find out how our members and candidates make change happen. Leadership Council: free;  Members:$25; Non-Members: $50. Register Here.

Tuesday, September 28, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at the Water of Life Metropolitan Community Church, 3269 N. Mountain Avenue, Tucson. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Margaret Voge at margaret.voge@gmail.com.

Drinking Democratically Happy Hour With DGT

Wednesday, September 29, 4:00 p.m.: Join us for the camaraderie at Democrats of Greater Tucson’s first live, in-person event in more than a year! It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk with and enjoy the company of fellow Democrats. Let us know you’re coming by registering for free at bit.ly/HappyHourDGT. We’ll meet at the Agustin Kitchen in the historic Mercado San Agustin, just west of Downtown off of Congress Street.

The Women’s March in Phoenix

Saturday, October 2, 10:00 a.m.: The Women’s March in Phoenix. With our reproductive freedoms under attack, there’s never been a more crucial time for us to show up for our health care, our rights, and our freedoms. We have to rise to the urgency of this moment and make it clear to anti-choice extremists that we won’t stand by quietly as they try to control our bodies. That’s why we’re marching on October 2 in Arizona. Join us in Solidarity at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix. For more information, see our website.

Saturday, October 2, 10:00 a.m.: Legislative District 2 meeting. In person meetings on hold for now. They will be conducted remotely at the regular time. Please contact us at legdist2dems@gmail.com for info.

Saturday, October 2, 11:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats virtual meeting on Zoom. For more information please contact newghadc@yahoo.com.

Tucson Pride Festival (Rescheduled)

Saturday, October 2: [At this time, in lieu of Covid-19 concerns and public health the Tucson Pride Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone this year’s celebration to the Fall of 2022.] Tucson Pride Festival returns to Reid Park. Details for the event will be announced in coming weeks. For more information please contact us at festival@tucsonpride.org.

Saturday, October 2. 11:00 am – 9:00 pm: Flagstaff Oktoberfest Festival, at Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff. Munich returns to downtown Flagstaff, AZ with the 12th annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest. Kick off the autumn season with bratwurst, pretzels and Plenty of Beer! Guests will enjoy many crowd favorites including polka music, brat eating contest, stein holding competition and much more. Lace up your dirndl, throw on your lederhosen and grab a stein because Flagstaff is celebrating 12 years of the Flagstaff Oktoberfest! For more information on FLAGSTAFF OKTOBERFEST, call Peak Events at 928-606-7600 or Email Us at info@flagstaffoktoberfest.com.

Saturday, October 2 – Saturday, October 30: Arizona State Fair, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds,1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.

Monday, October 4, 6:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party executive committee meeting.

Thursday, October 7 – Sunday, October 10: Graham County Fair, Graham County Fairgrounds, 527 E. Armory Road, Safford.

Tucson Meet Yourself

Friday, October 8 – Sunday, October 10: Tucson Meet Yourself, “Reconnect” version will be slightly smaller to allow for a better flow of people and a gradual build-up post-pandemic. Downtown Tucson, Jácome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson.

Friday, October 8 – Sunday, October 10: Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake is one of Tempe’s signature annual events. Benefiting Tempe Sister Cities, the Tempe Oktoberfest combines beer gardens, live music, a polka stage, great food including German fare, a carnival, kids activities and much more fun. Throwing the largest Oktoberfest in the State of Arizona, Tempe Beach Park will transform into a traditional Bavarian Beer festival during the day and a concert venue at night! Oktoberfest is always a great time for the whole family, including the kids. Tickets for the event are being sold online. Friday and Saturday tickets cost $10, but admission on Saturday is free before 2 p.m. The event is free all day on Sunday.

Saturday, October 9, 9:30 a.m.: Tanque Verde Valley Democrats meeting, at Risky Business, 8848 E. Tanque Verde Road. Usually meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information visit our web site. Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club.

Saturday, October 9, 10:00 a.m.: Mule Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Community Y, 26 Howell Avenue, Old Bisbee. For more information please contact John Viverto at vivertos@aol.com or visit our web page Mule Mountain Democrats.

Saturday, October 9, 10:00 a.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party meeting, at Coconino County Democratic Party HQ, 201 E. Birch Avenue, Suite #6, Flagstaff. Meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information please call (928) 214-0393 or email Kevin Ordean at Kordean@ccdem.org.

Saturday, October 9, 3:00 p.m.: Green Valley Democrats fka Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meeting at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley (Room 203 meeting room).  Register to join via Zoom (will activate 10 minutes before meeting). Featured speaker is Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and County Attorney Laura Conover. For more information please see our Facebook page or greenvalleydemocrats.org.

Saturday, October 9, 1:00 p.m.: Sun City Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, in the Navajo Room of the Activity Center, 1495 Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Sun City. Meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information lease contact Maureen Salz mosalz@outlook.com.

Monday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 4 meeting, at Total Wine & More, 1416 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Meet the second Monday of each month. For more information please visit our Facebook page or at www.ld4dems.org.

Monday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.: Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive, Oro valley. Meet the second Monday of each month. Arrive at 6:15 to socialize a little before the 6:30 pm meeting. For more information see our Facebook page or demsov.org.

Monday, October 11, 7:00 p.m.: Democrats of the Highlands at Dove Mountain meeting, in the Dove Mountain Clubhouse Catalina Room II, 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd., Marana. For more information see our Facebook page.

Tuesday, October 12, Noon: Democrats of Rim Country meeting, at Tiny’s Family Restaurant, 600 Arizona Hwy. 260, Payson, AZ. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Tuesday, October 12, 3:30 p.m.: Saddlebrooke Democrats meeting, at SaddleBrooke Activities Center, 64518 E. Galveston Lane (Saddlebrooke). Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Groth at (520) 385-6686 or check our web site. SaddleBrookeDemocrats.org.

Tuesday, October 12, 5:00 p.m.: Democrats of the Picture Rocks meeting, via zoom. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. Contact us by email at dems4prandav@gmail.com for more information.

Stacey Abrams at the Mesa Arts Center

Tuesday, October 12, 7:30 pm.: Political leader, voting rights activist, and bestselling author Stacey Abrams at the Mesa Arts Center. Her Mesa stop is part of her “A Conversation With Stacey Abrams” speaking tour. Join Stacey for an evening of candid conversation and insights on politics, leadership, entrepreneurship, social justice, and being a true voice for change. Designed around worldwide and national events, as well as questions from the audience and community, this conversation with Stacey Abrams will inform and empower. Tickets are on sale now. Cost is $53.50 to $78.50; VIP tickets that include a meet-and-greet are $204. Visit Mesa Arts Center’s website for more info.

Wednesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m.: Graham County Democratic Party meeting, at La Paloma Restaurant,  5183 Clifton Street, Solomon. Meet the second Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact us at grahamcountydemocraticparty@gmail.com or visit our Facebook Page.

Thursday, October 14, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the DoubleTree – Reid Park Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Non-members will be asked to make a contribution of $20 at the door or in advance. For more information, contact Nucleus Club at Pima County Democratic Headquarters (520) 326-3716.

Thursday, October 14, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Disability Caucus meeting, at Direct Center, 1001 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson. Monthly meeting of the Disability Caucus. Open to the public. For more information please contact Contact Carol Brown (520) 325-9874.

Thursday, October 14, 5:30 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party meeting, at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Road, Prescott. $10.00 donation, $5.00 if you bring a dish to share. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Please RSVP to (928)541-0413 or email us at info@yavdem.org.

Saturday, October 16, 10:00 a.m.: Pima County Democratic Party African-American Caucus meeting, at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 1020 E. 31st Street, Tucson. Meet the third Saturday of each month. The caucus is not exclusively for African-Americans, all are welcome to join. For more information please contact Connie DeLarge at cdelarge@dmyl.com or (520) 241-8408.

Monday, October 18, 6:00 p.m.: Northern Pinal County Democrats meeting, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 2122 S. Goldfield Road, Apache Junction. Meet the third Monday of each month. For more information please contact David Coward at dbcoward@gmail.com.

Tuesday, October 19, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at Manda Le Bar & Grill, 3455 Canyon De Flores, Sierra Vista, Meet the third Tuesday of each month. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00. For more information please contact Pat Smith at pandw111167@aol.com. Visit our web page. Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Wednesday, October 20, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area luncheon, at the Centennial Center, 1989 Clubhouse Drive, Prescott (on the Antelope Hills golf course). Luncheon reservations are required. A buffet luncheon will be provided. Cost is $17 for members and $20 for nonmembers.Reserve your spot on Actblue, Email DWPA@DWPAAZ.ORG, or call Jan at (626) 340-7060.RSVPs and credit card payment may be made through Act Blue by clicking on the link above, or at the door for those on the RSVP list by Credit Card, Check (made payable to DWPA), or with Cash. Note: Cancellations for reservations must be received 24 hours in advance! Attendees will be billed if they cancel  on the day of the event.

Wednesday, October 20, 6:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of Northern Gila County meeting, at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road, Payson. Meet the third Wednesday of the month. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.: Democracy for America – Maricopa County (DFA-MC) monthly meeting is the third Wednesday of every month, and the new location is Rosita’s Place, 2310 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. For more information see our Facebook page.

Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 10 meeting, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Goddard Hall, 4831 E 22nd Street, Tucson.There is a social time for all members and guests, beginning at 6 p.m. Meet the third Wednesday of each month. For more information see our web site or contact Rebecca Crow at rebeccaacrow@gmail.com.

Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, location varies. For more information please contact Constance Jackson at jcksconniejean@aol.com.

Thursday, October 21, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks breakfast, at Old Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona. Meet the third Thursday of each month. Admission is $15, includes buffet breakfast and gratuity. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP to (928) 274-6541.

Thursday, October 21, 6:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Labor Caucus meeting, at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street, Tucson.

Thursday, October 21, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Saturday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Saturday, October 23, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. Meet the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Witthoeft at sdwitt77@gmail.com.

LD10 Democrats Oktoberfest Fundraiser

Saturday, October 23, 4:00 p.m.: LD10 Democrats Oktoberfest Fundraiser. (CANCELED due to Delta Variant Covid-19 surge). LD10 Democrats Oktoberfest Fundraiser, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4831 E 22nd Street, Tucson . We will feature two bands: Minute2Minute (Minute 2 Minute) and the Mitzi Cowell Band (Mitzi Cowell Band). Enjoy food and drink, including a local beer tasting. Profits will support our Arizona Democratic candidates.

Monday, October 25, 5:30 p.m.: Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Ranch Community Center, 8881 N. Coachline Blvd., Tucson. For more information please RSVP to MARANADEMOCRATS@gmail.com, or see our Facebook page.

Monday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Pima County Housing Center, 801 W. Congress Street. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more information please contact Eva Dong at ecdong1@gmail.com.

Tuesday, October 26, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at the Water of Life Metropolitan Community Church, 3269 N. Mountain Avenue, Tucson. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Margaret Voge at margaret.voge@gmail.com.

Sunday, October 31: Halloween.

Monday, November 1, 6:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party executive committee meeting.

Tuesday, November 2: Tucson City Council General Election, only for Wards 3, 5 and 6.

Phoenix Pride Festival

Saturday November 6 – Sunday November 7: Phoenix Pride Festival, at Steele Indian School Park (located on the northeast corner of Indian School Road and Central Avenue in Encanto Village, Phoenix).

Saturday, November 6, 10:00 a.m.: Legislative District 2 meeting. In person meetings on hold for now. They will be conducted remotely at the regular time. Please contact us at legdist2dems@gmail.com for info.

Saturday, November 6, 11:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats virtual meeting on Zoom. For more information please contact newghadc@yahoo.com.