Well, things could get a little interesting around here over the next day or two! We've got rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, with the potential for some pretty nasty weather, including strong winds, hail and even a possible tornado. Not exactly your typical October weather, so keep an eye on the forecast and stay safe out there.

Meanwhile, we've got a fun mix of stories this week, including a little-known World War II airfield that once operated near Sun City, some pretty impressive homes overlooking the water and golf courses, and plenty of local happenings worth knowing about.

Thanks for being here, have a great week.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here

~ A major road improvement is coming to the Northwest Valley! ADOT and Peoria are hosting a public meeting tonight, October 21st, at Lake Pleasant Elementary School to discuss the 2.2-mile El Mirage Road extension between Loop 303 and Jomax Road. The project includes four travel lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, traffic signals, and roundabouts, with construction tentatively beginning in 2028. The open house starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation and Q&A at 6 p.m. (link)

~ Got expired or unused prescription medications collecting dust in your medicine cabinet? National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a free, safe, and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted medications and keep them out of the wrong hands. Visit the DEA's Take Back Day website to find a participating drop-off location near you.

There are several drop off locations around the Sun Cities, including an event hosted by the Sun City Posse, which also includes a shred event.

Wondering when Arizona’s fall colors will hit their peak? The Discover Flagstaff Leaf-O-Meter makes it easy to follow along, with regular status updates showing where the leaves are changing and which areas are getting close to prime viewing time.

Visit their website to see the color status of the leaves in several different locations.

To learn more, visit Woodtaneous.com

It's hard to imagine military training planes flying over what is now Sun City, but during World War II, a portion of the area served as an auxiliary airfield for Thunderbird Field in Glendale.

The airfield, identified as Thunderbird No. 1 Auxiliary Airfield A-2, was located near what is now Union Hills Road and 83rd Avenue. It was one of four unpaved satellite landing fields used between 1942 and 1944 to support pilot training operations.

Thunderbird Field itself opened in 1941 and became an important training center during World War II. Approximately 10,000 pilots from 30 countries trained there before the facility was deactivated in 1945.

There's also an interesting Del Webb connection. His construction company helped build Thunderbird Field's original facilities, including barracks, administrative buildings, hangars and swimming pools. Nearly two decades later, Webb would open Sun City, helping transform the Northwest Valley from agricultural and desert land into a major retirement destination.

Today, there's little to suggest that this part of the Valley once supported military aviation. But long before the area's golf courses and recreation centers, pilots were practicing their skills above the desert.

DID YOU KNOW? Thunderbird Field's original buildings were arranged to resemble a giant thunderbird when viewed from the air, with hangars forming the wings and other buildings outlining the bird's body.

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for a matinee showing of WAR OF THE WORLDS, on Thursday, October 22nd, at 6pm (link)

[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘9 TO 5’, starring Dolly Parton. Showtimes are Wednesday 10/21 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 10/24 at 2pm & 7pm at the MOUNTAIN MUSIC ROOM (New location). See the OCTOBER movie lineup here.

[Sun City] Sun City’s Sun Bowl Fall Concert Series is underway, with the next show happening on Sunday, October 25th. Come see DIRTY YACHTIN’ SCOUNDRELS, which features yacht rock smooth hits of the 70s and 80s bringing classics from artists like Toto, Steely Dan, and Hall & Oates to life. (link)

[Sun City West] Sun City West's Concerts in the Park series returns October 22nd, featuring the Western swing sounds of Desert Knights and the high-energy rock, pop, and country hits of HiFi Allstars. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m., food concessions available, and tickets just $10 per show. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a couple of evenings of live music under the stars! (link)

[Glendale] If you’re looking to celebrate Oktoberfest locally, Haus Murphy in Historic Downtown Glendale is a great option, and they have a bunch of dates to suit your schedule. Learn more at their website.

[Surprise] Who says you need changing leaves and chilly weather to celebrate fall? The Desert Fall Festival brings a taste of autumn to the Valley with seasonal activities, festive attractions, and plenty of opportunities to get into the fall spirit.

Located near Greenway and Bullard in Surprise, the festival runs through November 1st, making it an easy outing for local residents looking for something different this season. (link)

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Friday Farmers Market has moved indoors for the summer, at the Sun City West Foundation. The market is open from 10a-2pm each Friday. (link & map)

[Sun City] The Sun City Farmers Market is sticking around for the summer, with new hours designed for early birds. Stop by Bell Recreation Center on Thursday mornings from 9am-1pm. to browse fresh produce, baked goods, and offerings from local vendors. (link)

Have an event you want listed here? Please reach out!

[Sun City] 🎶 Sun City’s Fall Concert Series is almost here! The 2026 Sundial Fall Ticketed Concert Mini-Series kicks off November 4th, and individual tickets are available for sale now. (link)

[Sun City] Skip the Black Friday crowds at the mall and shop local instead! The 41st Annual Sun City Fall Arts and Crafts Festival returns to the Sundial Recreation Center on November 27 and 28, featuring more than 400 local artisans selling handmade gifts, jewelry, artwork and more. Admission and parking are free, and you'll also find live entertainment, five food trucks, raffles, and even visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Friday, November 27, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and continues on Saturday, November 28, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sundial Recreation Center located at 14801 N 103rd Avenue in Sun City.

🏡 HOME OF THE WEEK: Golf course and water views take center stage in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath Sun City home, thanks to an impressive 26-foot accordion patio door that opens the living space to the outdoors. With a remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, new roof, AC, windows and major systems, plus a separate golf cart garage, the big-ticket improvements are already taken care of. And with a built-in bar and those incredible views, entertaining might just become your new favorite hobby…🤔

See all the pics & details here.

Property listed by Jennifer Barney with Realty ONE Group

J.D. Manning, the publisher of the Sun City Scoop, is also a local Realtor. If you have questions about the market or your specific real estate situation,
you can reach J.D. at (480) 797-8975

Are you part of a club you’d like featured here? Send me the details!!

The Sun City Scoop Newsletter is growing fast, and in an effort to make sure I’m providing the content you want to see, please do me a favor and complete this survey. Thank you 🙏

Thank you to everyone who has completed the survey! 🙏

If you know someone who would benefit from the Sun City Scoop, please forward this email to them. 🙌

If you want to learn more about who is publishing this newsletter, click here.

Some of the images you see in the newsletter are created using modern AI image tools. Whenever possible, I use my own photos from around Sun City and the West Valley, but sometimes it is helpful to generate an image that better illustrates a story or historical topic. These images are used simply to supplement the articles and help tell the story visually, not to mislead or deceive readers.