I Love Mesa Day returns on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a day of free, family friendly and outdoor events along Macdonald north of Main Street and Pepper Place between Robson and Center Street. The City of Mesa is partnering with the Downtown Mesa Association for the event.
"I Love Mesa Day is about celebrating our awesome community, local businesses and the amazing people who make our City great," said Mayor Mark Freeman. "Downtown Mesa is growing and changing, with new and longtime businesses, various fun events and great arts and culture. This event is a chance to visit, return or explore downtown for the first time. I hope everyone comes out to enjoy the fun and feel the heart of our City!"
I Love Mesa Day activities take place all day:
Free admission at the idea Museum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AZMNH) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in celebration of I Love Mesa Day. The idea Museum opens its new idea Lab supported by Meta to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:15 a.m. and offers additional programming in the Atrium classroom and storytimes in the Artville studio throughout the day. AZMNH will also have a Literacy Lane scavenger hunt and readings by childrens author Debi Novotny
Carnival rides and games
Face painting and balloon twisters
Petting Zoo
Eight bubble stations
Fun N Fit Blue Blocks
Stilt walkers and special Disney characters Elsa, Moana and Belle
Food trucks
Entertainment provided by Mesa Community College's DJ program
Activities inside The Post, 26 N. Macdonald, include digital storytelling by Lit Ink (formerly Project Lit), A literacy workshop by the BYU Education Society and a presentation by Matt McMann, bestselling author of the Monsterious series who will also sell and sign his books
I Love Mesa Day will also host Read On Mesa's Literacy Lane - a celebration of literacy and community. Attendees can participate in readings from special guests, explore and connect with free literacy programs and resources and sign up for a Mesa Library card. Vice Mayor Scott Somers will welcome those attending. Guest readers, subject to change, include Mesa Councilmembers Francisco Heredia, Jenn Duff and Julie Spilsbury and Alicia Goforth; Clifford the Big Red Dog; Mesa Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis; Mountain View High School Principal Dr. Mike Oliver and the MPS Longfellow Family Literacy Program, who will present a story and performance of The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Many downtown restaurants, bars and unique stores will be offering promotions and specials during I Love Mesa Day.
"I Love Mesa Day is a great opportunity for our community to enjoy free, family friendly fun in the heart of Downtown and explore our unique, locally owned businesses, many of which are offering specials and discounts for the occasion," said Terry Madeksza, Downtown Mesa Association President and Executive Director. "The Downtown Mesa Association and City of Mesa have partnered to make this an annual event to showcase our vibrant downtown community."
The much-anticipated I Love Mesa Day celebration started in September 2021 to support local businesses and introduce valley residents to the uniquely local offerings in downtown Mesa.
For a complete list of I Love Mesa Day activities, visit downtownmesa.com and mesaaz.gov.
I Love Mesa Day is sponsored by the City of Mesa; Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities; Downtown Mesa Association; Semper Fi Heating and Cooling; Celerion and VCA Mesa Animal Hospital.