Celebrate Mesa, the City's family-friendly spring party in the park on April 12 at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., always offers something new. This year, it's Mesa On Wheels with the official unveiling of two new mobile units, plus three popular mobile attractions, bringing more recreation and education opportunities citywide to the public:
Mesa Public Library's new Read Runner bookmobile will expand access to library services, especially for those who dont have convenient access to a full-service library. This 35-foot custom-built library on wheels will carry approximately 1,500 books for readers of all ages, along with THINKspot equipment, a seed library and Culture Passes. More than just a library, the Read Runner will bring engaging library programs to the community. The Read Runner will visit schools, parks and neighborhoods, helping to make literacy more accessible.
M.O.R.E. (Mesa Outdoor Recreation Experience) provides a new mobile outdoor educational experience to City of Mesa residents within our parks, trails and natural spaces, promoting understanding, appreciation and stewardship of outdoor recreation in Mesa parks. The programming creates opportunities for every Mesa resident to explore, play and thrive outdoors by bringing dynamic, barrier-free recreation and educational experiences to neighborhoods across the City. M.O.R.E. will connect people with Mesa's parks and green spaces, creating lifelong outdoor enthusiasts and healthy, active communities.
Fun 'N' Fitness is a mobile recreation unit that travels to different City of Mesa parks, offering free programs and activities for all ages. The programming centers on health and wellness, conservation, culture and learning activities. Fun 'N' Fitness has regular programming like group fitness classes, arts and crafts and movie nights, plus a dynamic schedule filled with unique experiences.
Mesa Arts Center's MABEL (Mobile Art Based Engagement Lab) is an adaptable and flexible creative space and pop-up arts center on wheels with activities meant to create connections on the spot, prompt discussion, catalyze change and spark creativity through the arts. MABEL was created as a result of community discussions and is a key Mesa Arts Center Engagement program.
Mesa Library's I Love Mesa van is the library's outreach vehicle that has made lobby stops in the past year at organizations like La Mesita, Aster Aging, Avista Aging and local farmer's markets. This has given the library outreach team the opportunity to determine the regular routes with Read Runner. It will continue to make appearances at community events and provide lobby stop service at locations that will be challenging to serve with the Read Runner due to its size.
The mobile units will be part of the Living Green Village which celebrates Earth Day by featuring exhibitors offering expertise about tree planting, composting, recycling and energy efficiency incentives.
Celebrate Mesa will have archery, face painting, a petting zoo, carnival rides, a sensory zone, stilt walkers and a dozen food vendors. There will be live music plus performances by Disney princesses Ariel, Rapunzel and Jasmine.
City departments will have booths and interactive activities for children. The Mesa Police Air Unit and a Mesa Fire and Medical Department vehicle will be on display. Free raffle prizes will be available at the information booth. Admission and parking are free, but there is a $5 fee for unlimited access to carnival rides.
Celebrate Mesa is made possible by the City of Mesa; Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities; Mesa Recycles; Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation; VCA Mesa Animal Hospital; Semper Fi Heating & Cooling; SRP; FiberFirst; Dental Depot; Amazing Kidz Pediatric Dentistry and Power Home Remodeling.