Anthem Days are here again

ANTHEM – An old‑fashioned community gathering in the park highlights the eighth annual Anthem Days celebration March 31 and April 1.

Harking back to times when small towns planned their happenings to include everyone, Anthem’s weekend festival offers food, fun and frolic for the whole family.

An estimated 15,000 visitors are expected to enjoy this year’s free event in Anthem’s 64‑acre community park.

“It’s grown every year,” said Jonathan Himlin, communications coordinator for the Anthem Community Council. “Back when Anthem was a baby, Anthem Days was viewed as a great marketing event. The developers thought it was a good way for people to come and see the things Anthem has to offer.

“Now the developers are pretty much gone and there are not that many homes for sale. It’s turned into a community affair. People from all over the Valley are invited to come and see what living in a small town like Anthem is all about.”

Kicking things off is the Anthem 5K Run/Walk starting at 8 a.m., March 31, with a Kids Dash immediately following at 9 a.m.

“This year the run is being named “Emma’s Run” for Emma Simpkins,” said Himlin “She was a 6‑year‑old Anthem resident who died in a tragic accident last year.”

Runners can register at the Anthem Community Center from 4‑7 p.m. on March 30 or before the race beginning at 6 a.m.

After the race, visitors can visit the popular Arts & Crafts/Business Fair featuring more than a hundred artisans and local business service providers.

After you’ve seen the art, some of the planned activities include pony and barrel rides, a basketball skills challenge, Scottish Highland Games, a golf putting contest, interactive displays, live musical entertainment, a food court, a kids’ fun zone, and an adults’ fun zone otherwise known as the beer garden.

What community celebration would be complete without a carnival?

The Frazier Show Carnival will be in full swing at the south end of the park during Anthem Days. Dozens of rides and activities including a roller coaster, fun house, Ferris wheel and the newest Frazier ride, “Experience,” one of only two rides like it in the United States, will thrill the young and the not‑as‑young.

The carnival opens March 29 from 5‑9 p.m., and will run from 5‑10 p.m. on March 30; from noon‑10 p.m. March 31; and 1‑6 p.m. on April 1. Tickets are required for rides and are available for purchase at the fair.