Anthem Holiday Classic Triathlon
The community is gearing up for the 23rd Annual Anthem Holiday Classic Triathlon on Saturday, Dec. 9. This highly anticipated event promises a blend of competitive spirit and festive fun, making it an ideal way to conclude the 2023 sports season.
Set to commence at 7:30 a.m., the Holiday Classic Triathlon is renowned for its exhilarating and fast-paced course. Participants will kick off with a 400-meter swim in a heated pool, transition to a rapid 20-kilometer bike ride, and then dash to the finish line with a 5-kilometer run. Along with the traditional triathlon, the event also includes an Aquabike and Duathlon, catering to a wide range of athletes.
Hosted at the Anthem Community Center, located at 41130 N. Freedom Way, this sprint triathlon has become a staple in the local athletic calendar. Its popularity stems from the course’s accessibility to both seasoned athletes and newcomers to the sport. The event’s festive atmosphere adds a unique charm.
The event is part of the 4 Peaks Racing Calendar, which features a variety of athletic events throughout the year. This particular event stands out for its ability to draw a diverse group of participants, each eager to test their endurance and speed in a friendly yet competitive environment. For more details, visit 4peaksracing.com/events.
By-the-Bucket Reopens in Anthem with a Fresh Menu and Brand Revitalization
By-the-Bucket, a popular Scottsdale-based takeout restaurant chain, recently reopened its Anthem location, revealing a comprehensive corporate rebranding and a revamped menu that shifts from “Hot Spaghetti to Go” to “Gourmet Pastas and Salads to Go.” This change symbolizes the company’s dedication to evolving with its customer preferences and community needs.
The refreshed menu, focusing on gourmet pasta dishes made with fresh ingredients and a slow-drying process, marks a significant departure from the chain’s original identity. Alongside these pastas, customers can now enjoy a variety of fresh salads, each priced at $7.79, ensuring a combination of quality and value.
Tim Krieger, the owner of By-the-Bucket, emphasizes that this transformation is a response to customer feedback and that the new menu is a testament to the company’s commitment to listening and adapting to its customer base.
The grand reopening event, organized in partnership with the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce and L’Entrada, was a festive affair. Attendees enjoyed special offers, complimentary tastings, live music, and wine specials from L’Entrada. Reflecting its community-oriented values, By-the-Bucket celebrated its reopening by donating $1,000 to Youth for Troops, an Anthem-based nonprofit supporting military personnel and veterans. With the success of the revamped Anthem location and growing demand, By-the-Bucket plans to expand from its current 20 franchise and licensee locations in Arizona and one in Utah, to an ambitious 1,000 locations nationwide.
The Anthem restaurant, located at 41111 N. Daisy Mountain Dr., is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. For more information, visit bythebucket.com.
Arizona State Parks and Trails Hosts Winter Photo Contest
Arizona State Parks and Trails is inviting photographers to participate in the Opt Outside Photo Contest. Running through January 15, the contest aims to celebrate the state’s natural beauty and encourage outdoor adventures during the winter months.
Open to both amateur and professional photographers aged 18 or older, the contest requires all submissions to be captured within Arizona’s more than 30 state parks. Entrants can compete in five categories: Living Creatures, Friendly Faces, Outdoor Activities, Landscapes, and Arizona History. These categories are designed to spotlight the state’s diverse flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
The competition offers an excellent platform for photographers to exhibit their skills while emphasizing the significance of conserving Arizona’s natural and historical resources. Contestants are encouraged to explore the parks and share their unique perspectives and experiences.
Prizes await winners in each category, with a grand prize for the overall contest winner. This grand prize includes a two-night stay in a Pin Drop micro-camper, a cave tour for two at Kartchner Caverns State Park, an Arizona State Parks annual pass, a $15 REI gift card, and an AppreciateAZ gift box. First-place winners in each category will receive an Arizona State Parks annual pass, while second and third places will get day-use passes. Additionally, all winners will be awarded a limited-edition sticker and AppreciateAZ water bottle.
A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on creativity, composition, and storytelling within a state park setting. Participants can submit up to five entries across multiple categories. Winners will be announced in February. For submission guidelines and detailed contest rules, interested individuals can visit azstateparks.com/photo-contest.
