Cardboard Boat Race
The Cardboard Boat race is back by popular demand in The Village at Vistancia. This competition is held on Sat., Sept. 17 at the Foothills Swimming Pool, N. Westland Rd., Peoria, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is required. Rules and regulations will be emailed to registered participants prior to the competition. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3Ab1Vdy

Mark Your Calendars for the Peoria Film Fest
The Peoria Film Fest returns from Oct. 13 to Oct. 16 at Harkins Arrowhead Fountains Theatre. This four-day event brings independent film and events to Peoria including the Opening Night Premiere Event, family film programming, and new independent films as well as studio releases. Film titles will be announced, and tickets will be going on sale in early September. For more info, visit peoriafilmfest.com.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse Coming to Park West
Kasai Japanese Steakhouse, a top destination in Scottsdale for more than 20 years, is scheduled to open in late 2022 at Park West in Peoria. Kasai is an Asian dining experienced comprised of teppanyaki, Asian fusion, and sushi. At Kasai, dinnertainment is provided by chefs at teppanyaki tables, where a seven-course meal is prepared for guests. It’s located at 9744 W. Northern Ave. off Loop 101 at Northern, just minutes from the Arizona Cardinals football stadium.

Peoria Main Library Undergoes Renovation
The Peoria Main Library recently got upgrades including a new computer system at the service desks, a new podcast studio (see more on page 23), public art, and a new outdoor courtyard. The new computer system includes self-service stations that make checking out and returning books seamless for patrons.

Additionally, the courtyard has a prickly pear gate, a garden, sensory panels, and artificial turf. During a visit, patrons can also view the Reading Rhino sculpture, which is a new public art sculpture installed by INFLUX, an organization that provides opportunities for Arizona artists to create site-specific art installations in a variety of Valley locations.