If there is one thing I have found to be true about Valley of the Sun, it is that the influx of people from around the country never seems to stop. Day in and day out I notice that those I come across spanning from the east to west coast are still clinging to their individual identities. They move to Arizona, but are still from Chicago (or insert whichever big city you please), drive like they are in Chicago, support Chicago teams, and wouldn’t dare learn about Arizona. Little did I realize, since becoming the newest addition to the Downtown Tempe Community, that I too had been shafting my responsibility as an Arizona resident to become involved in what’s going on. It wasn’t until I began working here and strolling Mill Avenue at lunch time with my coworkers that I realized how much I was actually missing out on. Here in lies one of our biggest conundrums facing the Mill Avenue District, as well as our whole valley, where culture is growing, vast, and punctuated by individual personalities of arts, events, and unique stores and restaurants. The comfort zone of those who migrate here, myself included, has yet to grow more than just a few miles outside the home. To address this, the Downtown Tempe Community has taken on the role of bringing the community together by fostering a vibrant place to live, work, and play. In recent years, the Mill Avenue District has become a lot more than just a college hang out. It brings a multi-faceted definition to the word “place.” Downtown Tempe is a fun place to check out the stores and restaurants exclusive to the area, a creative workplace filled with emerging ideas and a place to find all kinds of entertainment. All of these definitions add to the reemerging community feel in the Mill Avenue District.

Recently, I attended my first Tempe Festival of the Arts. The event itself spanned three days, Friday to Sunday, and encompassed a crop of hundreds of juried artists, ranging in craft from beautifully sculpted artwork and paintings. The vibe, even though it was freezing and raining for one entire day was smiles and happiness, people greeting each other, dogs playing. Throughout the crowded day, I gave up counting the strollers and leashes; I should clarify the leashes were on pets, not children. For someone who had never been to the festival before, it seemed unusual for strangers to be so friendly and helpful to each other all day long. I felt as if I was waiting for a director to yell “Cut,” and everyone to scatter from a movie scene. It was only then that I realized it is events like these that are bringing the community even closer together every year.

The Downtown Tempe Community continues their efforts of gathering the community with the monthly Third Thursdays. The next Third Thursday event on January 19th will feature a free concert featuring Rose’s Pawn Shop and Ragamuffin Stampede, Music on Mill performers along the streets, and a social networking scavenger hunt. I googled the bands performing to see what I was in for- Rose’s Pawn Shop has an old school country edge that will keep the crowd dancing all night. Ragamuffin Stampede, who is the opening act, brings a more reminiscent feel of twang-y upbeat sixties country as well. The social networking scavenger hunt via our Facebook page keeps residents awaiting the next clue to snap a picture next to the winning landmark and win gift certificates and a chance at $250 in more free stuff. Free entertainment in an open space, activities encouraging us to explore our downtown, this is how locals should be connecting with our community.

Now, I will no longer be shafting my responsibility to my city. This time, thanks to my exposure to the area, I can tell my friends and family a great place to eat before or after the show, a hidden gem of a shopping area, and where you can just sit around and meet new people. When I walk along the streets of Mill Avenue I have found a strange sense of pride tingling in my fingers- I’m proud of my new knowledge of Downtown Tempe. I suppose that is what the feeling of community does to you when you decide to embrace it. When you finally acknowledge it, you find yourself in a home away from home; so I guess I should say welcome to my home.

By: Morgan Egger
Mill Avenue District