🌱 Why the Arizona Balloon Classic is leaving Goodyear after seven years

Good morning Goodyear! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why the Arizona Balloon Classic is leaving Goodyear after seven years
• Planning lights in Goodyear or Litchfield Park? Check these safety tips

Also on today's calendar: International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Goodyear? Post it to Goodyear photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 77 and low of 45 degrees.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and beautiful, temps: high: 75, low: 45.
• Thursday: Pleasantly warm with sunshine, with a high of 76 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Arizona Balloon Classic returning to where it started (ahwatukee.com) — Goodyear residents will see the Arizona Balloon Classic leave the city after seven years because rapid development has squeezed out the open parking and launch space the festival needs. Organizers praise Goodyear but say they must return to larger, more flexible grounds at Gila River’s Wild Horse Pass, where expanded parking, new competitive balloon events, and all-day entertainment are planned for Jan. 16–18.
   

• Litchfield Park offers holiday lights tour (yourvalley.net) — Litchfield Park is inviting residents to register their decorated homes for the city’s popular Holiday Lights Tour through December 19, with an online map guiding nighttime drives. As displays go up, Goodyear police are urging everyone to inspect lights and cords, avoid overloaded outlets, and follow basic fire-safety steps to prevent holiday-related home fires across nearby communities.
   

📸 Around Goodyear

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Goodyear

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Sunday January 4

• International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20
  Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe St, Phoenix
  6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday December 18

• Preschool Storytime
  Georgia T. Lord Library , Programming Room , Goodyear
  10:00 am

Saturday December 20

• Gingerbread House Decorating Competition
  Georgia T. Lord Library at Community Room
  1:00 pm

📣 Goodyear Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• Grannycore at Civic Center Library (All Ages)
  Avondale Civic Center Library , 11350 W Civic Ctr Dr , Avondale
  4:30 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Soccer Game GL vs CB
  Villa de Paz Elementary School , 4940 N 103rd Ave , Phoenix
  4:30 pm
• Soccer Game GL vs CB at VDP East Field
  Villa de Paz Elementary School , 4940 N 103rd Ave , Phoenix
  4:30 pm
• Hurley Ranch Science Fair/Specials Showcase
  Union Elementary School Tolleson, AZ 85353
  5:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• Reindeer Run (During Specials)
  Canyon Breeze Elementary School AVONDALE, AZ 85392
  7:30 am
• Teen Craft at Sam Garcia Library (ages 13-17)
  Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library , 495 E Western Ave , Avondale
  3:00 pm
• Soccer game GL vs CB East Field
  Garden Lakes Elementry School AVONDALE, AZ 85392
  4:30 pm

Friday December 19

• Tax Lien Live Event, Avondale
  Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Avondale , 11460 W Hilton Wy , Avondale
  12:30 pm

Monday December 22

• Extended Holiday
  Tolleson - AZ 85353

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Holiday
  Tolleson - AZ 85353

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
  FOUND on December 13, 2025 in Goodyear, AZ 85338 near 173rd ave and Lincoln Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Cottonflower)
• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
  FOUND on December 13, 2025 in Goodyear, AZ 85338 near Near w Vogel ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder,… (Nextdoor Sunchase At Estrella)

• The Retail Odyssey Company posted a job opening for Traveling Store Merchandiser in Goodyear. Apply here.
• Arizona Staffing posted a job opening for Forklift Operator Warehouse in Goodyear. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Goodyear here.

🗞 Nearby News

Avondale

• Turn your backyard into an oasis with a hot tub from Bullfrog Spas (abc15.com)
• Mercy House Community Center in Avondale faces amplified challenges during holidays due to increased demand (nevalleynews.org)

Tolleson

• Mom accused of child abuse, assault after kid found hurt at Tolleson home (azfamily.com)
• Tolleson Union High School District Refusing to Turn Over Financial Information After Accusations of Mishandling Money (intellectualconservative.com)

Litchfield Park

Ok Goodyear! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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