North Central resident Kezia Allen tries to cheer up a sour Scottish stilt walker with a hug during the annual Arizona Scottish Gathering & Highland Games (photo by Teri Carnicelli).

North Central resident Kezia Allen tries to cheer up a sour Scottish stilt walker with a hug during the annual Arizona Scottish Gathering & Highland Games (photo by Teri Carnicelli).

The weather is warming up and so are the outdoor events around Phoenix. Check out these local family friendly events coming up in March.

Affair on the Square
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Heritage Square
113 N. 6th St.
What was life like in early Phoenix? How did the Arizona cowboy help the U.S. win the Spanish-America War? Meet local history authors, and chat with 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt (portrayed by Joe Wiegand), at this free event. Visitors also are welcome to tour the Rosson House, a 19th century Victorian home located in the middle of Downtown Phoenix (fee applies). Other events include kids crafts and activities, book signings, and a Rough Riders Reception from 1-2 p.m. Visit www.heritagesquarephx.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Hance Park/Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
602-280-9221
The parade runs along 3rd Street from Sheridan south to McDowell Road and features Irish step-dancing groups, the Arizona Irish Colleen and her court, Scottish bag pipe performers, high school bands, twirlers and floats. Admission to the faire is $10 for adults (age 13 & older); kids age 12 & younger admitted free. Seniors (55 & older) and members of the military pay $8. Enjoy three stages of Irish music and dancers, a Kids Area, food and beverages for purchase, crafters, and the Anam Cara (Soul Friend) exhibition at the McClelland Library. Free parking at the garage at 1850 N. Central Ave. and free shuttles run from there. Bring food items for donation and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win $100. Visit www.phxirish.org.

Haru In The Garden: A Festival Welcoming Spring
5-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Japanese Friendship Garden
1125 N. 3rd Ave.
602-256-3204
A celebration of spring featuring music, art and traditional Japanese displays. Performances will include Japanese bamboo flute, Tibetan bowls, koto, piano and Japanese folk music. A special performance by the Glendale Community College percussion ensemble is scheduled for 6 p.m. A kimono, Hina doll and temari display also will be featured in the garden along with traditional spring-themed tea ceremony demonstrations. A Japanese beer garden and Asian food also will be available. Tickets for non-members of the garden at $15 for adults and $8 for youth 11 and younger. Purchase tickets online at www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org by noon March 21, or at the JFG Gift Shop or Garden Gate day of event.

The 50th Annual Arizona Scottish Gathering and Highland Games
March 22-23
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road
Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Watch competitive highland dancing, pipe bands, heavy athletics, country dancing and historical re-enactments; enjoy vintage British car exhibitions, and visit representatives of over 50 Clans. There also is a children’s area. Dogs on leashes are OK, but be prepared to clean up after your pet. Tickets are available at the gate for $15 adults age 16 and older, $10 for seniors age 60 and older, $10 for military with ID, and $5 for children ages 6-15. Parking is available for $5 at 4041 N. Central Ave., where attendees can hop on a free shuttle, or take the light rail to the stop at Central & Indian School. Visit http://www.arizonascots.com.

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