From Fish Tanks to Ferris Wheels: Scheels Brings Fun and Expertise to Chandler-Gilbert Shoppers

Scheels, a massive new store at Chandler Fashion Center, is opening on Sept. 30, offering much more than sporting goods. With 250,000 square feet filled with 2.4 million products, this is not your typical shopping experience.

Here's What to Expect:

1. Plan for a Visit: Customers tend to spend around 3.5 hours exploring Scheels, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for an extended visit.

2. Diverse Offerings: Beyond sporting goods, Scheels sells furniture, pet supplies, baby strollers, and kitchen cutlery. There's something for everyone.

3. Shop Within a Shop: Scheels houses 76 different shops within the store, including a 1930s-style Ferris wheel, shooting gallery, rollerball, golf simulators, and more.

4. Aquarium Spectacle: A massive aquarium greets you upon entering, home to 600 different fish. Scuba divers even clean it twice a week, waving at children as they work.

5. No Escalators: Unlike other stores, Scheels opts for elevators over escalators for customer convenience and safety.

6. Expert Staff: Employees are experts in their respective fields, providing top-notch customer service. Each shop has knowledgeable staff trained to handle customer inquiries.

7. Quality Training: Hidden training rooms ensure that employees are well-prepared for their roles, offering customers a seamless experience.

8. Customer-Centric: Scheels aims to give customers a great experience, going above and beyond to meet their needs. If you buy a 10-foot basketball hoop, they'll even install it for you.

9. Firearm Selection: Scheels carries "modern sporting firearms" but excludes short-barreled rifles and fully automatic weapons.

10. Dedication to Community: Scheels believes in giving back to the community and has already donated to local nonprofits in Chandler.

Don't miss the grand opening of this unique shopping destination, where you can explore, shop, and experience a wide range of offerings.

Kaleidoscope Dance Celebrates 6 Years with a Free Day of Dance!

Join us in celebrating Kaleidoscope Dance's 6th anniversary! We're grateful for your support over the years, and to show our appreciation, we're hosting a FREE "Celebrating 6!" Day of Dance.

Event Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023

Event Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Cost/Donation: Free

For more information, please contact us at 602-345-0496 or visit our website here. Don't miss this fantastic day of dance and fun!

Gilbert's Neely Traditional Academy Receives Prestigious National Blue Ribbon

Neely Traditional Academy, a school in Arizona, received the 2023 National Blue Ribbon recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, one of only four in the state to do so.

This recognition is awarded based on a school's academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps. Neely previously received this award in 2009 and is part of the Gilbert Public Schools system.

A National Blue Ribbon Schools Recognition Ceremony is scheduled for November 16-17 in Washington, D.C., to celebrate this achievement.

Do You Own a Business that Serves the Gilbert? We Want to Feature You!

Hey Gilbert Neighbors! 
🌻 We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Gilbert Thrive" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Gilbert together!

👇Select an option below:

✅ Own a local Business? Apply to be featured

❤ Love a local business? Click to Nominate them

No Arrests Yet in Gilbert Animal Cruelty Investigation

An animal cruelty investigation is happening in Gilbert after police found dogs needing medical attention at a residence. Police initially responded to a welfare check and were told the animals had been rehomed. Later, officers found more dogs at the same location, some in poor health.

The Arizona Humane Society was called but had limited resources. Dogs needing care went to local veterinarians, while others remained on-site. An investigation is ongoing to determine if charges will be filed. No arrests have been made yet.

Public Assistance Requested in Chandler SNAWL Animal Abuse Case

Chandler police seek public assistance in animal abuse investigation involving Special Needs Animal Welfare League (SNAWL). They're looking for info on dogs before they were adopted by SNAWL, including photos and vet records.

Numerous dogs were found in poor condition at a Chandler home operated by April McLaughlin, some dead or euthanized. The investigation is also seeking details from donors to McLaughlin's rescue operations.

Email [email protected] with information.

McLaughlin initially faced 111 charges but was released from jail, and the case is under further investigation by Chandler Police.

• It's a Scavenger Hunt! Gilbert
  September 27, 5pm to September 28, 3am

• Gilbert Cinemas: Pirates of the Caribbean @ Gilbert Regional Park
  September 29, 6:30pm

• Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival
  September 29th-October 29th

• Gilbert Family Triathlon @ Perry High School
  September 30, 6am-11am

• The Grant Brothers @ Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Gilbert
  September 30, 12pm

• Cookie Decorating Workshop
  September 30, 3:30pm-5:30pm

• Something's Afoot @ Hale Centre Theatre
  September 30, 4pm

• Stanley Serrano @ Central Christian Church - Gilbert
  October 1, 9:30am

• Pumpkin & Chili Party @ Schnepf Farms
  October 5 - October 29

• Gilbert Cinemas: Super Mario Bros @ Page Park
  October 6, 6:30pm

• Free Magic Show @ Gilbert Regional Park
  October 6, 6:30pm-8pm

• Gilbert Oktoberfest @ Gilbert Civic Center
  October 7, 2pm

• Gilbert Art Walk - Opening Day
  October 7, 9am-1pm

• Gilbert Cinemas: Elemental @ Gilbert Regional Park
  October 13, 6:30pm

• Life Beyond Cancer Community Group
  October 18, 12pm-1pm

• Annual Trunk or Treat @ The Goddard School
  October 20, 6:15pm-8pm

• 8th Annual Spooktacular Car Show
  October 21, 9am-3pm

• Barktoberfest - Friends for Life Animal Rescue
  October 21, 8am-1pm

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Gilbert Area and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Gilbert Thrive with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇