Who needs to go on vacation this Fourth of July when there’s so much to do right here in the Valley of the Sun.

If you’re like me, you’re planning a staycation here in Phoenix.  So I’ve compiled a list of events and things to do along the light rail during the holiday weekend.

First, talk about a fantastic way to kick off the month.  Friday night is not only the first weekend of extended light rail hours of operation, but it’s also First Friday.  In case you don’t know, FF is an art walk in downtown Phoenix.  Galleries keep their doors open late, the museums offer free admission,  and the resto-bars pack ‘em in.  This popular monthly event draws thousands to the heart of  downtown, as well as provide an economic boost for local businesses in the urban core.  Click here for more information.  And check here to see if there’s a way to get a discount available at your destination.

On Saturday the 4th, there are two huge events accessible from the light rail.  The first is the Fabulous Fourth at Steele Indian School Park (here) and then another display (here) at Tempe Beach Park.  Light rail passengers can use the Indian School Park station and the Mill Avenue station respectively.

Speaking of mass transit, METRO and Valley Metro are advising people to avoid the lines at stations and buy your mass transit fare in advance.  A link to Valley Metro is here to learn about purchasing fares at 150 locations across the Valley.  You can also click here for information on public parking around the venues, since I know y’all are gonna carpool if you can’t take the bus, train, or ride your bike. 

By the way, if you’re not familiar with using your bike on the train, and how to load it on the hanging racks, watch the video below. (source)

And finally, if kicking back with some friends at home for a BBQ is more your thing, then take a look at this list and see if anything you do around the house this holiday weekend is putting a bunch of yuck in the air.

Besides catching up on some work, I’m going to The Clarendon Hotel on Friday night.  Saturday is up in the air.

(I know, I am sorry.  I couldn’t resist.)

Apparently METRO is one step closer to extending light rail hours on weekends.  I recently posted a story on how City Counciman Tom Simplot wants to use stimulus money to extend operating hours on weekends, and now there’s word a pilot program could provide longer light rail hours for passengers.  The issue is set to go before the Rail Management Committee in a few days.

Also, check out the story on how the foot traffic from coffee bars is a welcome sight in a weak economy.

And last, commuter rail could soon be a reality in the Phoenix area.

The rest of the post below is on the ‘lo-cale’ side — local news on the lighter side.  Like low calorie news.

Now for the show..

My friends Mark Hardy and Scott Mertens invited me to a rooftop fashion show at Portland Place (Roosevelt and Central light rail station) on Saturday night in the Roosevelt Arts District.

Here’s the view of Downtown Phoenix, the Chase Building, and the new public art display Her Secret is Patience at the Civic Space Park.

The sunset was gorgeous, the energy was electric, and the models were fierce.

The designer is Alexander Garcia Acosta (center) for AGA Couture.

And here are some of my favorite shots of the night:

Oh, and the show was also eco-friendly!  No electric fans were used during the show!!  The wind was au-naturel!!

So much fashion in Phoenix.  Who knew?!