Arizona is more than a place we call home. It’s a community built by the people, families and local businesses who invest in it every day.
That shared belief has brought Vantage West Credit Union and Local First Arizona together for years. Through a longstanding partnership, the two organizations have worked to strengthen Arizona communities, support local businesses, and encourage more Arizonans to keep their dollars close to home.
This fall, that partnership is growing in a fun new way as Local First Arizona celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Certified Local Fall Festival.
20 Years of Celebrating Everything Local
What started 20 years ago with just 27 local businesses gathered in the Duck and Decanter parking lot has grown into a statewide celebration bringing together thousands of Arizonans and hundreds of locally owned businesses. Certified Local Fall Festival will return to Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Visitors can spend the day discovering Arizona makers, businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs, enjoying local food and drinks, listening to live music and connecting with the people behind the businesses that make our state unique.
And this year, Vantage West is helping add even more opportunities for families to join the fun.
More Ways for Families to Play, Create and Connect
Vantage West Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of the festival’s Localist Activity Zone, a dedicated space designed to bring people together through hands-on activities and memorable experiences.
Families can expect activities including kite making, experiences with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, bubble soccer, musical chairs and a raffle featuring gift cards to locally owned restaurants and coffee shops.
Festival plans also include a 24-foot community mural that visitors can help bring to life throughout the day, along with additional interactive experiences happening across the festival.
It’s a space built around something both Vantage West and Local First Arizona believe in: creating meaningful connections to the communities we call home.
Thomas Barr, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Local First Arizona, shared what the partnership means as the organizations prepare for this milestone event:
“Local First is proud of our long-standing partnership with Vantage West Credit Union. We have worked throughout the state for years educating Arizona’s small business community and reminding families the importance of depositing dollars in a local credit union. This year we’re thrilled to be growing our collaboration through the 20th Anniversary of the Certified Local Fall Festival.”
“As the exclusive sponsor of the Localist Activity Zone, Vantage West is partnering with Local First to present a wide variety of activities and experiences to make the event meaningful and memorable for attendees. Guests can expect to participate in a kite making station, activities with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, bubble soccer, musical chairs, a raffle with gift cards to local restaurants and coffee shops, and so much more.”
“There will truly be something for everyone and we’re incredibly grateful for Vantage West’s creativity in bringing a variety of opportunities to life for the community.”
Local Dollars. Local Businesses. Local Impact.
Supporting local businesses does more than make for a great day at the festival. It helps build stronger connections between the people, businesses and organizations that call Arizona home.
That’s why the partnership between Vantage West and Local First Arizona is such a natural fit. For years, both organizations have worked to educate Arizona’s small business community and encourage families to consider the impact of where they choose to spend and deposit their money.
The Certified Local Fall Festival brings that idea to life in one place. It gives Arizonans a chance to meet local business owners, discover new favorites and experience firsthand just how much creativity, entrepreneurship and community spirit exists right here in our state.
Join us Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix, and be sure to stop by the Localist Activity Zone presented by Vantage West Credit Union.
