Scoop Factory Scoopstakes: Lights, Camera, Aerialists

Win front row seats to a Cirque de Soleil-like spectacular, as well as a kitchen sink's worth of IKEA kitchen accessories

Here at Scoop Factory, we always walk on the sunny side of the street. Which is why we’re happy to report that the Valley’s most recent real estate crash is officially over. Finito. Dunzo. TTFN. Sure, the so-called experts might use fancy figures (and actual facts) to say otherwise, but we have indisputable proof. Real estate developers are back in the party throwing business. We’re talking the sort of lavish, over-the-top shindigs that make us want to party like it’s 2005.

We first noticed this trend when we were invited to the grand re-opening of the super-sleek Safari Drive project near Scottsdale Fashion Square. Let’s just say, if you’ve never tasted Champagne poured into your glass by an aerialist suspended from a soaring metal tower … you’re really not missing much. But it sure looks cool. And now we just heard about an even over-the-topper party taking place this Friday in Midtown Phoenix.

Named Cirque au Chateau, this fab fête will feature Cirque de Soleil-style entertainment, including fire-dancers, stilt-walkers and arial artists flying through the air. Furthermore, there will plenty of free food and drink, as well as a fine jewelry auction with proceeds to benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 

It’s all part of the re-launch of one of the Valley’s most prominent real estate projects, the long-stalled Chateau on Central. This collection of swooping, brick-lined European-style mansions lining Central Ave went belly-up in June 2008 after getting caught up in the Tuxedo Suicide bankruptcy mess. However, a new owner has scooped up this posh project and is now offering 5,000-foot palaces for less than half of the original price of $2.8 to $4.5 million. In other words, it’s a great time to be a monied mini-mansion lover.

And since it’s a great time to be a Scoop Factory reader, we’re giving away a pair of tix (normally $99 per) to this outrageous open house event, as well as a complete set of kitchen accessories from IKEA. Plus, we’re also giving away two additional pairs of tix to Cirque au Chateau. Wanna win? Simply email us with “Chateau” in the subject line (you must be able to attend the event this Friday at 7 pm). Good luck and enjoy the spectacle.