Scottsdale Dog Grooming Company Raises $6M for a Bigger Presence
Scottsdale-based Sparkle Grooming Co. has secured $6 million in strategic growth financing, giving the dog-grooming company fresh fuel for its next stage of expansion.
The investment, led by Companion Fund, comes as Sparkle shifts its focus toward opening more salons and supporting its growing franchise network. The company currently has 10 locations nationwide, expects to reach at least 20 by the end of 2026, and has more than 30 additional openings planned for 2027.
Founded in 2022, Sparkle was built around the idea that dog grooming could be more than a one-off appointment. Its membership-driven Quick-Service Pet Care model combines grooming and hygiene services with technology and a hospitality-focused experience. Sparkle already has salons across the Valley, including Scottsdale and San Tan Village in Gilbert.
🔎 Scottsdale On The Radar
The Catrina Fashion Contest Opens Registration
A unique Catrina-Fashion pictorial style by award-winning photographer Gus Mejia
The Catrina Fashion Contest is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as part of the Scottsdale Día de los Muertos Fiestas at Scottsdale Civic Center. The event is presented in partnership with photographer and artist Gus Mejia Arte.
More Than a Costume: Open to all ages and experience levels, the contest welcomes individuals, couples, families, and participants with a dog. Categories include Best Individual Catrina & Catrín, Best Couple, Best Family, and Catrina & Catrín with Dog, with first-place winners receiving a Gus Mejia Arte photoshoot, professional portrait, and signed commemorative canvas.
Honoring the Tradition: The contest celebrates remembrance, artistry, craftsmanship, and community while inviting participants to interpret La Catrina through traditional, regional, historical, or contemporary influences. Registration is now open, with entry fees starting at $75 for individuals, $125 for couples, and $175 for families of up to four.
Venue: Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
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🏠 House Hunch
Can you guess the price of this upcoming Paradise Valley listing in a single photo?
Listing courtesy of Joan Levinson | Paradise Valley Luxury Real Estate Expert
Three years after its massive renovation, Scottsdale Civic Center is kicking off another season with three big parties and they're all free!
Three Big Nights: The Civic Center lineup keeps the free fun going with Parks & Rec Rewind 75 on Sept. 19, a throwback celebration of Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary featuring live music, a DJ dance party, retro arcade games, a decades-themed exhibit and more. On Oct. 2, the first-ever Pop Punk Picnic brings nostalgic pop-punk hits to be performed by Mike Goodrick, plus food vendors, a cocktail garden, and themed activities. Then on Oct. 17, the Scottsdale Fall Festival returns from 5–9 p.m. with live music, food trucks, trick-or-treating, carnival games, arts and crafts, and community booths—all free.
Your Old Town Oasis: Right in the heart of Old Town, Scottsdale Civic Center is a peaceful spot surrounded by arts, dining, and plenty to see. The space features manicured lawns, desert landscaping, water features, public art, including the iconic “LOVE” sculpture, and the two additional outdoor performance spaces for concerts and events. Planning an event? Submit your request here.
Location: 3939 N Drinkwater BlvdScottsdale, AZ 85251
🗞️ Other News & Events
Run the Runway
Scottsdale Airport will turn into a race course on October 25 for Run the Runway. Hosted by Volanti and PHX Run Club, the 5K race ($50) starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Kids Fun Run ($30) at 8:30 a.m., with both races taking runners onto the airport’s tarmac. Proceeds benefit Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial and Opportunity 4 Kids. Register here.
Arabian horses are taking over Scottsdale this week for the Arabian National Breeder Finals, happening Sept. 16–19 at WestWorld. The annual event brings more than 250 horses to compete in a variety of competitions, with more than $100,000 in prize money. Admission is free.
Cactus Flower Florists is hosting a series of floral design workshops this fall, covering wreaths, hand-tied bouquets, botanical dish gardens, and seasonal arrangements. Upcoming classes are Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Oct. 30, and Nov. 6 at 10822 N. Scottsdale Rd. Private workshops are also available for groups and special occasions.
Scottsdale Community College will bring Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” to the stage this fall, with performances running October 22–November 1 at the campus Performing Arts Center. The production offers a theatrical take on the classic vampire story just in time for Halloween. Admission: $20 General | $10 Students.
And that’s a wrap on our Wednesday edition! Thanks again for keeping Desert Rundown your Scottsdale & Phoenix insider. 🌵
—Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown
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