Gilbert Daily Brief: Missing Hiker Found, Spring Fling Weekend, Prep Hoops Snapshot

Top local headlines

Missing Gilbert man found after SAFE Alert

Authorities say a 72-year-old man reported missing from the Val Vista Drive and Guadalupe Road area has been located. Police said he was ultimately spotted on a hiking trail near Superior and was flown to a hospital to be checked out.

Spring Fling weekend wraps up today

If you’re out and about Sunday, a large Spring Fling market is scheduled to run through today at Gilbert Regional Park, with vendors, food options, and family activities listed for both days of the event. A separate Spring Fling market event was also advertised for the Civic Center area on Saturday, giving shoppers multiple chances to browse local makers.

Prep hoops spotlight: ALA-Gilbert North in the finals photo set

Local basketball fans got a fresh batch of postseason images this weekend, with a new photo gallery posted from the AIA 4A final featuring ALA-Gilbert North. Even if you missed the game in person, the gallery gives a quick look at the atmosphere and the moments that decided the title.

What it means for Gilbert today

It’s been a very ‘weekend practicalities’ kind of news cycle: one family gets relief after a missing-person alert, while the rest of town leans into events and the final stretch of winter sports. If you’re heading to a market or meet-up, plan for extra parking time and bring water as the afternoons stay warm for late February and early March in the East Valley.

Sources

• https://www.azfamily.com/2026/02/27/72-year-old-man-reported-missing-gilbert/
• https://www.fairsandfestivals.net/events/details/2026-gilbert-spring-fling-market
• https://www.unation.com/event/spring-fling-by-made-with-love-market-63730830/
• https://www.maxpreps.com/photography/gallery/ironwood-ridge-vs-ala-gilbert-north-aia-4a-final-/?id=d00b729f-3475-4ce2-9727-c14b68f67b4e