50 years and counting
You may have noticed that the town has been celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Already this year, the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce has been featuring a special "Shop OV" campaign throughout, highlighting 50 local businesses. The Historical Society has been sponsoring monthly roundtables featuring Oro Valley's history, and they have more planned, as you can read tomorrow. Though canceled because of high winds this past Saturday, Oro Valley was to host a fundraising event at the local Rotary Club's annual "A Taste of Oro Valley Life" at the Oro Valley Marketplace.
Things really get going this week with three upcoming major events.
Community Celebration the following Saturday
Parade Saturday
Saturday, Oro Valley will host a parade starting at 9 AM. The route is along Naranja Drive. It starts at Ironwood High School. It ends at the library. The parade will feature floats, local performers, and community groups celebrating the town's 50-year journey.
50th Anniversary Community Celebration
The following Saturday, April 13, the town will host an all-day community celebration at James D. Kriegh Park. The celebration starts at noon and ends with a fireworks finale at 9:30 PM. This free, family-friendly event will include live entertainment, kids' crafts and games, food trucks, and food and drink options.
50 Trees for 50 Years
Two weeks later, the town hosts tree plantings. There is a "... community tree planting, Saturday, April 27, starting at 9 a.m.
Roll up your sleeves and help us plant trees at four Oro Valley locations: Naranja Park, James D. Kriegh Park, Riverfront Park, and Steam Pump Ranch.
Together, we will plant 50 trees across four parks." Pick you park and enjoy the fun.
Join the fun...Oro Valley is worth celebrating
The town officially incorporated on April 15, 1974, with the first mayor and council appointed on April 17, 1974. Since then, Oro Valley has grown from 2.4 to 37 square miles and from about 1,500 residents to almost 50,000. The town has built an outstanding public safety force, three lovely big parks, and roads that are the marvel of all of Arizona. It has achieved all of this while maintaining "views that could kill." Moreover, it has accomplished these feats without a property tax and without the interference of the big brother to the south. Back then, "they" said it couldn't be done. Well, "they" were wrong.
- - -
