3 fun ways to celebrate Scottsdale's 75th birthday
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Scottsdale isn't blowing out its 75 candles in one sitting.
The big picture: The city is stretching its birthday celebration into the fall with retro games, Wild West stories, old-school photos and plenty of local nostalgia.
Here are the top three upcoming events worth attending:
- Watch Scottsdale on the big screen in the new documentary "Diamond in the Dust," about the city's founding through today, with historian Joan Fudala. Sept. 3, 6pm at Western Spirit Museum. Free for museum members and ticket buyers; otherwise, $10.
- Party like it's 1951 — or 1981 with a DJ spinning hits from every decade, a retro arcade, mini golf, decade-inspired crafts, throwback photo ops, a historic exhibit, food vendors and a cocktail garden. Sept. 19, 6pm at Scottsdale Civic Center. Free.
- Dig into Scottsdale's past at the city library, where you can browse old yearbooks, maps, oral histories and other archival treasures with help from library staff. Oct. 3, Nov. 7 or Dec. 12, 1 pm at Civic Center Library. Free.
Fun fact: A 75-inch-by-75-inch wire horse sculpture named Sonora has become a sort of mascot for the city's big anniversary, with visitors adding fabrics to this interactive artwork over the course of the celebration.
Flashback: Even though Scottsdale was incorporated in 1951, the city got its name 130 years ago, when residents chose to honor founder Winfield Scott, who arrived in the Salt River Valley in 1888 hoping to grow citrus and build a community.
- The town was at first going to be named "Orangedale," as Scott's neighbor, Albert Utley, proposed.
- But the Arizona Republican (known now as the Arizona Republic) mistakingly referred to "Orangedale" as "Scottsdale," and the name stuck.
By the numbers: Scottsdale now has over 243,000 residents, according to the latest Census Bureau figures.
The bottom line: Scottsdale may be known today for resorts, golf and nightlife, but its 75th birthday is a chance to revisit the citrus groves, cowboys and colorful characters that came first.