SCOTTSDALE – “Today you might be surprised to find out that Scottsdale’s history includes 1920’s cattle drives down a rough and dusty Scottsdale Road from the DC Ranch to the stockyards,” said Wendy Springborn. “Later in the 1950’s as leaders realized that the desert, warm climate, and western spirit lifestyle was drawing artists, architects, and visitors to guest ranches, they decided to create events to highlight those themes. Two horse-related major events evolved, the Parada del Sol and the All Arabian Horse Show. In 1953 the town’s first Mayor, Malcolm White, declared the town’s moniker “The West’s Most Western Town” and for 65 years the Parada committees have kept it open to the public with no entrance fees.
This year Parada Chairs are Wendy Springborn, Don Chiappetti, and Chris Lyman who have chosen to celebrate Parada’s 65-year-old history by selecting three co-Grand Marshalls. The theme is “Scottsdale’s Past, Present & Future” and each Grand Marshall embodies that era. For the “Past” category, they chose the “Cactus League Hall of Fame 2018 Inductees” with National Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry representing them in the Parade. Other inductees include Frank Robinson, major league baseball’s first African-American manager and the only player to win the MVP award in both the American and National Leagues. The Ford Frick Award winner for broadcasting excellence Bob Uecker. All three inductees contributed significantly to Arizona’s Cactus League spring training circuit. The Chicago Cubs Clubhouse 65-year manager, Yosh Kawano, and vendor Derrick Moore were part of the state’s sports culture and were also honored. Today the Cactus League Spring Training Series lures thousands of visitors to Scottsdale’s entertainment, arts, and restaurant districts.
For the “Present” category the Saguaro High School Football Team, the Sabercats, deserve this honor as this team just won five consecutive State titles. Saguaro (12-2) won its 35th consecutive game against in-state opponents and set a state record for stacking five football championships. Watch for all five years of players and coaches in the Parade lineup..be sure to cheer them on!
For the “Future” category, the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club are clearly part of a successful future for the City. Today there are nine Clubs that enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. All 18,000 members experience first-class programming focused on academics, advocacy, imagination and healthy habits. Mentors encourage Club kids to embrace their unique talents and become the best versions of themselves. These are Scottsdale’s future leaders.
This year’s Parade Marshalls are KNIX personalities Tim Hattrick, Ben Campbell, Brooke Hoover, Barrel Boy and Double L.
“We are grateful also for the dedicated sponsors who keep the Parada del Sol financially stable and viable so they can offer these free events year after year,” said Springborn. The featured sponsors are; Discount Tire, The City of Scottsdale, Experience Scottsdale, Scottsdale Independent Newspapers, Scottsdale Charros, Chapman Auto Show, Kalil Bottling, Figi Water, Merestone, Coors Lite, Sabas, Entertainment Solutions, Sunstate Equipment, National Street Teams, KLOVE-AIR1 Radio, Smasher – Hot 97.5/103.9 Radio, iHeart Radio and Wells Fargo.
“The Parade starts at 10 AM on Saturday, Feb. 10, but come early to get your place along the route,” says Parade Chair Lonny Gibson. “The Parade draws thousands of visitors from around metropolitan Phoenix to see the dancing Cabalgando X horses, elegant Arabian horses and riders, Charros riders, Hashknife Pony Express riders, U.S. Marshal’s Posse and marching bands. Nine young ladies representing the Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort called the Howdy Dudettes (historic ambassadors for Scottsdale) will greet the crowds, hand out Parade lists and remind visitors to attend the Festival after the Parade.”
During the afternoon Trail’s End Festival prepare to rock down near the Silverado Stage with the famous western dance band, the Herndon Brothers, and the Ryan Sims Band. On the Tombstone Stage, you’ll hear the Shallow Water Band and the Raun Alosi Band. Other entertainers this year are Hispanic and Aztec dancers and many more groups participating in this multi-cultural event. The Phoenix Zoo animals and petting zoo along with the blow up bouncing houses are popular in the Cowboy Kids Zone. Other stages on the blocked off streets will have Aztec and Folklorico dancers as well as cowboy games and cultural activities for the kids. For foodies, visitors can enter the Village Inn Parada Pie Eating Contest and The Greater Purpose Project Chili Cook-off. The Arizona Indian Art Festival will be both Saturday and Sunday in the Civic Center (Feb.10th & 11th) with demonstrations and entertainment.
During the week of February 5-11 Old West themed events are planned in Downtown Scottsdale as part of Western Week. On February 8 join the fun at the Western Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk, and then the Hashknife Pony Express Riders arrive Friday at noon (Feb.9) at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The Museum is hosting many events as part of Western Week. Go to www.ScottsdaleWesternWeek.com for schedules.
On Saturday, February 3, all Parada supporters and friends are invited from 8 am to 10 am for the Chapman Auto Show Parada Country Breakfast at Chapman (101/Indian School Rd) with food provided by Village Inn.
Remember on Saturday that road closures will take place down Scottsdale Road & in Old Town areas from 6 am to 5 pm following the Parade route, so plan ahead.” For specific information, including the map of the downtown route and festival, go to ScottsdaleParade.com.
Also be sure to schedule March 8-11 for the Parada del Sol Pro Rodeo events that feature saddle bronc riding, bull riding, roping. and barrel racing. All events in March are at West World in north Scottsdale with western booths, exhibits, music, and dancing (www.Paradadelsol.org)
To learn more about the Scottsdale Parada del Sol Parade and Trail’s End Festival, go to www.scottsdaleparade.com or call (602) 320-1483. Follow us on Social Media: Facebook ParadadelSolParade; Twitter @ScottsdaleParade; Instagram ScottsdaleParada.
