DECEMBER 23, 2014
Jan. 30 Hashknife Pony Express to make “super” delivery
SCOTTSDALE – An enduring Old West tradition meets a modern American spectacle Jan. 30, when Arizona’s Hashknife Pony Express delivers the mail in Scottsdale.
The delivery culminates a rugged, 200-mile journey on horseback and occurs just a few days before Arizona hosts Super Bowl XLIX.
To celebrate the big game, Hashknife riders have rustled up a unique celebration. The fun begins once they deliver the mail at high noon on Scottsdale’s Waterfront, next to the “Passing the Legacy” sculpture.
The free, family-friendly event will feature interactive children’s activities that honor the Old West and the spirit of the American cowboy – learning how to saddle a horse, fashion a cowboy hat and handle a branding iron. Children will also be able to dress in working cowboy gear for family photos.
Authentic Hashknife memorabilia will be on sale and riders will be available to sign gear and answer questions. A variety of art and merchandize vendors will be part of the festival, courtesy of Artisans Market.
The Hashknife delivery is the only Pony Express route still sanctioned by the U.S. Postal Service. It is a living part of American history and a visual treat when dozens of riders make the turn on Scottsdale’s Marshall Way and gallop toward the Legacy statue.
The Hashknife’s four-day journey starts in the chilly pines of Holbrook and traverses some of Arizona’s most scenic lands.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse began the rides 57 years ago as a way to celebrate the Old West and the pioneer spirit. The Hashknife delivery also serves as the official start to Scottsdale’s annual Parada del Sol festival, which also features a parade, street party and rodeo.
This year, there’s an added twist – with the Super Bowl kicking off in the Valley Feb. 1 and the Fan Fest Scottsdale football party unfolding just a short walk away, the Hashknife riders may have a few surprises in store when they deliver the mail.
You can be a part of the history. Attend the Hashknife celebration and/or drop off mail to be delivered by riders at U.S. Postal offices in Holbrook, Heber, Overgaard, Payson, Pine, Fountain Hills and the Scottsdale office located at 1776 N. Scottsdale Road.
Letter envelopes are $1 each at the stations and include a commemorative Pony Express hand stamp. Mail must be dropped off by Jan. 25 to be included on the ride.
For more information on submitting letters and the Hashknife Pony Express, visit: www.hashknifeponyexpress.com.
For more information on the Parada del Sol celebration, visit: www.paradadelsol.rodeo.
For more information on local Super Bowl events and Scottsdale’s “Super Season,” visit:
www.BigGameinScottsdale.com
Here’s the schedule for the 2015 Hashknife Pony Express ride:
Jan 27: Swearing-in ceremony, noon, at Holbrook’s Historic Old Courthouse.
Jan. 28: Ride commences from Holbrook. Riders arrive at the Payson post office at 4:45 p.m.
Jan. 29: Riders leave Payson post office at 9 a.m. and spend the night on the Verde River on the Fort McDowell Indian Community.
Jan. 30: Riders leave the river at 9 a.m. and arrive on the Scottsdale Waterfront at noon.
