As Oro Valley prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2024, excitement is building across town. A year-long series of family-friendly events will honor our history, showcase local talent and bring residents together. With a starting budget of $35,000 and potential for additional sponsorship, the Town Council and volunteers are working to create a celebration that reflects Oro Valley’s vibrant spirit.
Community Planning and Input
From the earliest planning meetings, residents have shared ideas ranging from horseback riding exhibitions to archery demonstrations and neighborhood block parties. The Town Council hosted public forums and online surveys to gather feedback on preferred dates, venues and themes. Input from local schools helped shape an essay contest for students, while business owners proposed food truck rallies and artisan markets.
This collaborative process ensures the anniversary events reflect the diverse interests of families, seniors, students and first responders. Regular updates on the town website and social media channels have kept the community informed and eager to participate.
Budget, Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities
The initial $35,000 budget covers core expenses such as permits, basic equipment rentals and marketing materials. To expand programming, the planning committee is seeking sponsorships from local businesses, non-profits and service clubs. Sponsors can support specific activities—like the grand parade or youth essay awards—in exchange for logo placement on banners, T-shirts and the official anniversary brochure.
Food truck vendors, craft artisans and community organizations are invited to apply for booth space. Vendor fees help offset costs and contribute to a self-sustaining celebration fund. Interested parties can download applications from the town’s events page and reserve their spot early.
Scheduled Events and Activities
- Kickoff Ceremony: A ribbon-cutting and historic photo exhibit at Town Hall in January 2024.
- Food Truck Fiesta: Monthly gatherings featuring local cuisine, live music and family games from February through November.
- Horseback Riding Showcase: Demonstrations by local equestrian clubs at the Community Center grounds.
- First Responder Appreciation Day: Archery clinic and obstacle course hosted by fire and police departments.
- Sports Tournaments: Kickball, volleyball and cornhole tournaments with open registration for all skill levels.
- Commemorative Time Capsule: Residents can submit letters and memorabilia at special drop-off events before Memorial Day weekend.
- Evening Concert Series: Free outdoor concerts in Naranja Park featuring regional bands and headliners.
- Fireworks Finale: A fireworks display over the golf course on December 1, 2024, to close out the anniversary year.
Youth Essay Contest and Scholarships
Students in grades six through twelve are invited to participate in an essay contest titled “Growing Up in Oro Valley.” Winners will receive scholarships and have their essays published in a special anniversary booklet. Submissions open in March 2024, with winning entries announced at a ceremony in June. Guidelines and entry forms are available on the Town of Oro Valley website.
Grand Parade
The centerpiece of the celebration will be a grand parade featuring floats, marching bands, vintage vehicles and community groups. Parade planners are choosing between an April date—Oro Valley’s official birth month—and a summer weekend to maximize attendance. Route maps, staging areas and safety plans will be posted online once finalized. Local schools, service clubs and scout troops are encouraged to design entries that showcase our shared history and future aspirations.
Volunteer and Participation Opportunities
Volunteers are needed for event setup, booth staffing, crowd management and clean-up crews. This milestone celebration offers a chance to earn community service hours and connect with neighbors. To sign up, visit the events volunteer page or email [email protected]. Training sessions and orientation resources will be provided to ensure a smooth experience for all helpers.
Join the Celebration
Whether you plan to march in the parade, enter the essay contest, sponsor a food truck or simply enjoy the concerts and fireworks, there is a role for everyone. Keep up-to-date on event schedules, registration deadlines and volunteer sign-up by visiting the official anniversary page at orovalleyvoice.com/50th-anniversary-2024. Let’s make this golden anniversary a year to remember.