Save the Date! Oro Valley gears up for 50th Anniversary celebrations
Published on March 25, 2024
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (March 25, 2024) – Excitement builds as the year-long celebration of the Town of Oro Valley’s 50th Anniversary continues with a series of highly anticipated community events in April.
The Town invites residents and visitors alike to join us in celebrating 50 years of history, growth, and community by attending the parade along Naranja Drive or enjoying the festivities and fireworks at James D. Kriegh Park.
“Whether it’s 50 years of marriage, 50 years of being in business, or 50 years of incorporation, a 50th anniversary is something to be celebrated and to be very proud of,” said Mayor Joe Winfield. “April will be the highlight of our year-long celebration, and I personally invite every Oro Valley resident to join us as we create lasting memories in honor of our community’s first 50 years.”
50th Anniversary Parade: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Kicking off the festivities is the 50th Anniversary Parade, scheduled for April 6, starting at 9 a.m. The parade will take place along Naranja Drive, starting near Ironwood Ridge High School and culminating at the Oro Valley Public Library.
The procession will feature motorized floats, vintage cars, and a variety of featured animals, marchers and performers that showcase our residents and local community groups. Special thanks to our parade sponsors: Lisa Bayless Realtor as Grand Marshal Sponsor, and Proverbs Media Group as Gold Sponsor.
Residents are advised that there will be traffic delays along Naranja Drive from 5 to 11 a.m. on parade day. Access to Naranja Drive will be closed along the parade route, from Shannon Road to La Cañada Drive. Motorists are advised to use caution when approaching Naranja Drive and to use alternative neighborhood exits where possible. The Oro Valley Police Department will be assisting those exiting their neighborhood. Click here for a closure map and parade route details.
50th Anniversary Community Celebration: April 13, 2024
The festivities continue April 13, with the 50th Anniversary Community Celebration at James D. Kriegh Park, beginning at noon and concluding with a fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event promises entertainment for all ages, including live performances, kids' crafts and games, an array of food trucks, and a wide selection of food and drink (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) available for purchase. The event sponsors are Lisa Bayless Realtor and Proverbs Media Group.
50 Trees for 50 Years community tree planting: April 27, 2024
Join us for the “50 Trees for 50 Years” 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.
Join Us in Commemorating 50 Years of Oro Valley
In addition to these exciting opportunities, Oro Valley also invites you to explore the special features available on the OV 50th web page. This special series of articles, videos and podcasts will uncover the history, people and stories that shaped our town and made Oro Valley the community it is today.
Recent feature articles cover topics ranging from the Town's fight for incorporation in 1974 to its vibrant public art scene today. New videos and podcasts also feature interviews with influential and historical Oro Valley figures such as original town councilmember Lauren Rhude, Oro Valley’s first police chief Fred Roof, and public arts advocate Dick Eggerding.
For complete details on the many ways Oro Valley is celebrating its 50th anniversary, be sure to check the OV 50th web page regularly, as info and content will be updated throughout the year. Just visit orovalleyaz.gov and click on the blue “50th Anniversary” button.
The Town of Oro Valley officially marks its 50th Anniversary on April 15, 2024.
