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City/Town Snapshot: Yuma, AZ
Yuma, Arizona has had many names - Arizona City, Colorado City, Village, and Town - but for the past 100 years, we have been the city of Yuma. On April 7, 2014
the city of Yuma commemorated its 100th birthday with a celebration that highlighted all of the great chapters in our rich and colorful history.
Planning this big celebration required a lot of time and support and the citizens of Yuma were eager to help. Over the last 18 months, community sponsors and
committees planned and prepared the centennial celebration.
Festivities began on the anniversary of the city of Yuma's incorporation. Thousands of Yumans and visitors came out to join the excitement, which included:
- Monday, April 7th | Main Street Kick-Off and Ice Cream Social
Two new neon Main Street signs were lit for the first time by Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer, and a time capsule was sealed and will not be opened until April 7,
2114. The signs were made possible through community donations.
- Tuesday, April 8th | Community Barbecue benefiting the local Salvation Army
Over 1,000 attendees enjoyed a good 'ol fashioned barbecue with all the fixings. Displays highlighting Yuma's three largest industries - tourism, agriculture and
military - were on display.
- Wednesday, April 9th | 100 Year Photo Exhibit
Local residents and businesses contributed photos from the past 100 years. It was the largest exhibit display ever for the Yuma Art Center. The exhibit will be up for 30 days.
- Thursday, April 10th | A World Record-Breaking Photo and Fireworks
Several thousand eager Yuman's helped to break two world records - largest human letter and largest human number. Afterwards, a fireworks show rivaling the Fourth of July lit up the sky!
- Friday, April 11th | Main Street Centennial Block Party
Between 8,000 and 10,000 people filled Yuma's Historic Main Street for an evening of fun, food and entertainment. It was one of the largest block parties in Yuma history.
- Saturday, April 12th | Tunes and Tacos Festival
Over 30,000 people enjoyed a day of tacos and tunes. Taco vendors competed to be crowned the Taco King and Salsa Queen. Tunes started at 1pm and went on into the late hours of the evening. Acts
included Common Ground, Checker'd Past, Dennis Jones Band, Bobby McClendon, and featured headliners Lonestar and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
- Saturday, April 19th | 5K Walk/Run and 100K Bike Ride
Everyone has been encouraged to grab their running shoes or bicycle and take part in the 5k Walk/Run or 100K Bike Ride.
- Saturday, April 26th | Made in Yuma Movie Marathon
Movies will be shown throughout the day at the Historic Yuma Theatre. The list includes: Road to Morocco, Spaceballs, Stargate, 3:10 to Yuma (the original), Jarhead and The Getaway.
The Centennial events have been a great demonstration of the community's commitment to preserving and celebrating Yuma's rich heritage. This is just another example
of how we are all united for Yuma!
To learn more, visit www.yuma100.com and www.yumaaz.gov.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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