Inaugural Founder’s Day Celebration Set for October 16

In celebration of the one-year anniversary of Maricopa’s incorporation as a city, the City’s Parks, Recreation and Library Department is sponsoring a community event on Saturday, October 16th. Founder’s Day will be held at The Duke Golf Course from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature a Chili Cook-off, appearances by local and regional politicians and plenty of activities for the kids.

The goal of Foundaer’s Day, according to event coordinator and Parks, Recreation and Library Department director Martin McDonald, is “to create community through people, parks and programs.”

The day will commence with the Maricopa Unified School District Summer Program Choir’s rendition of the national anthem. Many political leaders are expected to attend and Alan Stephens, Governor Janet Napolitano’s chief of staff, will make an official proclamation on behalf of the governor.

The community’s first mayor and head of the incorporation committee, Councilman Edward Farrell, will inform residents of what it took for Maricopa to become Arizona’s 88th city as it did on October 15, 2003. Mayor Kelly Anderson will also be in attendance and address the City’s first-year accomplishments and the future ahead.

Mayor Anderson’s and Councilman Farrell’s responsibilities will not end there, however. They will join other member of the City Council as judges of the Founder’s Day Chili Cook-off. All residents are invited to submit entries to win one of four categories:

• Mayor’s Choice
• Best Meat
• Best Vegetarian
• Spiciest

Of course, free samples will be available for all attendees!

Among the activities for kids will be a dragon Bounce-a-Lot donated by Bombs Away Party Rentals. For more information or to enter your best bowl in the Chili Cook-off contest, contact Mr. McDonald via email or telephone at 568-9098.