Second annual Founder’s Day event is huge success

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Maricopa residents turned out Saturday to say “Happy Birthday” to their city and to celebrate the second anniversary of its incorporation. Attendance counts indicated that 1,890 people were on hand for the festivities, presented by the Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) department, the Founder’s Day committee, and the event organizer, PRL Director Martin McDonald.

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Residents await the 10 a.m.opening as the Spirit Line girls prepare to hand out bags of free cups, water bottles, cup holders, key chains and magnets.

Due to the generosity of presenting sponsor Wells Fargo, as well as MaricopasRealtor.com, Global Water, Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning, Century 21 All Star Realtors, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, Xtreme Fitness and Oasis Life Center, participants enjoyed a full day of children’s activities and amusements, chili tasting, information booths, water provided by Rayne, a beer garden and, of course, plenty of birthday cake.

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Various groups sponsored information and product booths.

Wells Fargo’s stagecoach provided rides for children as well as adults, and the Maricopa Fire Department brought their 100-foot, new ladder truck for all to see. The Freddie Duran Plan provided music throughout the day.

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Maricopa’s Fire Department proudly displayed their new, 100 foot ladder truck.

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The Freddie Duran Plan played music during the entire celebration.

Alan Stephens, Chief of Operations at the governor’s office, issued the Founder’s Day proclamation. City Manager Rick Buss, who was also celebrating a birthday, recalled two short years ago when there was neither city staff nor a budget. He told the crowd that “spirit and heart” have made Maricopa what it is today.

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Alan Stephens (left) read the Founder’s Day proclamation on behalf of the governor’s office while Mayor Kelly Anderson listened.

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PRL Director Martin McDonald (right) leads the crowd in wishing City Manager Rick Buss a happy birthday.

Mayor Kelly Anderson introduced 10 of Maricopa’s founding families. He remarked, “We’re all founding fathers. We are literally building this city from the ground up.”

The Jay Baldock family was one of those receiving the Key to the City of Maricopa. It was a triple celebration for Baldock. He turned 89 years old on Saturday and also celebrated 53 years of being open for business at Mayfair Market.

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Honorees Jay and Golden Baldock came to Maricopa in 1962.

One of the event’s highlights was the second annual Chili Cook Off. Winners of the competition were chosen by popular vote following the chili tasting. Each winning team received an engraved, specially made silver ladle.

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Winning chili cook off teams were (left to right) Arizona Associates in Dentistry, Yuz Guys Chili, Oasis Life Center, Native New Yorker and Team Cohill with PRL Director Martin McDonald.

Oasis Life Center had the spiciest chili while Best Meat Chili went to the Arizona Associates in Dentistry. Team Cohill took the Best Vegetarian Chili honors. Best in the restaurant division was Native New Yorker. The coveted Best Overall Chili prize went to Steve Hirst and his Yuz Guys Chili team.

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Alicia Kenney, representing the event committee, congratulates very happy Arizona Associates in Dentistry team members.

(Look for additional Founder’s Day stories on inmaricopa.com.)