A look back: 2005, a year of Maricopa firsts

2005 has been a year for personal and community "firsts." For many residents, this was their first year in Maricopa, the first time in a new home or, perhaps, the first day at a new job. It was also the year of many first time events in our growing and thriving city.

2005 has been an exciting year for all of us in Maricopa. Next year promises more growth and many changes, but some day (maybe at the 20th Founder's Day celebration) we will look back on 2005 as the year of many "firsts" for our city.

Maricopa's first annual Salsa Festival drew a crowd of 600 who voted Lucia Rodriguez's salsa Best Overall.

Election workers waited in vain for voters to turn out, but the Maricopa Unified School District's first budget override passed while the Central Arizona College bond issue failed.

Maricopa's first multiple arson resulted in the loss of five homes in Maricopa Meadows; a 17-year-old was charged with the crimes.

Through a series of community meetings, Maricopa's first General Plan was developed to address land use, transportation, economic development, open space and public services and facilities.

Maricopa's first annual 4th of July Fishing Derby drew 119 kids, who received fishing rods and tackle boxes as well as medals.

For the first time rains in southern Arizona followed the Santa Cruz River into the heart of Maricopa.

Lance Armstrong's Tour of Hope bicycle team made Maricopa their first and only rally point in Arizona.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano made her first visit to Maricopa and received the key to the city.

Actually the 2nd annual Founder's Day Celebration, it was the first one to draw a crowd of nearly 1,900 residents and their families.

Ten of Maricopa's first families, like Jay and Golden Baldock (above), were recognized at Founder's Day.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina several New Orleans residents like the Russell Green family, shown receiving the keys to their new home from Pastor Rusty Akers, made their first visit to Maricopa, their new home.