Annual Events Calendar / Wickenburg, Arizona
Filed under Blog · Tagged: activities, Arizona, AZ, Events, Gold Rush, Wickenburg
Annual Events Calendar / Wickenburg, Arizona
February
Gold Rush Days
This is an annual event that marked its 60th year in 2008 that occurs on the second full weekend in the month of February. It’s a celebration of Wickenburg’s ranching and mining heritage. Festivities include a shootout on Friday located on Frontier Street to kickoff a rootin’-tootin’ Western weekend. Then on Saturday the streets are lined with spectators to watch one of Arizona’s largest parades. Cowboys from all over come to participate in the senior pro rodeo both on Saturday and Sunday. You’ll also find a carnival, food booths, over 200 arts and crafts exhibitions, mining contests - mucking and drilling, gold panning and much more! There’s music, dancing, a real old-fashioned melodrama at the local theatre and garter girls. The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. recognized the celebration as One of the 100 Living Legacies in the United States. This true Old West celebration will show you what Wickenburg hospitality is all about.
April
Desert Caballeros Ride
A week long ride that brings in cowboys from around the world. It’s an amazing adventure and has been a Wickenburg tradition for over 60 years.
July
Fourth of July Celebration
Wickenburg offers a spectacular fireworks display, watermelon bust, and tons of fun and games for the entire family at Coffinger Park in downtown Wickenburg.
September
Fiesta de Septiembre
The town celebrates its Hispanic heritage on the first Saturday in September. There’s folklorico dancers, mariachi music, arts and crafts, Mercado, Hispanic family photo exhibit, Kids Zona, a tasty food fair and salsa and Margarita contests.
October
Wickenburg Fly-In & Classic Car Show
The Wickenburg Airport is the host for this event on the second Saturday in October. It features airplanes from all over the Southwest and a wonderful display of classic cars.
November
Bluegrass Festival
This is a three-day event held on the second full weekend in November and has been going on for 28 years. It has featured the Four Corner States’ championship contests for fiddle, flat-pick guitar, banjo and mandolin. Throughout the weekend, three nationally known bluegrass bands perform.
December
Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering
Cowboy poets have come to Wickenburg for 19 years during the first weekend in December for offerings of poems, songs and stories related to ranching and Western heritage.
Christmas Light Parade
Light covered parade entries have travel through the historic streets of Wickenburg for the past 11 years. The parade mascots, Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet with the children afterwards at the Little Red Schoolhouse for hot cider, carols, cookies and popcorn balls.
Proposed annexations benefit Town, not property owners…
Filed under Blog · Tagged: annexation, Arizona, AZ, Real Estate, Wickenburg
Proposed annexations benefit Town, not property owners
(Partial excerpt from Letters to the Editor of The Wickenburg Sun)
Editor:
I am writing to express my thoughts on the two annexations proposed by the Town of Wickenburg. While my views, may be construed as the suggestions of an anti-Wickenburg position, that is not my intention. Rather, it is my intention to have a logical discussion regarding the relative merits of the two proposed annexations.
I have lived in the Wickenburg area for more than 38 years and believe it is the best place in the entire United States in which to live. I cannot, however, sit by without comment and watch an injustice be imposed upon the property owners living within the proposed areas of annexations without expressing my concerns.
I have a parcel of property in each of these two areas. While my situation may differ from some of the property owners, as both of mine are rental properties and will, immediately upon annexation, in addition to increased real property taxes, be taxed by an additional 1.7 percent of the income they generate. With that exception, however, I believe that we are all in the same boat, one which is listing toward the town and away from the property owners.
The town will benefit from the annexations by deriving a substantial amount of money from each owner by an increased real property tax, while the property owners are realizing few, if any, benefits. It is my belief that the town cannot, at any time in the foreseeable future, provide water, sewer, nor paved roadways to any portion of these areas.
It is a disservice to the property owners to request that their properties be annexed without being able to provide these services or having a sound plan for providing them in the near future.
I will not vote in favor of either annexation without receiving consideration from the Town of Wickenburg, nor could I encourage others to do so.
Letters to the Editor: Proposed annexations benefit Town, not property owners. (2008, April 30). The Wickenburg Sun , pp. A-4.
Wickenburg, Arizona: Chamber of Commerce
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce: Welcome to Wickenburg
The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce is committed to enhancing the town’s quality of life through numerous programs. The Chamber attempts to fulfill its mission through the efficient running of various committees, including film, education, tourism, transportation, community development, medical services, telecommunications, ambassadors and special events.
Chamber of Commerce membership has many benefits. Members gain exposure through the Chamber’s Membership Directory, monthly Business After Hours mixers, participation in committee activities, and by attending the myriad of seminars, Coffee ‘n Contacts, and quarterly luncheon meetings. Members are informed of Chamber activities through a monthly E-Memo, and newsletter, The Hassayampa Alert! Most often, the chamber is the first contact for visitors, new residents and businesses coming into the area. Through public relations, the Chamber works closely with the Town of Wickenburg, hospitality members, and regional and state tourism agencies to provide valuable information.
We respond to thousands of telephone calls, letters, email inquiries and walk-in visitors who want information on relocation and tourism information. Membership in the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce offers an opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to promoting growth and creating an economically sound future for Wickenburg – A great place to live, work and play! The Voice of Business since 1931!
Mission Statement: The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce is an organization which is proactive in representing the interests of the business community and building partnerships for the economic, social and cultural health of our community. The Chamber operates a Visitor Center and promotes Wickenburg as a destination location with commitment to quality economic growth and development.
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. (2007-2008, 19th Edition). Welcome to Wickenburg. Out Wickenburg Way Guide , pp. 6-7.
Another view of Annexation in Wickenburg, Arizona
Filed under Blog · Tagged: annexation, Arizona, AZ, Real Estate, Wickenburg
Those against annexation getting ‘something for nothing’
With the Town of Wickenburg’s relative recent push to annex surrounding property has come a great many letters to the editor against said annexation. These “nay-sayers” cite many reasons for not wanting to be included in the town’s limits.
It is generally understood that the Town of Wickenburg will not have the financial ability to provide water, sewer or paved roads anytime soon, and the most common protest runs along the lines of “higher taxes with no added services.” Said in other words, these protesters feel that they will be taxed for no purpose, that they will receive nothing for the additional money out of their pockets. The “What’s in it for me?” question hasn’t been answered to their liking, and they, understandably, don’t want to pay money and see no return.
These people lose sight of something important. They lose sight of the fact that they are currently getting something for nothing.
People in the unincorporated areas surrounding Wickenburg, who frequently call Wickenburg “home,” are not paying town property taxes. They are not paying the 1.7 percent rental tax on their rentals. However, they are benefiting from the proximity of Wickenburg, and all it has to offer.
They are using the library, the parks, the post office. For that matter, they are frequently shopping at the grocery stores, the hardware stores, driving on the roadways, sending their children to the schools. If Wickenburg weren’t here – including its previous annexations – there would be no handy grocery stores, schools and such. People in the unincorporated areas might have to drive to Surprise for such services. The very people who do not to belong to the town are benefitting from it daily – and not paying for the privilege.
These people, when they have guests come to visit, often take the out-of-town visitors to the Desert Caballeros Museum. They show them the clean streets and the pretty landscaping around town. They may visit the Saguaro Theatre or the Del Webb Center for the Performing Arts. Perhaps they golf at the Country Club. Wickenburg is “home.” It is a town they are proud of and pleased to show off. It is, as some have said, “The best place in the entire United States in which to live.”
But they want it all for nothing.
Frankly, that is a very human trait and one to which we all can relate. Something for nothing is a bargain deal. Everyone loves a bargain. But at what price?
If Wickenburg fails to expand its borders sufficiently, other cities in the greater Phoenix area have no such qualms. It is widely known that Buckeye is on this community’s back doorstep, eying the Vulture Mine area – including the peak. Surprise is actively moving through Wittmann, Circle City and Morristown with its eye focused on the junction of highways 74 and 60. Peoria and Phoenix city limit signs can be seen on Highway 74 as one drives toward Interstate 17, and they too are actively annexing. If Wickenburg does not protect its borders and expand them, it will end up in a tiny community surrounded by big cities – cities that have a much different definition of “high-density housing” than Wickenburg does.
So, to use a phrase spoken by one of our council members recently, pony-up folks! Step up to the table and do the right thing. Help pay for the town you love. Perhaps the paved roads and sewers may take years to get to you. Remember you’re already enjoying – for free – a quality of life that is unique to Wickenburg. Participate and help protest in the town in which you take pride. Safeguard the lifestyle you love. Be a part of Wickenburg.
Thomas, T. (2008, April 30). Editor’s Outlook: Those against annexation getting ’something for nothing’. The Wickenburg Sun , pp. A-4.
Exquisite Spanish Estate in Wickenburg, AZ
Filed under Listings · Tagged: Arizona, AZ, home, homes, Horses, property, Real Estate, Wickenburg
Built in 1972, this magnificent Spanish estate is a luxurious retreat from the past, right down to its working bell tower and elegantly gated courtyard. Settle yourself into the spacious main home and invite friends and family to stay in their own private casita. Remarkably designed for entertaining, you’ll enjoy beautiful views while relaxing by the pool/spa, sharing a meal prepared in the outdoor kitchen, or watching a breathtaking sunset on horseback down the bridle path.
You and your guests will find plenty of parking opportunities with a two and three car garage as well as a helipad and 3600 square foot hangar for either your helicopter or RV. This incredible estate rests on 5 acres with the opportunity to purchase surrounding parcels for added seclusion. You’ll love it here!
Please take the time to view this personal video tour through this amazing home…
Remember, if this piece of real estate doesn’t fit your needs, feel free to give us a call at 928-684-5500 and we can find any real estate to fit your needs.
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