Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

I was recently in Pennsylvania and was reminded by a historical marker that it was the second of the original thirteen Colonies and became a state in 1787. This little nugget of information started me thinking about Arizona’s Centennial. At a sprightly 100 years old, Arizona may just be a kid in state years, (Pennsylvania was already 125 years old when Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912) but we’ve had a 100 amazing years packed full of history-makers and history-making events.

Tempe, which celebrated its Centennial in 1971, has certainly put its unique imprint on Arizona’s history. A bunch of events and activities highlighting Tempe’s many contributions to Arizona’s often colorful, but never boring first 100 years, will take place throughout the year.

On February 14, starting at 9:12, Tempe’s oldest restaurant and major historical landmark Monti’s La Casa Vieja, will treat the first 100 people in line to their legendary steaks at 1912 prices. For an unbelievable .75 cents plus tax, lucky early birds will enjoy a full dinner complete with  two sides and Monti’s famous Roman bread. A true Tempe treasure, Monti’s was built in 1873 as the home of Charles Trumbell Hayden who was one of Tempe’s founding fathers and whose son, Carl served in the U.S. Senate for 42 years.

Arizona Centennial Celebration: Arizona Landscapes at the Tempe Center for the Arts: an exhibit of beautiful Arizona landscapes. Imagery includes our diverse natural wonders of deserts, canyons, forests, mountains, lakes and valleys. and built environments such as historic adobes, modern skyscrapers, highways, subdivisions, farms and golf courses.

The Tempe Public Library will host a series of Centennial programs for kids and families on Saturdays during February:
- World Wildlife Zoo & Aquarium Desert Animal Show, February 18
- Mariachi music presented by Mariachi Corazon de Phoenix, February 25
- Watercolor craft presented by the South West Society of Botanical Artists, February 25

The Tempe Historical Museum will present several events that delve into Tempe’s contributions to Arizona’s history, including:
- The Pictures Tell the Story: Continuity and Change in Tempe is a photo exhibit on tells of the ordinary people, events and trends that have shaped Tempe over the last 100 years.
- Tales from Double Butte – some of Tempe’s most prominent residents might be gone, but not forgotten when they will be remembered during this fascinating tour of  Double Butte Cemetery, March 4.
- Centennial Saturday Performance at the Museum – Animals and a Wind Ensemble, March 10. The Tempe History Museum and Classical Revolution PHX presents the Siroccan Winds in a musical event for children and their families.
- Tempe Historical Society Lunch Talks: Tempe since Arizona’s Statehood – this monthly lecture series focuses on the development and transformation of the city of Tempe. Bring your lunch and enjoy these exciting upcoming speakers: Mary Ann Kwilosz, Tempe Historical Society, March 14; Harry Mitchell, former mayor of Tempe, April 11.
- Performances at the Museum: A Centennial Composition Competition – to honor Arizona’s centennial, Classical Revolution PHX presents a composition competition premiering five new pieces of music inspired by Arizona and written by composers from Arizona. On May 5, hear these world-premiere works and enjoy a fun and entertaining presentation to celebrate Arizona’s 100 years.

Tempe Tardeada: a celebration of Tempe’s Hispanic community’s history and contributions. Held on October 9, this event will feature music and dance presenting a timeline from traditional performance such as Mariachis, charros, orchestras, and folklorico dancers to the current music trends of salsa and zumba dance. There will also be community booths and of course lots of delicious food.