State Centennial Celebration Event

The Gilbert community is celebrating Arizona's Centennial by honoring those who have made our state and our community great. Among events are the Gilbert History Awards, which allow us to honor those who impacted us in a positive way. Help us celebrate 100 years of Arizona in the best place to live in the state.

2012 GilbertFest Music & Arts Festival

Music Festival Celebrates History, Art, Local and Branson Talent

If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate Arizona’s centennial - or if you just love good music and art - GilbertFest is for you.

The festival is Gilbert’s contribution to the celebrations happening all over the state as we recognize 100 years of statehood. As members of Gilbert’s Arizona Centennial committee, we thought there would be no better way to join in the fun than by taking advantage of Gilbert’s longstanding love of music and art, and creating a first-of-its-kind event called GilbertFest.

The festival opens at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 17, when we kick it off with a fast-paced, musical variety show featuring The Dutton’s from Branson, Missouri. Their award-winning act involves singing, dancing, and humor and will leave everyone - young and old - with a smile. We will also be recognizing the recent winners of the Gilbert History Awards for their contributions to our wonderful community.

On Saturday, February 18, the celebration continues as we showcase at least ten local and regional music groups such as the Actors Youth Theater, Studio 3 Showstoppers, and Arizona State Representative and pianist, JD Mesnard. Each of these soloists and groups is high-quality and family-friendly. They will perform from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and many of them will be competing for the Mayor’s Cup - an award recognizing the best act of the day, to be presented Saturday night by Gilbert’s Mayor John Lewis.

Then, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, The Brett’s will bring their own Branson-based, wide-ranging act to the stage to entertain the entire family. Their variety show is like “putting your iPod on shuffle” and the mix of entertainment is sure to be both fun and inspiring.

But GilbertFest is more than a music festival. We are also celebrating Gilbert’s love of art by showcasing the work of artists in two fascinating categories. First, in “Partners,” high school art students have been paired with long-time Gilbert residents to create original paintings featuring Gilbert memories. Second, in “Gilbert: Past, Present, and Future,” Gilbert artists of all ages have contributed original works in a variety of mediums capturing their take of what it is like (or will be like in the future) to live in Gilbert. The artwork will be on display throughout the festival.

All of the events are graciously being hosted by the Higley Center for the Performing Arts. There is no ticket required to see the art display and the community groups perform during the day on Saturday. The Friday and Saturday night professional performances are quite affordable at $20 per night or $24 for a “combo” ticket that includes both nights. Please visit www.GilbertFest.org Links to outside of Town of Gilbert website for more details. Please plan to bring your whole family out! It is sure to be another great Gilbert event!

By Joel Biggs and Jean Smith, GilbertFest volunteers

For more information about how to participate contact jeanaes@aol.com or visit gilbertart@usa.com. Links to outside of Town of Gilbert website

Arizona Women's Heritage Trail

Banner of Arizona Women's Heritage Trail
  • September, 2011 - January 2012
    Gilbert Historical Museum

Arizona Women's Heritage Trail "How Splendid is our Past" Centennial Traveling Exhibit, comes to Gilbert Historical Museum in collaboration with Arizona State University Institute for Humanities Research of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

For more information call (480) 926-1577 or visit www.gilbertmuseum.org. Links to outside of Town of Gilbert website

Gilbert History Awards

100 Gilbert History Awards logo

Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 7 p.m.
Town Hall Council Chambers, 50 E. Civic Center Drive
View Centennial Program Download and view PDF document

Mayor John Lewis joined with Gilbert residents to celebrate the Town's Centennial History Awards. The Mayor awarded 12 individuals with the Gilbert History Award and many of Gilbert's first families were on hand for live entertainment and fun look back at the last 100 years of Gilbert. Also on hand was author Jim Turner signing autographs of his book Arizona: A Celebration of the Grand Canyon State.

For more information call (480) 503-6767. The purpose of the Gilbert History Awards is to recognize and honor excellence during the period of Arizona statehood of citizens, either living or deceased, associated with Gilbert, Arizona. The awards will be given at a special ceremony with Mayor John Lewis commemorating Arizona's Centennial on November 15th, 2011 at 7pm.

For more information, including eligibility and application process, visit www.gilbertmuseum.org Links to outside of Town of Gilbert website or call (480) 926-1577.

Union Pacific Steam Locomotive Engine #844 Coming to Gilbert

Saturday, November 12, 2011, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m; train arrives at 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Downtown Gilbert, near original train depot (Ash Street and the railroad tracks). FREE

As part of the State of Arizona's Centennial celebration, the Union Pacific Steam Locomotive Engine #844 made its way through the state with a stop in Gilbert. The event was an incredible opportunity for families to see the historic train up-close. Activities included photos with the train, games for the kids, entertainment with Arizona's "Territorial Band", refreshments and the nearby Gilbert Farmer's Market. Mayor John Lewis speak.

Some interesting facts about the train:

  • • Steam Locomotive No. 844 is the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad. It was delivered in 1944. A high-speed passenger engine, it pulled such widely known trains as the Overland Limited, Los Angeles Limited, Portland Rose and Challenger.
  • • Many people know the engine as the No. 8444, since an extra '4' was added to its number in 1962 to distinguish it from a diesel numbered in the 800 series. The steam engine regained its rightful number in June 1989, after the diesel was retired.
  • • When diesels took over all of the passenger train duties, No. 844 was placed in freight service in Nebraska between 1957 and 1959. It was saved from being scrapped in 1960 and held for special service.
  • • The engine has run hundreds of thousands of miles as Union Pacific's ambassador of goodwill. It has made appearances at Expo '74 in Spokane, the 1981 opening of the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Los Angeles Union Station in 1989.
  • • Hailed as Union Pacific's "Living Legend," the engine is widely known among railroad enthusiasts for its excursion runs, especially over Union Pacific's fabled crossing of Sherman Hill between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming.

Entrance into the event is free of charge. There will be no actual boarding of the train, just photos.

Road Closure Update: Due to this special event, Gilbert Road will be closed from Elliot to Guadalupe Roads from 12:15 to 2:15 pm. in downtown Gilbert, near original train depot (Ash Street and the railroad tracks). Local, Business and Emergency access will be provided up to the railroad tracks.

For more information call the Gilbert Historical Museum at (480) 926-1577.




Union Pacific Steam Locomotive Engine
Official Arizona Centennial 1912-2012 Event logo

Find out about all of the State's Centennial Activities - visit www.az100years.org Links to outside of Town of Gilbert website