SPRING 2015
Economic Development Catalyst Grants
BUCKEYE MAIN STREET COALITION
City of Buckeye Economic Development Department with
the assistance of Buckeye Main Street Coalition successfully presented a record number of grant applications to the
City Council for approval this year. Recipients include
Hometown True Value Hardware, Buckeye Valley News,
Ganley’s Funeral Home, Millstone Café, Amigos Rodeo
Restaurant, La Placita Café and Carniceria y Taqueria Durango. These grants will facilitate façade, lighting, and
landscape improvements. The commitment of these business owners to the historic downtown will help to revitalize
the area and return it to the vibrant destination it has been in
the past. Projects will begin soon so watch for improvements and the added business traffic they will bring.
Downtown Streetscape Project
The City of Buckeye in cooperation with Buckeye Main Street Coalition has completed the first phase of the Downtown Streetscape Project. This phase encompasses Monroe Avenue from 5th Street to 7th Street. New tree wells and planting
beds were installed and landscaped with low maintenance, drought tolerant plants
and hardscapes. New bench seating was added at the entrance to the Sixth Street
Plaza as well as in front of City Hall. Banner poles were installed for use in promoting local events. The intersection at 6th Street and Monroe was revamped to
resemble brick cross walks. Buckeye Main Street believes these improvements,
when completed throughout the historic downtown, will enhance the pedestrian
traffic and add to our small town charm.
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New Web Site and Facebook Page
Be sure to check out our new and improved web site at
www.buckeyemainstreet.org. Along with information on our organization you can
find a downtown business directory, event information, Buckeye Main Street Coalition publications, member information, forms and contact information.
Like us on facebook and stay up to date on fun events and historic downtown business information as well as spotlights on small businesses in the area.
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Brochure Maps
Buckeye Main Street board members, Lara and Jeff Serbin of
Serbin Studios, have developed new promotional brochures for
the historic downtown area. The brochures serve as a directory
of area businesses and highlight special events for visitors to
Buckeye.
Atlanta Conference
Buckeye Main Street Coalition will be sending a small delegation
to the National Main Street Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in
April again this year. This
year’s conference showcases
and celebrates the innovative
techniques and practices that
make the Main Street approach one of the most powerful economic development
tools in the nation. Workshops and education sessions
as well as networking with
other Main Street delegations
will be the focus of the trip.
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Buckeye Museum/Main Street Mixer
Buckeye Main Street Coalition helped celebrate the Grand ReOpening of the Buckeye Valley Historical and Archeological
Museum in September. The evening preview was a great success and highlighted the new “Main Street” exhibits that were
recently completed. Several Historic Downtown Buckeye businesses were honored for recent improvements and their dedication to the revitalization and restoration of the area. Buckeye
Elementary School, Powers-Leavitt Insurance, Century Glass
and Mirror and Duck’s Septic each received plaques to commemorate the occasion. Be sure to join us for our next mixer
April 17th, 6pm at La Placita Café.
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Tote Bags and Postcards
Board members Lara and Jeff Serbin have developed a plan to recycle the older
unused downtown banners. Lara, Jeff and Janet Van Vliet are manufacturing
stylish tote bags from the banners. Lara and Jeff have also developed postcards
showcasing historic downtown. Be sure to pick up some from the Buckeye
Main Street booth at local events and help support our efforts.
Special Events Year in Review 4th of July
Buckeye Main Street Coalition and City of Buckeye Community Services Department hosted the 4th of July Celebration at Youngker High School. Record
numbers of spectators enjoyed the fireworks and festivities. Many thanks to
Tom Jones Ford for providing the watermelons. Buckeye Main Street Coalition
board members Lara and Jeff Serbin, Councilman Brian McAchran and Dan and
Paula Noble helped serve up free watermelon to the spectators.
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Special Events Year in Review Octoberfest
The 4th Annual Octoberfest Celebration included live Country music, vendors,
and a kid zone on the 6th Street Plaza. The largest car show to date occupied the
Town Hall parking lot and a carnival filled Bayless Park. This year Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Buckeye Elks held their Sangria and Shopping
event in conjunction with Octoberfest on the 6th Street Plaza. Due to the cooperation between Buckeye Main Street Coalition, Buckeye Community Services Department, Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Buckeye Elks Lodge
the Octoberfest event is fast becoming one the best in the west valley. New this
year was the Helzarockin’ Rock and Gem show at the Helzapoppin’ Arena presented by the West Valley Rock and Mineral Club.
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Special Events Year in Review Glow on Monroe Parade
More than 50 entries thrilled the crowds lining Monroe Avenue for this years
Glow on Monroe Electric Light Parade. Many of the newest entries were from
Historic Downtown businesses like Mikey’s Mexican Food, El Caballito Western
Wear, Eddies Tires, Pizza Hut, Carniceria y Taqueria Durango and Snap Fitness.
It is great to see new faces becoming involved in the community.
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Special Events Year in Review Buckeye Days Cattle Drive Parade
The Buckeye Days Cattle Drive and Parade had over 30 entries and great weather for the large crowds of spectators. KSWG personality Steve Wood, Councilman Eric Orsborn and Buckeye’s own Dick Sartor entertained the crowds and
served as announcers for the parade. Awards were presented to Ballet Folklorico, a 1929 Roadster, El Cabalitto, the VFW Mounted Color Guard, the Inca
Elementary School Band, the Buckeye Women’s Club Royalty, VFW Post
12098. the Rainbow Ladies, Stotz Equipment, Calvert Shell, Arizona Saddle
Club and the El-Zaribah Shriners.
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Special Events Year in Review Senior Pro Rodeo
The historic Helzapoppin’ Arena welcomed
back the Buckeye Days Senior Pro Rodeo
for the 2015 event. Capacity crowds, some
in the valley for the NFL bowl games, enjoyed the great Buckeye weather.
Mutton Busters thrilled the spectators
with wild rides.
Contestants had their work cut out for them
with tough
competition
from
Honeycutt
livestock and
each other.
This years steak dinner and scholarship auction
raised nearly $6,000 dollars for Lions Club and
Rotary Club scholarships for local students.
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Special Events Year in Review Wild West Show
Large crowds enjoyed the explosive fun of gunfights, stunt shows, old west
magic acts, trick roping and live music at the Buckeye Days Wild West Show
on the 6th Street Plaza. Kids and adults alike joined in the fun of the pie or hot
pepper eating contests and gold panning. Featured act, Baddog Bennet and
Miss Megan, are local Buckeye
residents.
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