A Rollicking Good Time

Bill reminded me of the space and availability of the Sunbowl for a community event. Then I thought about how great it would be to have food and entertainment at the Sunbowl with tickets available to purchase for those wanting to attend. My dilemma, I know absolutely nothing about the planning or logistics of putting something like this together. Nothing I have ever done in my life offers me any kind of value added background to even know where the starting line would be. What I do know is there is a great need for community events to be available again so residents can enjoy the benefits of living here.
So what would a barbecue based menu or Mexican food offering look like? Since this would be a new direction for me to investigate, how many people should be considered for the first time? There are several catering companies that offer various types of food, would just need to drill down to what type and how many. I have not taken this idea beyond a concept because I don’t know how feasible any of this is. Just putting this idea out there in case there is any helpful tips and tricks to making something like this happen. My background is not at all helpful in looking at creating this kind of a community outing with food, entertainment and ticketed attendance. But I like the idea well enough to see if anyone else can offer suggestions for making something like this happen. Thank you

 

I tried on your other post but you are letting your hate get in the way. I have put together many of these as part of my job, but you have fun.

 

SCG and all who love Sun City…

Let’s consider celebrating Sun City’s contributions during the national
America250.org, Inc. efforts to engage Americans across the country in designing the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in our nation’s history.

America’s 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come.
Rosie Rios, Chair, U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission

Our Journey
to 250
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

This wouldn’t be just on the 4th of July! Maybe something every month! There’s sufficient time to plan…ideally inclusive creative thinkers will come up with even one event that generates national media exposure through America’s 250 marketing? They have resources and support to help communities be involved!

Yes, we can!! I’m experienced planning and successfully executing various events…it is not a one man band. RCSC events needs to be involved along with EVERY Sun City community group and resident at whatever ability! So many possibilities!

A milestone in the making!
https://america250.org/americas-250th/

Please honor Thumper’s quote…thanks

 

What a phenomenal opportunity to be a part of for our community and the residents. This is an opportunity to share the community with everyone in various ways to participate. Thanks for offering this event to consider. The planning needs to begin now to have a grand plan for the 250th anniversary. And if regular events were to continue throughout the year, major event planning needs commence in the near future to arrange for locations, offerings and activity coordinating.
If you have the experience of putting together large events as described, I feel you are a primary resource for moving forward. Also have the RCSC be a contributing factor to making this a premier event for us. Thank you for your suggestions, they are truly inspiring for our community.

 

SUN CITY, ARIZONA
The Community That Changed A Nation!
https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/

Start at the very beginning!
https://delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org/research-resources/

The last Jubilee Celebration event and its organizers would be a great resource, too.

I think I’ll reach out to RCSC Board to see if they’d endorse and form an America250 ad hoc committee!

Any positive support ideas are welcome before I pitch!! Thanks!

 

Neighbors looking forward to events

 

You beat me to it eyesopen, SCG's idea for events is solid (and history based), but more often than not the driving force was either DEVCO or the RCSC (or for smaller events, other organizations within the community). That being said, once an idea had sprung forth, the most effective tool or technique was to form a committee and pull the pieces together.

There's no better example than Wisconsin Days. Even after all these years, the event is well attended and driven by those offering to help. It's a large undertaking but when you have committed volunteers willing to work together, they pull off a pretty successful event, year after year.

All of which brings me full circle to what has happened, what was intentionally done starting in 2006. Committees had long been the go to source for board members wanting input from the membership. They were all volunteers who were willing to give their time and expertise to make things happen.And then it all changed, starting with the removal of the legal affairs committee, we began our regression from the values committees offered.

I've cited this history often and my real point of reference is regarding the Long Range Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday of this week. I sat quietly listening for 2 plus hours. There truly are several talented and well intended committee members who want to make a difference. At the end of the meeting i finally chimed in as i saw up close and personal how and why committee members became disenchanted and quit.

This community needs a master plan. We've needed one for a very long time. Now it looks like we will get one; i think. The committee is recommending they hire a consulting firm experienced in community development. They were assigned the task of putting together a scope of work proposal and then searching for potential firms that may be interested.

All good stuff; right? One little problem though (actually several). There's no budgeted money for it in 2025 (projected 250K or more), the board has had no discussions at all about it and the real question from me is how does the GM feel about hiring an outsider to help him run the community (future forward)?

I would put the chances of this happening (hiring a consulting firm) at no more than 5%. I would expect a ton of push back from a lot of folks in management and on the board. Yet, we are cheerily tasking committed members of the LRPC doing a bunch of heavy lifting on a project that in all likelihood will not happen this year (or ever?). When we we disregard what they say and worse yet, ask them to do a bunch of work and then dismiss it, committee members quit.

So, back to eyesopen and SCG's point, committees work, but only if you get out of their way and let them do what is tasked. I love the idea of a celebration of our 250th anniversary. There's ample time to do it right. I would discourage a year long event, but a couple of earmarked/targeted dates could be awesome. We know the Sun City time capsule placed in the base of the Liberty Bell from the bicentennial will be opened in November of 2026, so that's at least two dates we could put on the calendar (July 4, 2026 being the other).

Multiple organizations and clubs could get involved from planning and promotional perspectives. It would give us a chance to recreate the excitement of the countless anniversaries Sun City has celebrated over the years. Great idea and one a lot of folks could and would get behind. dare i say, helping build a sense of community.

 

So, not to be rude, but what happened to the $2m extra that used to sit idly by in the budget? It was there in case expenses were higher than expected or to cover additional costs associated with running the community. It was a cash cushion of sorts that just stood by, just in case. Has the budget surplus been eradicated? In the big picture of RCSC and money, it appears to me that $250k for such an amazing opportunity to showcase to the members how much they all mean to the success of this community.
Again, seems to me if we can spend what we do on golf, we can spend a supportive amount for a community event as important as the 250th birthday of our nation. The quicker this plan gets committed to by the RCSC, the sooner the membership can get behind the support required.
On a side note, I fell 3 weeks ago and put a 5 inch gash in my ankle. Lots of antibiotics and very little pain medication has me, at times, not on top of keeping the conversation going. I am most interested in pursuing this with great potential for success, but if I don’t respond right away, please know it’s not due to lack of interest. I truly believe this would be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to be involved and have a great time. Thank you for understanding, it’s greatly appreciated.

 

I don't know about the 2 mil, but I do remember being told on this platform that the following statement from the facilities agreement meant assessments could be imposed on residents any time during the year in addition to the annual assessment. I will look for that.

The annual property assessments, special assessments, preservation and improvement fees, transfer fees and any and all other assessments or fees charged by the RCSC may be amended by the Board of Directors of RCSC, at any time, pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation, Corporate Bylaws, and Board Policies of the RCSC and the laws of the State of Arizona.

 

To SunCityGal,
I share your enthusiasm and am concerned about your recovery from the fall! Scary!!
I am also recovering from a serious health scare.
The America250 Celebration timing is a gift for our community to embrace! As Bill mentions we already have two events, 4th of July and the November time capsule reveal! There are so many ideas to include all residents active and passive! Recalling the Past, Present Participation and Future vision-casting continues to globally inspire the unique senior lifestyle launched here!!

I’ll generate a more defined potential concept soon for board consideration and support. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend meetings for now, but it’s important to enlist the board to quick start that Sun City sense of community again!

WE ARE THE ORIGINAL SUN CITY!!

 

So there is the big event around the 250th anniversary of this country. There’s also a community celebration that could be planned around the time capsule opening in November and perhaps something in the spring to remind everyone of the special events coming up with a reason to celebrate during the spring event of Sun City.
Other communities have lots of vendors offering their wares with special events. These small gatherings offer unique venues and vendors from which to showcase glamorous items and quirky offerings to those who attend. Merely walk through the rows of tents and see the food, clothing, crafts and unique items and everything offered is entertaining enough. I have no idea how to get various types of vendors together to offer their wares at an event, but these events are always well attended in other communities. Asking for a holiday date as big as the 4th of July may be a stretch to ask for. But I wanted to throw it out there as a possibility.
To have the requisite dollars in the budget to put on these events will be an absolute necessity. It can’t be skimped on and expect a grand outcome. Sun City needs the community events available to the members so we can truly build community back into Sun City. It needs to be done well and with great support from those that can provide these events. And planning with an expected outcome of greatness needs to be done now.

 

Eyesopen, here is hoping for a quick recovery positive outcome. Take care of yourself and your positive thoughts and energy is always appreciated.

 

eyesopen as I read my last post, it sounds rather demanding. I am so sorry as this was not my intention. I was eluding to the sense of urgency around a need to have the involvement of folks who can be stakeholders in putting this fantastic opportunity together. With the pain affecting my ability to be concise at times, I get off course in writing.
I don’t know how an ad hoc committee gets put together, but I am most grateful for your ability to advocate for such a need. The sooner this project gets underway in a timely and concise manner, the better chances we have for a desired outcome. Thank you so very much for your support and abilities, I am most grateful for all you do

 

The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum has already started promoting the opening of the time capsule in Nov of 2026. No plans yet, just promotion.

I saw in a recent release from the RCSC they have invited the POSSE to vacate their office at the Grand Center, and it will become the home of the Sun City Foundation. It would seem to me if the RCSC is serious about helping the SC Foundation be all it can be, assigning an event as mentioned above for the bi-centennial celebration to them to spearhead is a no brainer.

Here's why: Great exposure creating massive interest with all of the proceeds dedicated to meet the needs of the membership. That's how you build a sense of community.

But what the hell do i know eh?

 

Bill, great suggestion for SCF to lead!!

Will include in the America250 proposal to the board.

Timing really is everything!

 

OMG! Such a great idea for hosting the event. Beyond a great opportunity for all concerned. Really appreciate your efforts to make this event possible and with a great outcome for the community.
I truly hope the new space provided for the Foundation will allow the growth of such a worthy cause and offer better exposure for all of their endeavors as well.

 

Years ago, i posted my "signature" that appears at the bottom of everything i write on TOSC. It wasn't an accident, it was exactly why i found Sun City to be nearly the perfect place to live. It says this: "Sun City=Community before corporation, people before politics."

I don't claim to be the smartest person in the community, far from it. I know what i know about Sun City from countless hours of reading and just as many served as a volunteer across several of the organizations that have shaped us to be the most unique of all the age restricted communities in the country. I didn't say best, i try and refrain from such an arrogant position...best is truly subjective attachment that is a far too personal perspective.

I prefer unique every time because our history makes the case for us. From the being the first to being the blueprint for all the others, it's easy to get your head around. It's also hard to argue. Best of all, it opens the door and forces us to pull back the covers and see exactly what were the driving forces behind the Del Webb Sun City story's successes.

There's countless reasons, but driving the bus was the relentless quest to build that sense of community; that demand those buying here need take ownership. Anyone who has looked closely at the history knows, bringing the community/members together was the ultimate exercise in growing the circle and engaging those who came from around the country/world to make this their home.

If i told you those first ten years, there was an annual anniversary celebration would you be surprised? As years passed they held them less frequently, but they still held them. 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th and the last one, the 50th many of us personally had our hands on. I scrolled through the digitized files and was stunned by how much work twenty of us did to make it happen. We were involved and engaged for more than 18 months and we were relieved when the final curtain fell. It was an enormous amount of work.

As always; what we did wasn't an effort by one or two, there was no one person responsible. It was exactly what had brought Sun City to the prominent position we are in today; our success has always been about the collective process; one where the community comes together and works tirelessly to make it work. I could list event after event that has followed that pattern.

It is exactly why, as i follow this thread and take the time to spell it out, i know we can leverage the 250 year journey to become a shining star example of just how "unique" Sun City is. We already have two dates on our calendar, the first, July 4 Ring the Bell, will be on everyone's schedule; the second one, will be ours and ours alone. Our November, 2026 date for opening the time capsule will be a stand alone. It also could be the culmination of 50 years of waiting to see, read and hear what those pioneers had to say to us. I've seen one letter, it took my breath away.

I'll end here, get a cup of coffee and will come back with the "rest of the story."

 

Message board/forums like TOSC have always had more readers than posters. The problem on this site is it's exacerbated by the fact people are having a hard time signing on to it. No idea why? Which explains why i got a call from Lisa Gray yesterday afternoon, try as she may, TOSC would not let her become a member.

For those of you who don't know Lisa is the executive director (sorry if i got the title wrong) of the Sun Cities Home Owners Association (SCHOA). The organization has increased it's visibility in the community since she was hired. It's also the second most prominent organization in the community with the RCSC being the obvious first.

She asked me to mention SCHOA wants to be involved in a big way in the planning of this 2026 event. That's a great thing, but as i said to her, every organization of any standing in Sun City should want to be a party to whatever we elect to do. The simple reality is the broader the coalition in building it, the bigger success it will be. That is what our history has taught us.

She also went on to tell me the "leadership council" still exists. I had no idea they were still gathering and i suggested at their next meeting this topic should be front and center. What better place to start than with a group of the community's leaders. Nope, i've never been to one, never been on my bucket list.

Then later in the night i got an email from another friend who thanked me for suggesting the Sun City Foundation be the driving force behind the project. It was tongue in cheek, because if it was just the Foundation/RCSC putting the event on, it wouldn't be a community event. In my opinion, that would be foolishness to minimize the role the other organizations should/could play.

I know i am often attacked on this site for trying to "run the show" or some other nonsense, but it's never been my objective. In most cases, my focus has been to do what i could do to help make whatever i was involved in better. Ultimately it's never been about what i think should be done, other than it should be decided by the community and those who show up.

The 2026/250 year celebration can be as big as those putting it together want it to be. Given what the community did in 1976, we have so many pieces of the puzzle that are dazzling and can be value added to the country's celebration. The only real question at this moment is who wants to be involved and how much excitement and energy can we build going into it?

Stay tuned eh?

 

Bill, I am on the Sun City Leadership Coalition (SCLC) and it would be to the best interest of our community if you could attend our next meeting January 27th. It is on a Monday at 9:30am. It is held at the Posse headquarters. Tina Anderson is the new Commander of the Posse and will be conducting the meeting. You would be a perfect addition to SCLC. This celebration in 2026 would be a perfect subject of discussion of how SCLC can add our support.

 

$600,000 deficit and we want to party?