Fandango! Arizona

Fandango! Arizona lived up to its billing as the “gala of the century.” A sold-out crowd of 2,000 revelers packed Phoenix Convention Center on Feb. 14 to celebrate Arizona’s 100^th birthday.

The lobby was standing room only, with people in dress that reflected the diversity of our state and its history. Men wore bolas, cowboy hats and boots, tuxedos and business suits; women wore evening gowns, broom skirts, suede cowgirl jackets and cocktail dresses. In addition to dazzling silver, gold and copper, the state gemstone adorned nearly everyone: Turquoise appeared in jewelry and embellished clothes, bola ties and handbags.

The evening’s program, orchestrated by a committee led by honorary chairs Stevie and Karl Eller and co-chair Patti Simmons, was grand in every way, from trumpeter Jesse McGuire, who started the evening on a high note with his playing of the national anthem, to stars, including Rex Allen, Jr., Hugh Downs, Harvey Mackay and the Hon. Sandra Day O’Connor. But the real star was Arizona. The state’s most grandiose landmark, the Grand Canyon, transformed the ballroom into glorious reds, oranges and purples.

The party honored each of Arizona’s 15 counties and each of the state’s 22 Native American nations. The White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers performed to sacred drumming and chants. And Ballet Folklorico and Grupo Folklorico Lino Y Querido danced in festive traditional dress, representing their Mexican heritage.

Tables were topped with succulents and copper-colored roses, and guests dined on Arizona beef. Dessert arrived on dishes pastry chefs had painted with a golden rendering of the Arizona flag.

The awe-inspiring finale was the Phoenix Symphony, conducted by Michael Christie, playing Grofe’s “Grand Canyon Suite” against the panoramic photography of the Grand Canyon, choreographed by James Westwater.

Photos by David Cottle

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