Joseph City marked 150 years of community last weekend at the Founders Day celebration, with a parade, games, good food and more.Photo by Linda Kor
Goats, chickens, horses and more were available for pets and rides at the Palmer’s farm during the Founders Day celebration.This young man was one of the lucky winners of the rooster chase held at the Palmers farm.The Founders Day boutique brought together creatives from throughout the area to sell their wares.The Palmer family, creators of the YouTube channel The Farm on Route 66, opened up their farm to the community. Pictured are (left to right) brothers Lee, Duncan and Terry Scott, and Mel Palmer.Brother and sister missionaries with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gathered at the annual Joseph City Fire District barbecue.There was a long line of people waiting for delicious barbecue provided by the Joseph City Fire District but it provided plenty of time to visit. Pictured are (left to right) Floyd Fuentes, Boston Bentley and Doug Edwards along with two adorable girls.Friends and family came together in Joseph City to celebrate Founders Day. Pictured are (left to right) Arthur Bushman, Winslow Mayor Roberta Cano, Blaine Bushman and Winslow Police Chief Ernie Cano.Joseph City had a celebration worthy of 150 years all because of two women with incredible talent, determination and love for their community. Cat Hansen and Julie Randall (pictured) organized and the weekend events and made sure that everyone came away with a memory of something very special.Here it is! The famous Mr. Rabbit was a parade favorite. Jack Rabbit Trading Post opened in 1949 and remains in business along Historic Route 66.If there’s one thing that Joseph City is proudest of it’s their kids and grandkids and for some families, that’s a lot to be proud of, as seen in this train of youngsters.The Hansen family goes back generations to when the community was first created.Joseph City has its roots in agriculture and farming, so a parade wouldn’t be complete without the tools of the trade.Joseph City was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1876, with the promise of building a bright future in the high desert of Arizona. The community was one of four camps and the only one that survived.It was fun in the sun during Saturday’s parade with many fun and unique entries.There are many familiar names from the original settlers who descendants still living in Joseph City today.The Baird family are not only long-time Joseph City residents, but the owners of Rock Art Ranch. The patriarch, Brantley Baird (driving) also created the Pioneer and Native American museums in the community along Route 66. Also pictured are Brantley’s granddaughter Tori (right) and his daughter Teddi (left).It’s not too often you get to see a chicken coup riding down the road, unless you are in Joseph City where residents are always up for a fun time.District 2 Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai took part in the Joseph City festivities.Dale and Deanne Smith know how to ride in style in their bed float cruising down Historic Route 66.It may not seem a likely fit but thanks to the Smith family, bagpipe players are a tradition in Joseph City celebrations.Joseph City celebrated with a parade along Historic Route 66, the community’s main thoroughfare.Gale Hansen (left) and Elder Steven D. Shumway (right) who is a General Authority of the 70 of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints each come from a long line of pioneers that settled the region.
Founded in 1876 by Mormon pioneers, Joseph City stands as a testament to resilience, faith and the enduring spirit of community. Generations later, many families in Joseph City can still trace their roots back to those original pioneers, preserving traditions and a strong sense of connection that continues to define the town today.
The milestone anniversary was marked by a lively parade, games for all ages, a fireman’s barbecue, a community dance, and a variety of festivities that reflect the town’s close-knit character. It’s not just a celebration of years passed, but of the people, stories and experiences that have made Joseph City a place to call home.
