About Buckeye, Arizona:
Buckeye's town website sums it up well. Founded in 1888 and incorporated eight decades ago as a 440-acre town, Buckeye has surged into the 21st century with a planning area of almost 600 square miles. While Buckeye’s population of about 30,000 residents is expected to increase at a rapid rate over the next few decades, the family-friendly festivals sprinkled throughout the year help maintain the small-town feel that makes Buckeye a nice place to visit – and to live.
Where is Buckeye:
Buckeye is west of Phoenix and, for some, is a bedroom community of Phoenix. It is off Interstate 10. Map
Historic Buckeye:
Like many Arizona towns, the person who first established the post office, named the town. Three men chose the name Buckeye for the post office. One of the founders, Jackson, built the Buckeye Canal, naming it for his home state, Ohio.Buckeye still maintains a strong Ohio connection. More...
Economy:
Buckeye has a balanced economy with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing and services. It is the largest producer of Pima Cotton in the USA. Currently there is a building boom in the Buckeye area, bringing many new residents and businesses to the area.
Hellzapoppin' Days:
In 1935, the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce started the Helzapoppin Days, which became a local tradition. The festivities included street dances, parade, carnival, and a rodeo. Proceeds were given to local churches that distributed the funds to the needy and for scholarships. Celebrities such as cowboy singing star Gene Autry attended the events. Similar local holidays, such as the annual Pioneer Days, are still celebrated in Buckeye today.
Buckeye Oddity - Roadside Attraction:
When you are in Buckeye, look for the Hobo statue. It's a larger-scale version of almost life-size statues of Hobo Joe that used to stand in front of Hobo Joe's coffee shops, a former Arizona chain partly owned by Barry Goldwater's brother. Find this statue Southwest of the police station and Magistrate Court, about 1/4 mile. Just south of Hwy 85 and Apache Rd., about 700-1000 feet, at the curve in the road. More...
Ohio Connection - Buckeyes in Buckeye Days:
There has been a strong connection with Ohio ever since Buckeye was founded. A great example of the link is related to the Ohio State team which is featured in local celebrations. In 2007, the OSU Alumni Association will be selling OSU merchandise, and visitors will be able to get their photo taken with an historic Buckeye sign. The Fire Department’s new state-of-the-art ladder truck, nicknamed “Brutus” (the name of OSU’s mascot) will be on display. In addition, visitors will be given a "Stadium Pass" to take to participating merchants in the downtown and Verrado to make them eligible for a grand prize drawing.
Buckeye is Growing:
As Arizona’s biggest "small town," Buckeye still enjoy the great feeling of a small community. Buckeye celebrates Countryfest in the fall, Pioneer Days in the spring, and a great family Fourth of July. Yet, since Buckeye is only 35 miles away from Phoenix, it is growing with new housing developments springing up each season. The new Del Webb, Sun City Festival lies between Surprise, AZ and Buckeye, bringing more retirees to the area.
