Most VPS projects and programs begin as ideas brought to us by residents. Those ideas are brought to life by hard working VPS volunteers. We focus on how our heritage and history can connect community members, serve today, and inspire a tomorrow that honors the values of residents, local entrepreneurs and businesses, and provide opportunities for anyone, including youth, to be a part of. VPS began in 2006 when a group of residents identified a need to preserve local history and heritage. Our projects and programs are funded by grants, sponsorships, donations and partnerships (memberships).
Do you love the fireworks of A Colossal Fourth? The V for Vail public art, or ‘Tis the Season holiday decorations? How about our “bricks and mortar” youth powered rehabilitation projects; 1915 Section Foreman House at Esmond Station K8, and just getting started, the 1908 Old Vail Store & Post Office. Cienega High School Construction Tech students experience the pride of learning lifelong skills while impacting their community working on these two projects. Vail Preservation Society’s Vail Connects Arizona Main Street program focuses on what is uniquely Vail and will operate the Vail Heritage & Welcome Center from the 1908 Old Vail Store & Post Office when its rehab is complete.
Vail and Sells student field trip to Boboquivari sponsored by VPS.
There is even more: the Voices of Vail documentary (August 12, 2018 at the Fox Theater), oral histories that preserve local stories, historic object collection, student museum club, and the Community Connection sites with seating, shade and a bit of historical interpretation that are sprinkled throughout the greater Vail area. These are all just a part of what VPS volunteers do to serve our community. It is their expertise, talents, passion, work and time investment that build a sense of place and increase the quality of life for all of us. We, the VPS Board and myself, can’t say it often enough – we appreciate each and every VPS volunteer and what you do to make our community an even better place to call home! Thank you! From the VPS Executive Board: David Yubeta, Calvin Baker, Davita Mueller, Sandy Knowlden, Mike Pena, Carla Martin, David Hook, Lily Collins – Youth Member, J.J. Lamb.
A Colossal Fourth July 4th parade SPLASH ZONE is enjoyed by spectators!
Be part of the Community-Powered Vail Preservation Society by becoming a Partner (member). Your $35 annual Partnership is an investment in our community. Join online at www.vailpreservationsociety.org or mail your Partnership to: VPS, P.O. 982, Vail, AZ 85641.
Explore Vail and Corona during A Colossal Fourth Celebration of Community & Country. See the entire schedule of events at www.acolossalfourth.org and join us in thanking and supporting our sponsors that make A Colossal Fourth possible. We look forward to celebrating with you at A Colossal Fourth Block Party & Fireworks on July 3rd and at the July 4th Parade at Hacienda del Lago! Plan to use the free parking and shuttle busses leaving every 15 minutes from Cienega High.
