Peacocks have a treasured history in Glendale. The Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association is celebrating this history with a fun and interactive Peacock Trail.

Created by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, the Peacock Trail takes guests on a walking tour through Historic Downtown Glendale and Historic Sahuaro Ranch. Search for hidden metal designed peacocks and collect stamps at the listed businesses and attractions on the Peacock Trail Passport.

There are eight unique stamps to collect along the way to place in the passport. Historic Sahuaro Ranch has a special code number to fill in on the passport. While at the ranch, chances are you will spot many of the peacocks and peahens that live on the grounds.

The history of peacocks at Sahuaro Ranch began in 1933. Lottie Sands Smith, sister of Louis Sands, owner of Manistee Ranch, purchased the east half (320 acres) of the original Sahuaro Ranch in 1927.

She is credited with naming it Sahuaro Ranch. Her husband, Richard W. Smith, was a lawyer and officer in the Sands family business.

The couple visited the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933 and Lottie brought back two peahens and a peacock to the ranch. Today, descendants of the original peacock and peahens roam the park, which showcases 80 acres of the original ranch.

Several historic buildings are on site including the main house and guest house which is home to the Glendale AZ Historical Society.

Special recognition goes to local resident, Davita Solter, who brought the idea of a peacock activity to the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association. Solter is a long-time resident and advocate for Glendale.

Solter also volunteers for many organizations including the Glendale AZ Historical Society and Glendale Ambassadors.

“We are thrilled that Davita brought this iconic and fun activity to us for all to enjoy while also learning about the treasured history of peacocks in Glendale,” stated Lorraine Zomok, president of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, in a press release.

To begin the peacock journey, pick up a passport at the Arizona Information Center inside Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures, 5836 W. Palmaire Ave. Participation is free and when the passport is completed, bring it back to the Arizona Information Center for a gift.

Arizona Information Center hours are from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Monday-Friday,  and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Peacock Trail is presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, a merchant driven organization which stimulates, enhances, and sustains the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale shopping and dining district.

For information, check out www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or follow at www.Facebook.com/HistoricGlendale.