Here is a look at Surprise history through the years on this week, compiled from archives of Independent Newsmedia, Newspapers.com and the city of Surprise historical records:

1960

Town of Surprise hosts its first town council meeting.

1966

The newly reorganized Surprise Town Council named Councilman Grover King the town’s new mayor. He replaces Harold Yingling, who will still serve on the Town Council.

1975

The 15th annual Founder’s Day celebration covers three days. It includes a parade and carnival.

1995

Surprise Mayor Joan Shafer dresses up as the “Chief Bag Lady of Surprise” to help raise holiday money for the annual Surprise Christmas Fund.

1998

Fry’s Food and Drug Stores files plans to the Planning and Zoning Commission to build its first store in Surprise at Bell and Reems roads.
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New estimates show Surprise’s population of 9,700 could grow to 38,000 by 2005. Surprise’s land mass of 64 square miles is now the seventh-largest in Arizona.

2001

Kohl’s announces plans to build a store on nearly 15 acres near Bell and Litchfield roads.