As the year comes to an end, so does my time serving this amazing community. Twenty years ago, when I moved to Surprise, I thought I was retiring. Instead, I was given the chance to help shape our city, growing it from a small town of 74,000 people to the vibrant home of more than 160,000 that we have today.
It has been one of the great joys of my life to serve you and to see our city thrive. Together, we've focused on building better roads, ensuring a strong water supply, creating jobs and bringing in new places to shop, dine and enjoy. I still remember when Bell Road was our main commercial area, and now, we have unique new neighborhoods and lively centers all across Surprise. Just this year, we welcomed Tricolor Auto, which will bring 500 new jobs to our community—a great addition to our growing economy.
We've also worked hard to make sure we're ready for the future. As Surprise grows, we've expanded our water resources and conservation efforts to meet the needs of residents and businesses. We've invested in public safety, adding new police and fire-medical facilities. These changes were made possible because of your trust and support over the years, especially when you voted for bonds to fund these critical projects.
To the City Council, City staff and all the commissioners and community partners I've worked with, thank you for your passion and dedication. Most of all, thank you to the residents of Surprise. Your love for this city and your belief in its potential has made all of this possible.
Thank you for letting me serve you all this time. It’s difficult to put into words how deeply rewarding the last 20 years have been, but as I look back, I remember envisioning Surprise as a place to live, work and play. Today, I see that vision as reality, one that will only grow more robust each day in our city's future. It has truly been an honor and a privilege.
Sincerely,
Skip Hall
Mayor of Surprise
The next City Council Meeting is on December 3 & 17 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfSurprise or on Cox channel 11.
Celebrate the season with family and friends at the annual Surprise Party, a free, two-night event filled with festive activities, entertainment and holiday fun for all ages! Enjoy a winter wonderland complete with a snow party, mesmerizing drone shows, glowing hot air balloons, thrilling skydivers and special performances. Savor delicious treats from food trucks, explore the vendor village, let the kids have fun in the kid zone, check out the s’mores station and capture a memorable photo with Santa in Santa’s Workshop. Don’t miss Storytime at the Surprise Library and more exciting holiday activities.
Come celebrate with us at the Surprise Recreation Campus – 15960 N. Bullard Ave. for an unforgettable holiday experience!
Friday, December 6 • 5 - 9 p.m.
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with DJ music, family-friendly activities and lively entertainment! Catch a special surprise performance to set the holiday mood.
At 6:30 p.m., join City Council and me for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Then, look to the skies for a thrilling show by the Aerial Extreme Skydiving Team, followed by a dazzling fireworks display to end the night.
Friday’s event also launches Sparkling Surprise, a brilliant light display featuring nearly 200,000 lights illuminating Surprise Community Park, nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through December 31.
Saturday, December 7 • 5 - 9 p.m.
Saturday brings even more magic with two captivating drone shows featuring 200 LED-lit drones, creating holiday animations set to music! The evening continues with a hot air balloon glow, live ice sculpting and real snow for a magical evening under the stars.
This event is sponsored by Lou Malnati's, Sanderson Lincoln, Sanderson Ford and Banner Health. Canned food donations are appreciated for Operation Santa, brought to you by Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln.
For more event details, including event maps, parking information and road closures, please visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseParty or contact 623.222.2000.
Take a picture with Santa using your best grin, have a sweet treat and let the holidays begin! The City of Surprise invites families to celebrate the season with a special visit to Santa’s Workshop! This festive experience will take place at the Surprise Stadium Team Shop, located at 15930 N. Bullard Ave., and is open to the community for three magical nights on December 11, 12 and 13, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This free event features Santa’s jolly spirit, a sweet treat and holiday-themed coloring activities for kids. Please be sure to bring your own cameras to capture f smiles as no professional photographers will be on-site.
For more information, visit surpriseaz.gov/SpecialEvents.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter and holiday cheer. Bring your family and friends to watch a free screening of Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018) on Friday, December 13, at Surprise Stadium - 15850 N. Bullard Ave.
The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. at the first and third base entrances, allowing families time to settle in and the chance to visit Santa’s Workshop for a magical meet-and-greet experience.
The movie starts at 7:30 p.m. All seating is first-come, first-served in the stadium seats only; lawn seating will not be available. Admission to the movie is free. Concessions are available for purchase to enjoy snacks and treats during the show.
Standard stadium policies apply. For more details, visit SurpriseStadium.com.
For additional event information, check surpriseaz.gov/SpecialEvents.
The City of Surprise is excited to present Cookies and Crafts with Santa on December 15! Families and children are invited to join a special visit from Santa Claus himself. This fun-filled event offers six time slots between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Cookies and Crafts with Santa will be held at the Parks & Recreation Office, located at 15960 N. Bullard Ave. Registration is required, with a fee of $5 per person for Surprise residents and $7 per person for non-residents. Spaces are limited, so make sure to register early!
Click here to register for the Cookies & Crafts with Santa, or visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec and search through “Special Programs.” Call 623.222.2249 if you need assistance or more information.
The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is excited to offer a Winter Break Camp for youth currently enrolled in kindergarten - 8th grade. Campers will enjoy daily activities, arts and crafts, games and sports.
Winter Break Camp will be held December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025. No Camp December 25 or January 1. Camp hours are 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Sierra Montana Recreation Center, 14861 N. Spring Ln.
Surprise resident
$30 per day | $10 per child registration fee
Non-resident
$34 per day | $30 per child registration fee
To download a registration packet, visit surpriseaz.gov/BreakCamps. A completed packet must be turned in at the Parks & Recreation office (15960 N. Bullard Ave.) to finalize registration. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We have a limited number of spots available, and they will fill quickly, so please register early.
For more information about Winter Break Camp, please call 623.222.2210 or email susan.dangerfield@surpriseaz.gov.
The Surprise Police Department has been honored with the prestigious International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Volunteer Police Service Programs Award (Auxiliary/Reserve Program) for its Citizens Patrol program.
This award is a testament to the outstanding dedication and hard work of our Citizens Patrol volunteers. Their commitment to making our community safer and stronger is truly inspiring!
The City continues to be recognized among the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies internationally by earning reaccreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded this October, during the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Accreditation shows that the Surprise Parks & Recreation Department demonstrates proper practices and procedures in the administration of our parks, facilities and programs, highlighting a high standard of service for the community.
Congratulations to our Parks & Recreation team on this amazing achievement!
Thank you to everyone who came out to our 10th annual Veterans Day Parade! Each year, this event brings our community together to honor and recognize the individuals who have courageously served our country.
November was proclaimed as Diabetes Awareness Month in Surprise at the November 4 City Council meeting.
Diabetes Awareness Month is recognized annually each November to increase awareness of risk factors, symptoms and the different types of diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 38 million people in the United States have diabetes.
The color blue is used on November 14, to show support and provide community awareness and encourage recognition and effort to change the future of this disease.
The proclamation was accepted by members of Sun Health and the City’s Human Service & Community Vitality Director Seth Dyson.
November was also proclaimed NASCAR Championship Month in Surprise at the City Council meeting on November 4. NASCAR Championship Weekend brings close to 100,000 people to the Phoenix metro, positively impacting economic development in nearby cities and towns.
The proclamation was accepted by NASCAR Government Affairs Director Kenn Weise.
If you’ve reached the end of this newsletter, thank you for your continued trust and support. As I reflect, here are some of my favorite memories from my time with you in this great city of Surprise. I hope you have a wonderful new year ahead. Cheers to 2025, and I’ll see you around!
