Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
A building that once safeguarded Scottsdale’s money has spent the past 75 years preserving a piece of the city’s Western heritage, and now the Rusty Spur Saloon is marking the milestone with a celebration honoring the guests who helped shape its legacy.
Built in 1921 as the Farmers State Bank of Scottsdale, the building at 7245 E. Main St. was home to the city’s first bank before closing during the Great Depression.
The building later housed the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and a real estate office before opening as the Rusty Spur in 1951. Today, the original bank vault remains in use as the saloon’s walk-in cooler, making it one of Old Town Scottsdale’s best-known historic landmarks.
To commemorate its 75th anniversary, the Rusty Spur will host a celebration Saturday, Sept. 26. The event will thank generations of patrons who have supported what is considered Scottsdale’s oldest bar, according to a press release.
“Reaching 75 years is an incredible milestone, especially in a community that has grown and changed so much,” said Janeth Moore, vice president of operations for POV Foods. “This celebration is our way of thanking everyone who has made us part of their story.”
Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day starting at 11 a.m., featuring a variety of performers, including Psychobilly Rodeo at 8 p.m. The event also will feature displays and activities inspired by the saloon’s history.
Celebration highlights include:
- 75-cent Coors Banquet beers while supplies last.
- Free commemorative 75th anniversary koozies while supplies last.
- Limited-edition 75th anniversary T-shirts available for purchase, with select shirts given away throughout the day.
- Giveaways throughout the celebration.
- Live music featuring local performers.
- Team members and guests dressed in Western attire.
The anniversary celebration also will benefit Phoenix Children’s Foundation, continuing a longstanding fundraising tradition at the Rusty Spur.
A custom “75” display will be placed on the west wall, and guests will be invited to place dollar bills inside the display to support the Phoenix Children’s Foundation Hope Fund.
Every December, the saloon removes the signed dollar bills guests pin to its walls throughout the year and donates the proceeds to Phoenix Children’s Foundation. The annual collection raised $6,000 in 2024 and $7,000 in 2025.
“The dollar bills have become such an iconic and meaningful part of visiting the Spur,” Ms. Moore said. “We are so thrilled to raise even more money for such an important cause.”
The tradition of leaving signed dollar bills dates to the saloon’s early years, when cowboys would leave a dollar bearing their name on the wall so they could return later for a drink if they were short on cash. Today, the custom continues as both a visitor tradition and a fundraising effort supporting Phoenix Children’s Foundation.
