Originally named Bar in the 1940s became Harold’s Cave Creek Corral in the 1950s. No matter what the name, people enjoyed themselves there.
By Sue Kern-Fleisher
One of the state’s oldest restaurants – where Western movies were filmed, Dick Van Dyke played the drums, and four Steelers Super Bowl parties were held – turns 80 in September
In anticipation of its 80th anniversary, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is planning a month-long celebratory series of events that will take place in September to commemorate eight lore-filled decades of dining, entertainment and fun.
Several 80th Anniversary events and promotions are being planned including an Employee Reunion on Wed., Sept. 9, a Love Corral night on Sat., Sept. 12 for couples who met there, a Cave Creek Elementary School Reunion on Thurs., Sept. 17, a Steelers Party on Sunday, Sept. 20 and more. Among the bigger events are:
A History Dinner at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek, on Tues., Sept. 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. that will benefit Cave Creek Museum. Arizona’s official balladeer Dolan Ellis will emcee a panel of Cave Creek long-time residents who will share their favorite Harold’s stories during the sit-down dinner. Tickets are $50 prior to Sept. 11 and $55 after. RSVP to the Museum at (480) 488-2764 or purchase tickets online at www.cavecreekmuseum.org.
- The big Harold’s 80th Birthday Bash featuring live music, kid’s activities and more is set for Sat. and Sun., Sept. 26 & Sept. 27. The weekend blowout party will feature a fireworks display on Saturday night, Sept. 26 after sunset, current and former bands and musicians who have performed at Harold’s and more.
During the month of September, those who dine at Harold’s can enter to win a gift certificate for $19.35 (drawn daily) and anyone 80 years or older can dine for free on Monday, Sept. 14, Sept. 21 and Sept. 28.
Eight Decades of Rich History
One of the state’s oldest restaurants — where several Western movies were filmed, Dick Van Dyke played the drums, and four Steelers Super Bowl parties were held — Harold’s has a colorful, rich history.
A man named Johnny Walker built the original structure of Harold’s Corral in 1935. Back then it was known as The Cave Creek Corral Bar, and it became popular with patrons who spent their days building Bartlett and Horseshoe Dams. There were seven bars in Cave Creek at that time, but by 1947, when the dams were finished and the workers left, The Corral was the only bar that survived.
Somewhere around 1950, Harold and Ruth Gavagan purchased the building, changing the name to Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. Though Harold passed many years ago, and ownership has changed just three times, the restaurant’s current owners continue the legend with delicious food, live entertainment, and a unique hospitality that can only be experienced first-hand.
Harold’s Corral is located at 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. For information, call (480) 488-1906 or visit www.haroldscorral.com. Visit Website
Dick Van Dyke Drummin’ at Harold’s
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