A building that once safeguarded Scottsdale’s money has spent the past 75 years safeguarding the city’s Western heritage, and now the Rusty Spur Saloon is celebrating a milestone anniversary with a day dedicated to the guests who made it an institution.
Built in 1921 as the Farmer’s 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. It 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 still stands, serving as the saloon’s walk-in cooler instead of protecting cash, making it one of Old Town Scottsdale’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
To commemorate 75 years of welcoming locals and visitors alike, Rusty Spur will host a 75th anniversary event on Saturday, Sept. 26. The all-day celebration is a thank you to the generations of guests who have helped make Scottsdale’s oldest bar a destination for live country music, cold beers and authentic Western hospitality.
“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 all day and night starting at 11 a.m., featuring a variety of performers, including Psychobilly Rodeo at 8 p.m., along with nostalgic touches inspired by the saloon’s early years.
Celebration highlights include 75-cent Coors Banquet beers as a throwback while supplies last, free commemorative 75th anniversary koozies while supplies last, and limited-edition anniversary T-shirts available for purchase, with select shirts given away throughout the day. The event will also feature giveaways, live music from a variety of local performers and Western attire worn by both team members and guests.
The anniversary celebration will also benefit Phoenix Children’s Foundation, continuing the Rusty Spur‘s longstanding legacy of giving back. A custom “75” display will be placed on the west wall, and guests will be invited to help fill the numbers with dollar bills benefiting the Phoenix Children’s Foundation Hope Fund.
Every December, the saloon removes the thousands of signed dollar bills that guests have pinned 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,” said Moore. “We are so thrilled to raise even more money for such an important cause.”
The lore of leaving signed dollar bills dates back to the early days of the Rusty Spur, when cowboys would leave a dollar bearing their name on the wall so they could return for a drink when they were out of cash. Today, the tradition has taken on a new meaning.
