CULTURAL SUMMARY

Gilbert's culture is a blend of modern suburban life and agricultural heritage, deeply influenced by Native American, Hispanic, and Western American traditions. The region's historical significance is reflected in its diverse culinary scene, including Southwestern cuisine and farm-to-table dining. Art forms such as Native American art, public art installations, and community theater are prominent in local galleries and venues. Community events and celebrations further highlight the region's rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region's topography includes the scenic San Tan Mountains, the vast Arizona Canal, and the lush agricultural lands of the Gilbert area, creating a blend of natural and developed landscapes.

CLIMATE

Summers in Gilbert are hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 106°F (24°C to 41°C), while winters are mild, with temperatures typically ranging from 40°F to 67°F (4°C to 19°C); the area receives very little rainfall annually.

LANGUAGES

English is the predominant language, with a significant number of residents also speaking Spanish.

RELIGIONS

The area is predominantly Protestant, with significant communities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Roman Catholics, each contributing to the diverse religious landscape.

INDUSTRIES

Technology: Major employers include Intel and NXP Semiconductors, leading in semiconductor manufacturing and technology development.

Retail: Major employers include Walmart and Target, excelling in retail operations and customer service.

Agriculture: Local farms and cooperatives specialize in crops such as alfalfa, cotton, and citrus, contributing significantly to the region's agricultural output.

LOCAL EVENTS

The Gilbert Days parade and rodeo celebrate the town's heritage with events such as parades, rodeos, and festivals; the Riparian After Dark event showcases the Riparian Preserve with holiday lights and activities; and the Spooky Splash at Mesquite Aquatic Center provides family-friendly Halloween fun.

TOURISM

Popular tourist attractions include the Hale Centre Theatre, offering live performances and theatrical productions; the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, featuring trails and wildlife viewing; and the SanTan Village, an outdoor shopping and dining destination.

RECREATION

Favored recreational activities include hiking, biking, and bird watching; major parks include Freestone Park and Cosmo Dog Park.

MISSION HISTORY

Beginning in the 1850s, Latter-day Saints occasionally traveled from the Utah Territory to preach the restored gospel and to explore the possibility of permanent settlements in Arizona. Beginning in 1854, Jacob Hamblin, called to preside over missionary efforts to the Indigenous peoples in the area, made frequent trips to Arizona. In 1876, Latter-day Saint settlers began building forts and establishing a series of communities along the Little Colorado River Valley in northeastern Arizona. Additional Latter-day Saint communities were soon established near St. Johns and in the Gila River, Salt River, and San Pedro valleys. In 1877, Daniel Webster Jones and Henry Clay Rogers established Fort Utah in the Salt River Valley. Over the next two years, with the help of wagon companies arriving from Utah and Idaho, Fort Utah grew into a well-established farming community. Eventually renamed Mesa, this settlement became the center of the first stake in Arizona, the Maricopa Stake. The Mesa Arizona Temple, the first in Arizona, was dedicated on October 23, 1927. There are now five temples in Arizona.

The Saints of Arizona have made significant contributions both to the Church and to their local communities throughout their history. In 1973, Spencer W. Kimball, a native of Thatcher, Arizona, became the Church’s 12th President. In recent years, Latter-day Saints have joined a coalition of more than 40 churches to help migrant refugees and asylum seekers and assisted in providing clean water to the Navajo Nation. With support from Saints in Arizona, Latter-day Saint Charities has made significant donations to charitable organizations throughout the state and nation.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission.  Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!