Mayor Freeman at 2026 Annual Lehi Crossing Historical Ride
Mesa’s story did not start with freeways and subdivisions. It started with grit, faith, hard work, and a community determined to build something lasting in the desert.
This week, Mayor Mark Freeman joined residents and local leaders for the annual Lehi Crossing historical ride, a tradition that honors the Mormon pioneers who helped settle Lehi and Mesa in the late 1870s and helped lay the foundation for the community we know today.
Councilmember Rich Adams participated in the ride alongside Mayor Freeman (and his horse Kiki), and Mesa District 5 Councilmember Alicia Goforth also joined the group.
The Lehi Crossing ride is a reminder that Mesa’s growth is rooted in perseverance. It is also a reminder that preserving history is not just about looking back. It’s about keeping the values that built Mesa alive for the generations coming next.
Why This Tradition Matters
Mesa is one of the most historically rich cities in Arizona. Events like the Lehi Crossing ride do more than commemorate a moment in time. They connect today’s residents to the people who built early neighborhoods, established community institutions, and created the beginnings of the city’s civic spirit.
Mayor Freeman believes that honoring Mesa’s history strengthens Mesa’s future. When a city remembers its origins, it carries forward a deeper sense of identity, responsibility, and pride.
Preserving Mesa’s Story for Future Generations
The City of Mesa continues to grow quickly, but growth should never come at the expense of community memory. The annual Lehi Crossing ride is one way Mesa keeps that balance, celebrating progress while honoring the people and stories that helped shape the city.
Mayor Freeman thanks everyone who helped organize and participate in this year’s ride and remains committed to supporting community traditions that protect Mesa’s heritage and strengthen civic pride.