Southwest Human Development hosts Gatsby-themed events during Grand Prix of Scottsdale weekend

“Can’t repeat the past…Why of course you can!”

Truer words have never been written, especially when they are from “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and happen to describe an upcoming event in Scottsdale themed on one of the greatest American literary works of all time.

The 2nd annual Grand Prix of Scottsdale Gatsby Weekend will roar into town Nov. 4-6, 2016. This spectacular Roaring 20s-themed experience promises to be the soiree of the season as revelers come decked out in period 1920s dress ready to step back in time with classic cocktails, Charleston competitions, and an exhibition of open-wheeled Vintage Mini Racers that will race through the streets of downtown Scottsdale.

Partnering with the Grand Prix of Scottsdale to host a series of Gatsby-themed charity events during the race weekend is Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development.

“Our inaugural Grand Prix weekend was such an incredible experience,” said Napoleon Smith, III, producer of the Grand Prix of Scottsdale. “Everyone who attended had a great time and we’re excited to be adding Southwest Human Development to the mix to host several Gatsby-themed events that will not only heighten the weekend experience for attendees, but also help fund important charitable programs for kids and their families here in our community.”

With open to the public and ticketed events, the Grand Prix race weekend will feature a Friday night kickoff black-tie Gatsby Under the Stars Gala; a two-day Gatsby Lawn Party with wine, spirit, craft beer and restaurant tastings on Saturday and Sunday; a Sandrena-Benz Grand Prixni kids’ race on Saturday; a special Kids’ Zone throughout the weekend; and a Victory Winner’s Circle Celebration following Sunday’s Grand Prix Race to close out the weekend festivities.

“The Gatsby gala and lawn parties are going to be the events of the season,” said Jake Adams, chief development officer at Southwest Human Development. “The 20s were a time to remember and we’re bringing them back in style on the Scottsdale Waterfront to support important early childhood programs that help put kids on the right path for success in school.”

Schedule of weekend charitable events:

Friday, Nov. 4:
Gatsby Under the Stars Gala, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Gatsby Under the Stars gala kicks off the weekend Friday, Nov. 4, at 7:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear period, black tie optional dress as they step back in time to enjoy the 1920s era music from the band Big Lucky. The Charleston, Black Bottom and Shimmy will take over the dance floor, while onlookers sip classic cocktails straight out of the Roaring 20s. Tickets start at $100 (portion of ticket price eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit).

Saturday, Nov. 5, and Sunday, Nov. 6:
Gatsby Lawn Party, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. (VIP admission begins at 12 p.m.)
Get ready to kick up your heels and dance to the live 1920s-themed music at the Gatsby Lawn Party at Soleri Bridge along the Scottsdale Waterfront. Mingle with mixologists as they mix up classic 1920s-themed cocktails, or sample from the 40+ wine, craft beer and restaurant tasting booths. Tickets start at $40 (full ticket price eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit).

To purchase tickets, please visit swhd.org/GrandPrix.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact David Reno at (602) 769-3958 or dreno@swhd.org.