Sundance Is History [Archive]

ColeTR1

03-09-2005, 03:35 PM

This last weekend there was an auction at Sundance Bar on the Parker Strip, everything inside from wagon wheels to beer taps. GOING, GOING, GONE!! :hammer2: Walking around the place was strange knowing it was the last time I was going to be in there. :idea: I could only think if these walls could talk what a story they would tell! :jawdrop: They are going to build 40 condos on the site. I also heard through the grapevine that Roadrunner is in escrow and will be closed by the new owner and the land developed in to condos and homes.:frown: The floating bars on the Parker Strip are going into extinction, the same way as the loud boats.
How many of you have had a cold one at Sundance and lets hear a story or two.

Mrs Luvnlife

03-09-2005, 04:15 PM

Damn, how sad is this....I can say, sadly, that I've never been on the river at Parker, driven through a time or two and I can guaran-damn-tee you that I definitely missed out on the fun of not being able to pull up via water taxi, tie up and have a drink or two and then hit the next spot!! :( Sorry to hear this!

JB in so cal

03-09-2005, 04:21 PM

Maybe a harbinger of things to come...?;
The (one of them) owner used to use a DB Meter to gauge how much the crowd liked each of the girls in the T-Shirt contests. If I'm not mistaken, he called it the "Peter Meter". That guy's skin looked like leather boots. LOL!!
Great times. :D

JetBoatRich

03-09-2005, 04:22 PM

One of the best parts of the Parker Strip is going up/down the river and stopping for Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the water :D can't take that away from us :hammer2:

barbigrl

03-09-2005, 04:24 PM

JB in so cal

03-09-2005, 04:27 PM

Since I have been around Sundance has not been the same as it once was....My parents used to party there when they were younger then me!! I bet they have some stories!! Roadrunner...now that is my place!!! I will be extremely sad to see it go......awww the memories..... :frown:
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/13/13_1_200.gif ('http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxmk146YYUS')
From what I remember from an earlier thread, the Dock Bar will remain open, just the land behind will be developed. I hope, anyway!

riverliver

03-09-2005, 04:27 PM

They have applied for a rezone to R3, I don't think they will get It (there was a city meeting on Monday) , The R3 would allow them to build up to 64ft high.
The plans I saw are to put up 28 condo's... I think they will get a R2 rezone that would allow them to build 35ft high... The next problem is where the hell are they going to park all those SUV's and boat trailers...And sewage is still a problem, what will they do with that ?????
If they don't get the rezoning or can't solve these other problems they may come back with some other type of commercial business...
I walk thur there also last weekend.. Man that place has been run into the ground....What a POS....

Boatcop

03-09-2005, 05:27 PM

I believe that the zoning change from Commercial to High Density Residential was approved on monday by the COUNTY, (not city).
That's pretty much the end of it. The Board doesn't grant these zoning changes willy-nilly, and if things like sewer, water, etc. don't go through, they won't allow it to revert back to commercial status.
Sundance is now just a memory.
For me that memory goes back before the post fire Circus-Tent days. All the way back when it was Rum Runner. Back then it was a true floating bar.

Flying Tiger

03-09-2005, 05:55 PM

Still have Badnochs, Del Rio, Fox's,,,
If RR closes it'll send the Turds to Fox's.

riverliver

03-09-2005, 07:20 PM

purrfecttremor

03-09-2005, 07:28 PM

wow the strip was already ruined by the casino,we need muflers and now this! WTF !

Rexone

03-09-2005, 07:53 PM

This is progress? :burningm:
I get so tired of seeing commercialization and development take everything over. First So Cal which used to be groves, vineyards, dairys, agri. Now it is the vacation areas, first havasu, now Parker.
There's only so much water out there. Build all kinds of high density housing, condos, etc etc and it just won't be worth going there any longer. Just another overdeveloped and way overcrowded tourist zone. All driven my money and greed of developers to buy and sell every last acre of land they can snatch up.
Rex(doesnotlikecrowdedplaces)one :burningm:

Flying Tiger

03-09-2005, 10:59 PM

I remember when it was nicely run.
Cute waitresses,, bands,, doormen keeping order,, the slips/docks were clean.
2'fer happy hours, a kitchen.
It really was a nice place at one time.
The property has to be worth a fortune now especially with the babyboomers hiting retirement age.
No place like the Parker strip anywhere.
Eventually we'll see another tower at the casino too.

slink

03-09-2005, 11:28 PM

mtndewdrops

03-10-2005, 07:21 AM

The end of an ERA :mad: Hope the mini sandbar doesn't get auctioned off next. ;)

old rigger

03-10-2005, 09:33 AM

How many of you have had a cold one at Sundance and lets hear a story or two.
Well that really sucks.
First time I went in Sundance I was 15 years old. My friend and I were in his dads little Tahiti crusing the river. He was the same age as me. We tied up at the dock and walked on up the plank and into what was then a little wood building. This was 1971. We got about 8 or 9 feet into the place and the first thing we saw was a guy and a girl screwing on the bar. It was pretty much a biker hang out at that time. We stood there for a few seconds not really believing what we were looking at and then we both got grabed by the arm by some big dude and led back out to the boat. He was pretty cool about it and told us to come back in a few years.
I did.
A lot.
By the time I was 18 (or 19 I can't remember what the exact law was) it was legal for us to drink in Az at that age while you had to be 21 in Cali. Thank god the folks place was on the Az side of the river. lol
During the mid to late 70s, the wood building grew into a big wood building and was still a biker hangout. At one point they had a little booth set up on the street side and you'd have to check your weapon in there if you were carring one, and they'd give you a little tag and you could get your gun or knife on the way out. Kinda like a hat check booth. I was pretty rough for a while, but a lot of fun. And of course the wood building was burnt to the ground, late 70s I think and for a summer or 2 Sundance was a big circus tent while the current one was under construction. That tent was really hot and they'd roll up the sides to try and get some air flowing through the thing. I think I remember big fans, like 6 feet in diameter, being set up to create some wind. That was the first time I went there with my dad, when it was a tent. He really liked the wet t shirt contests.
Asked my wife to marry me at Sundance in 84. Still married.
I would sure like to have the old aluminum hydro that was hanging over the door back in the 80's. I wonder what ever happened to it?

WaTchTheGelCoat

03-10-2005, 01:21 PM

Well that really sucks.
First time I went in Sundance I was 15 years old. My friend and I were in his dads little Tahiti crusing the river. He was the same age as me. We tied up at the dock and walked on up the plank and into what was then a little wood building. This was 1971. We got about 8 or 9 feet into the place and the first thing we saw was a guy and a girl screwing on the bar. It was pretty much a biker hang out at that time. We stood there for a few seconds not really believing what we were looking at and then we both got grabed by the arm by some big dude and led back out to the boat. He was pretty cool about it and told us to come back in a few years.
I did.
A lot.
By the time I was 18 (or 19 I can't remember what the exact law was) it was legal for us to drink in Az at that age while you had to be 21 in Cali. Thank god the folks place was on the Az side of the river. lol
During the mid to late 70s, the wood building grew into a big wood building and was still a biker hangout. At one point they had a little booth set up on the street side and you'd have to check your weapon in there if you were carring one, and they'd give you a little tag and you could get your gun or knife on the way out. Kinda like a hat check booth. I was pretty rough for a while, but a lot of fun. And of course the wood building was burnt to the ground, late 70s I think and for a summer or 2 Sundance was a big circus tent while the current one was under construction. That tent was really hot and they'd roll up the sides to try and get some air flowing through the thing. I think I remember big fans, like 6 feet in diameter, being set up to create some wind. That was the first time I went there with my dad, when it was a tent. He really liked the wet t shirt contests.
Asked my wife to marry me at Sundance in 84. Still married.
I would sure like to have the old aluminum hydro that was hanging over the door back in the 80's. I wonder what ever happened to it?
Now thats a cool story. Thanks for sharing.

ColeTR1

03-10-2005, 06:17 PM

Thanks OLD Rigger that cool!! :D

coolchange

03-10-2005, 06:37 PM

I always like picking out the "rookies" in the place. Nothing better than watching some "Joe cool" walk up to the bar and order a beer, realized it was handed to him upside down. he then flips it over to pop the top and doesn't even realize it's dumping all down his chest......good times
LMAO totally forgot about that!!!
Guy fell through the roof once. Trying to sneak in under age. He just stood up and started dancin! They never found him, we were rollin !!
There was that time under the Sundance....never mind.
Hate to see it go, now I'm all bummed even though I haven't been in there in the last 5 years.

coolchange

03-10-2005, 06:43 PM

Ya remember the Indian police comin in and shuttin it down cause of some biker problems a few times.
Hey OR,Remeber the Tuff Guy contests? Drunk wannabes gettin ass handed by little sober guys!! LMAO!!!!
Dam all this waxin poetic...I think I'm gonna cry :cry:

waterwitch

03-10-2005, 07:20 PM

I am really sad to hear Sundance is going to be Condo's.
My parents used to go there to watch the 8 hour enduro.
When something happened everyone would run to one side of
the dock, and it was under water.
When I started going we would take a bus from Havasu and
there would be 40 of us, drunker then a skunk!
I was there once with my husband and he won a macho man
contest. Still has his 3 foot trophy.
So many good times... I wish I could remember them all.
Coors Light flowing.............
For me, Roadrunner was fun, but Sundance is where we
got crazy!

Tom Garcia

03-10-2005, 07:31 PM

I remember waking up naked in back of my old school 81 1/2 ton chevy Fleetside lowered with a Southwind Tunnel Dragster behind it. It was freaking Hot and I did not remember everything. No my ass did not hurt. :mix:
GOODTIMES!!!!!!

pixilatedpussy

03-10-2005, 07:51 PM

Since I have been around Sundance has not been the same as it once was....My parents used to party there when they were younger then me!! I bet they have some stories!! Roadrunner...now that is my place!!! I will be extremely sad to see it go......awww the memories..... :frown:
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/13/13_1_200.gif ('http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxmk146YYUS')
I agree Barbi Girl!! Parker has always been a lot of FUN!!! But it's changed, its getting to be too dangerous!! Sorry to say we only visited 1 time last year and we didn't bring the kiddies!!!! :devil:

old rigger

03-10-2005, 07:57 PM

Hey OR,Remeber the Tuff Guy contests? Drunk wannabes gettin ass handed by little sober guys!! LMAO!!!!
Dam all this waxin poetic...I think I'm gonna cry :cry:
coolchange,
Man, I haven't thought of those tuff guy deals in a long time. The thing I remember most about them was the overwhelming amount of Marines that contest drew. They'd all drive in from 29 Palms to fight.
Happy hour was the best there, couldn't beat their long island ice teas. That was my choice of drink at Sundance. I forgot about the upside down opened beer cans til someone mentioned them earlier here. You're right, it was funny to see a rookie grab one and try to open it. Hell, I was guilty of it myself after a few ice teas.
I've been kinda bummed all day after seeing this post and thinking about that place closing up. Like coolchange, I haven't been there in over 6 years, but thinking about how much fun we had there....well it sucks big time that it's gone now.

life's a river

03-10-2005, 10:01 PM

What! No Sundance, No Roadrunner. This just doesn't seem right. Even though I have not been to Parker in 3 years, I'm realy going to miss both places. How about the "Macho Man Contest" at Sundance and the realy fat drunk party animal would win and then buy a round of drinks! Does anybody know George Adams. (Plantation owner) ? Is he involved with this condo deal. I know at one time he wanted to purchase Sundance but only if the land was included. There is no place like Parker in the off season. Early mornig ski run then breakfast at Badenochs, speed run up to the damn, float down river with some good tunes and cold beer, stop at roadrunner to say hello to whoever is there. Man I miss Parker :(
LAR

nodigg

03-21-2005, 06:53 AM

Even though it fell into decay over the last several years, and we (family)now spend most of our time in Havi and not Parker, we are all gonna miss it. I'm just glad my kids were able to experience it before it went away for good.

roostwear

03-21-2005, 10:19 AM

What a damn shame. I haven't been back to Parker since Sundance burned down, so I guess the strip died for me then. We hung out in Parker from 74-79, and remember camping next to the water at Blue Water Marina (WAY before the casino).
One weekend, my buddy "borrowed" his girlfriends new camaro and we headed for Sundance. It was a holiday weekend and traffic on the highway was terrible. The case of Bud in the back seat got hot, and since it was undrinkable, I poured it under the rear tires as we inched past Sundance. Keith power brakes that thing until the whole highway is thick in tire smoke, and you can't see the parking lot. Then we moved up a little. I poured more Bud under the tires, and so on and so on. he burned those tires down to the chord, then we took it back to her and got my car :D
OR, I forgot about that shack at the "entrance". What a friggin hoot. First time I was ever asked for my weapon.......

Sanger Jet

03-21-2005, 10:30 AM

Sundance is the reason I own a boat today!!! Had the best time of my life there!!! Thanks for the memories!!!

boatnam2

03-21-2005, 11:48 AM

well i still have my sundance story when i was a teenager the double deck boat full of all women picked my buddy and i up.we were camping at la paz we were teenagers and didnt even have a boat.what a crazy day.condos going in well it cant hurt home prices and since im a home owner in parker build away.

Parker Dreamin

03-21-2005, 12:01 PM

Go values go..........

Ducatista

03-21-2005, 12:44 PM

Very sad, before moving up to the Zoo, we spent our time on the Strip. Very sad indeed..... :frown: :frown: :frown:

Charley

03-21-2005, 12:52 PM

God Bless FOX's and Badnochs

WILDERTHANU

04-06-2005, 06:33 PM

Ya, I got wind of this a while ago. Ive grown up out there, used to live @ our river house on my summer break for years. Its going to be sad to see it go just like Mikey Mack's, Mike Murphy's, skiing bluewater, Sports Valley, sonic burger, old A&W...lol, the list goes on. God damn thats life and $$$$. I have so so so many damn storys from that place I wouldnt know where to begin.... lets just say I was drinking there long before I was 21.

SandbarScot

04-06-2005, 08:47 PM

I started going to Parker in the 70's, but was too young to get into Sundance. Turned 19 in '83, the year the river flooded, but Sundance survived. You could drink at age 19 in AZ back then. They had 2 for 1 drink nights and we got ripped. Warm nights, bar fights...drunks getting thrown into the river.
Good times :D