2010 was a seminal year that started Mesa’s infatuation with neon. In October of that year, a powerful microburst collapsed the iconic 60-foot “Diving Lady,” last-in-the-Valley animated neon sign. Sprawled across the driveway of the Starlight Motel, at 2710 East Main Street, the sign was virtually destroyed – and destined for the landfill. Until the non-profit Mesa Preservation Foundation immediately jumped in to rescue the sign. After 3½ years, and $125,000 expended, the sign was restored to its original glory at the Starlite Motel.

Created by neon maven Paul Millett, the Diving Lady was erected in 1960 to promote a newly installed swimming pool on the motel property.

The rededication was led by then Mayor Scott Smith who threw the switch that relit the sign before a crowd estimated to exceed 1000. That’s when Mesa collectively decided to protect its remaining neon.

Today this smaller, animated replica of the Diving Lady has been installed in homage to the sign that energized enthusiasts to begin “Diving” in to saving Valley neon – five of which are now gloriously on display in the Neon Garden.