City leaders are hoping to see even more miles of smiles on the way to widening State Route 347. 

Mayor Nancy Smith announced during last night’s city council meeting that the city will host a series of celebration parties next month to mark recent progress made to improve the city’s only direct route to the rest of metro Phoenix. 

“So, what do you do?” Smith asked during the meeting that followed the successful lobby of several local and state agencies. 

“You party,” she said. “You have to party this milestone.” 

Called the 347 Celebration Party Lanes, the three celebrations will occur over the course of two days — a play on the highway’s impending expansion to three lanes.  

The festivities will begin with a pool party Aug. 9 at the Copper Sky Aquatic Center. From noon to 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy the pool for free, plus contests.  

For those who don’t want to get wet, another party will take place at the same time inside the Copper Sky Multigenerational Center. The family-friendly event will include entertainment and free hot dogs with bounce houses outside.  

The 55-plus crowd will have their own party Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Maricopa Community Center, 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road. There will be a potluck with games and prizes.  

All three parties are free to attend. Registration is required for the pool party. 

The budget for the three parties has not been released. However, Community Enrichment Director Quinn Konold said it would be funded from the city’s community events budget, and they are “seeking potential sponsorship to cover some of the cost.”