Arcadia government officials and centennial committee members are planning a yearlong civic celebration beginning January 1, 2003. On January 18, a gala event will honor people who have served the city. The history of Arcadia's incorporation, including the decision to use August 5, 1903, as the official date, is included.
Local residents and merchants have bought commemorative street banners which bear the inscription "Celebrating Arcadia's Centennial: 1903-2003" alongside their own name. Banners will be up January 1 and will hang until December 31, 2003.
City Councilman, Gary Kovacic, is asking locals to write about memories of Arcadia. The collection of essays will be published in a book titled "Visions of Arcadia: A Centennial Anthology."
Arcadia badges pay tribute to history. Arcadia Police Department employees will wear old-fashioned badges made to look like those that local lawmen pinned to their uniforms 100 years ago. The special Centennial badge will be worn during 2003.
Locals are invited to document "A Day in the Life of Arcadia," by shooting pictures that reflect life in Arcadia. Photos will be part of an exhibit at the Arcadia Historical Museum to celebrate the city's centennial.
Arcadia's Centennial (1903-2003) approaches and the Arcadia Centennial Celebration Commission is planning on a year-long, citywide celebration for the city's 100th birthday. In photo, a baseball cap to commemorate the centennial, is on sale at Arcadia Public Library.
The Arcadia Public Library is holding an "Ode to Arcadia Centennial Poetry Contest" in observance of Arcadia's 100th birthday and National Poetry Month. A workshop will be hosted by author Ron Koertge to explore the craft of poetry.
As part of Arcadia's 2003 centennial celebration, each council member has served as mayor for a three-month period of time. Mickey Segal will lead the city for the last three months until after the April 13 City Council election.
Arcadia celebrated 100 years of cityhood with a cameo appearance by Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin, portrayed by John Reuter. Activities included a scavenger hunt, author book signing for Visions of Arcadia, and the unveiling of the bronze peacock topping the fountain. The peacock was sculpted by Dave Chapple.
The city of Arcadia has kept its finances intact despite the budgetary troubles facing California, Mayor Gail Marshall said in her State of the City address delivered during the City Council Meeting on April 1. The article includes information on the Centennial commemorative flower. Nunccio's Nursery in Altadena created pink Arcadia Azaleas to mark the city's birthday.
McDonald's Corporation celebrates its official 50th anniversary today. The McDonald brothers' first food outlet was an orange juice stand and furniture store in Arcadia called Wigwam.