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.
As part of Arcadia's centennial, the city is considering putting up historical markers around town as reminders of past people and events that have shaped Arcadia. There has been $12,000 in centennial funds allocated for the program and a tentative list of some 30 sites presented to Arcadia City Council. Some potential marker locations are given.
Arcadia City Councilman Gary Kovacic will take over as mayor at the next City Council Meeting. He will serve through October 21 and then the position will rotate to John Wuo (October 21-January 4), Mickey Segal (January 4-April 20). Gail Marshall was mayor through April 15 of this year. All council members are rotating to the position of mayor during the city's centennial.
Arcadia officially unveiled the design for its city centennial float last week. Designed by Phoenix Builders, it features the Queen Anne Cottage, the wishing well fountain from Santa Anita, and a giant peacock. It cost $100,000. A list of float riders is included.
Using the theme "100 Years of Good Health, Happiness and Prosperity," an Arcadia Rose Parade float commemorates the city's centennial. Riding on the float will be a doctor, a nurse, a graduate of Arcadia Methodist Hospital's neonatal program, US Army Captain Jon Shafer, a horseracing figure, and two local children. The two children will be chosen by random drawing.
Arcadia celebrates its 100th birthday on August 5, 2003. The date reflects the anniversary of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors certifying the results of the cityhood election. Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin was talking about creating a city as early as 1886. He wanted to name the city Baldwin. On July 27, 1903, thirty-nine residents voted for cityhood.