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.
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.
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.
Arcadia's official city birthday party will be held August 5, a date that reflects the official declaration of Arcadia cityhood by the Board of Supervisors, back in 1903. The 100th birthday party includes a scavenger hunt, the release of the anthology "Visions of Arcadia," unveiling the bronze peacock statue at Peacock Corner, a mixer at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum, and a birthday party at the Community Center. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 18, July 31, 2003.
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."
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.
As part of the Centennial celebration, Gloria Horstman will review current books at the Arcadia Public Library. Horstman was an Arcadia school board member and served on the Library's Board of Trustees.
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'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 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.
An 8-foot tall bronze tribute to Arcadia's official bird, the peacock, will be unveiled August 5, as part of the city's centennial celebration. The statue will be located in the fountain at Peacock Corner, in the front of Arcadia County Park, at the southwest corner of Huntington Drive and Santa Anita Avenue. The sculptor of the peacock is Dave Chapple and the sculpture cost $30,000.