Manhattan Beach looks forward to year of Centennial celebrations
Mayor Nick Tell recalls the history of Manhattan Beach as his children and their friends cut the ribbon at the Manhattan Beach Village Mall. Photo by Brianna Elce
by Trish Pietrzak
Manhattan Beach will be celebrating its Centennial Anniversary throughout 2012, leading up to a fireworks show in December, the month the city was incorporated in 1912.
The Manhattan Beach Centennial Committee, led by Mayor Nick Tell and Councilmember Richard Montgomery, worked for 18 months to develop a year-long series of celebrations that everyone in the community can participate in. Service groups, schools, businesses and community members throughout the city all pitched in on planned activities, which are designed to educate residents about the city’s history.
Hundreds of volunteers also helped the Committee raise funds in 2011 to underwrite the celebration.
“This is an exciting time in Manhattan Beach’s history and we have great centennial projects and events occurring throughout the year. Our Manhattan Village Mall Carnival in January and Taste of Manhattan Beach in March were sell outs so we look forward to the rest of the year’s events being as popular and successful,” said Mayor Nick Tell. “We’re proud of our hometown and hope everyone comes to celebrate with us throughout 2012”.
The next major event is the Centennial Parade and Picnic on May 19. Residents will create floats, costumes, and form marching groups for the parade. The picnic will include food, entertainment, and a historic photo display, “A Walk Through Time.”
Other Centennial celebrations include the Centennial Festival and Downtown Open House on July 7 and the Centennial Ball on September 22.
For more information about centennial events or how to get involved, visit mb100.org.
Trish Pietrzak is the public relations chair for the Manhattan Beach Centennial Committee.