Huntington Beach California Centennial Celebrations 100 Years Feb. 17, 2009

Huntington Beach, California's 100 Year Centennial Birthday Celebration was recognized with an event at Pier Plaza overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The 2009 commemoration was held exactly 100 years to the day of incorporation which was Feb. 17, 1909. Photos by: Debbie Stock

When the inflatable birthday cake was positioned and the tent set up to provide shelter should it rain, the party began just after 6 p.m. at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach. Overlooking the historic Huntington Beach Pier just as the sun went down, an audience of over 150 people came to celebrate the 100 year birthday of Huntington Beach.

In addition to current and former mayors, some of HB's long-time residents and newcomers watched as memories of Huntington Beach were discussed and items presented for a shiny, silver centennial time capsule standing approx. 4 feet tall. That capsule will be sealed, then re-opened in 50 years.

Huntington Beach Ocean View Hotels include:
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
Huntington Beach Inn
Shorebreak Hotel Joie de Vivre

HUNTINGTON BEACH – The City of Huntington Beach's 100th birthday centennial celebration was held exactly 100 years to the day of the Huntington Beach incorporation on Feb. 17, 1909. Overlooking the Huntington Beach pier, Mayor Keith Bohr, city council members, former mayors, dignitaries, an historic board, and long-time residents were all recognized or spoke about Surf City.

Among the presentations:

Mayor Keith Bohr launched the event with a letter hot off the press from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulating the city.
Historic Resources Board chair and members presented a book, Ebb and Flow, chronicling the city's history. They also showed a framed photo of the original five member, all male city council from 1909.
A postmaster presented a centennial postmark the public can purchase throughout the centennial week.
Co-chair Steve Bone, CEO and President of Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau (formerly known as Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau), spoke about the year long line-up of events. Each month in 2009 a theme assigned by a special committee will be celebrated with special events such as picnics, parties, and other programs. Highlights of the year include a September surfing photo with 10,000 surfers. Co-chair and former HB mayor Ron Shenkman recognized committee members who planned and carried out the Centennial celebration.
Long-time residents who sat in a special section of the audience were recognized for their years living in Huntington Beach.

City officials and residents also placed items into a time capsule that will be buried near Veterans Memorial at City Hall to be dug up in 50 years. Items placed in the capsule included a map of the city, a directory of local businesses, miniature Rainbow Disposal trash truck, letters from residents to their children and a set of commemorative Huntington Beach Centennial coins presented by HB Rotary member Dale Dunn.

Events throughout the year will include a scavenger hunt of Huntington Beach businesses, a beach party for residents and visitors, a gala at Golden West College, Golden Bear reunion celebration, gathering of 10,000 surfers at the pier for a photo, and much more.

Orange County's fourth largest city is the sixth to blow out the candles on its 100 year birthday cake. Anaheim, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Orange, and Santa Ana all incorporated before HB. hb100years.org.