Redmond's Centennial Bringing a Full Year of Activities

City staff and volunteers are busy putting the finishing touches on a full lineup of events and acitivities they hope will make Redmond's centennial year one for the history books.

Although the city doesn't actually turn 100 until Dec. 31, community members will have ample opportunity to celebrate the centennial throughout 2012. Last month's served as the centennial kick off, and a will likely be ready within a couple of weeks, according to city planner Kim Dietz.

Submissions for a centennial-themed poetry anthology are also being accepted now through Jan. 13. The collection will be released sometime in May.

Another project for early 2012 will be the construction of a new community garden to honor Redmond's centennial year. Dietz said the garden will likely be located in the Grasslawn neighborhood, but a final location has not been finalized.

Looking later into the year, the city's Centennial Planning Committee is putting together a neighborhood history challenge, Redmond time capsule, haunted history tour and city diorama. Annual events like Derby Days and Redmond Lights will also have new centennial-themed programming, including a neighborhood float competition during the Derby Days parade.

Lisa Rhodes, events and marketing administrator for the city of Redmond, said event organizers will continue to solicit residents and business owners for ideas and input as the year continues.

"As we move along, we'll be adding programming and activities," she said.

A major celebration is also planned for Dec. 30, 2012 to serve as the "end cap to all the events we do throughout the year," Rhodes said. Details for the event are still in the works, she added.

Visit the city's centennial website at 100years.redmond.gov for more information on the celebration or to get involved in the planning process.