A Yearlong Party you won’t want to miss!
If only the early settlers that came to incorporate Redwood City as a city in 1867 could see what is has become! While they’d be shocked by its new downtown corridor and suburban skyline, most would marvel at the fact that even in its modern day, Redwood City has maintained its charm and historical appeal. This year, the city and its 80,872 residents will celebrate all that makes this fabulous city – from its arts, flowers, culture, people, music … and even chicken wings!
As we enter the third month of 2017, events are getting underway in what appears to be a yearlong celebration to honor Redwood City’s Sesquicentennial. While the largest party to honor this amazing time-tested achievement will take place on May 20, there are tons of other events taking place leading up to the big celebration and even thereafter.
The city has already set up a website www.rwc150.org for residents to learn more about upcoming celebrations and to gain more insight into the city’s history. Stories about the early days at Sequoia High School, the creation of the Redwood City Fire Department, pictures from the 1967 city Centennial and tales from Wyatt Earp’s Redwood City watering hole are all mentioned in blogs, shown in pictures and also told through local history experts’ testimony on the website.
With the May party close on the calendar, the city is focusing on some of the features to be announced at the party – including a honorees that represent the city’s longevity. In fact, a great portion of the sesquicentennial event will honor the oldest living Redwood City resident still living there, the resident who has lived in the city the longest, the longest running city business, longest running family-owned city business and other families with a long history in the city. (For information on how to nominate someone for these categories, send an email with the nominee’s story and contact information to submissions@rwc150.org by April 15.)
The May 20 event will take place along the 11 city blocks of downtown, particularly on Theater Way at Broadway between Main Street and Hamilton. Theater Way will be pedestrian-only and lined with cit and community booths, local food vendors, hands-on, free art projects, a kids zone, flower display and adult beverage tasting. People can rock-around-the clock at Courthouse Square with its constant stream of music with dancing encouraged.
One of the more unique aspects of this huge downtown party is the RedWING City Chicken Wing Tasting and Competition which will bring together amateur and professional Chicken Wing chefs to compete in prizes with their tantalizing bites. Each chef will be clucking for prizes for their delicious wings, as well as the grand titles of “best sauce”, “best rub”, and best-decorated booth. So, chefs, start your creations and tasters, train your taste buds – tasting begins at noon and goes until 8:30 p.m.
But it’s not too early for residents to begin celebrating. The city is hosting a myriad of activities this month and every month this year. Residents are encouraged to participate in photo sharing at the Downtown Library, particularly of photos from then and now. This Monday, Corporate Sponsors will be recognized by the Mayor at the Special Orders of the Day section of the City Council Meeting. (YES, Dwell will receive a mention, as we are a silver sponsor of this great event and HUGE supporters of this amazing city overall!) History tours are offered on weekends as well, so check the website for more information.
For a complete listing of events and historical mentions, please visit the following websites: www.rwc150.org and www.RedwoodCityHistory.org
And prepare to see us at many of the events dotting this great May 20 extravaganza!