LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lafayette prepares for 50th anniversary celebration


Moraga Road toward Mt. Diablo Boulevard, with Lafayette United Methodist Church on left and Lafayette Elementary School on right. Images provided

Lafayette is getting ready to throw a big party to celebrate its 50th anniversary of incorporation. And a lot of people in the city are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the plans for the big bash.

It's all going to be happening on Sunday, July 29. Festivities are scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. in the Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. A reception will honor early city council members, mayors, and businesses that have operated in Lafayette for 50 years or longer, plus longtime residents who have lived in the city for 50 years or more.

The main event, however, is set to take place from 4 to 7 p.m. along Golden Gate Way near the LLLC featuring entertainment from Dave Martin's House Party band as well as a kid zone with games and activities.

Residents will be transported back in time as Town Hall Theatre actors in period pieces represent different eras in Lafayette's history in conjunction with the Lafayette Historical Society. And, of course, Old Betsy, Lafayette's historic fire truck, will be on display.

There will be community organization booths and, most importantly, food catered by Back Forty Texas BBQ.

In fact as an incentive to sign up early, dinner tickets are being sold at decidedly 1968 prices - the first 1,000 tickets will be sold at $10 per adult and $5 per child. Once they are sold out, tickets will still be available at the event for $20 (adults) and $10 (kids). Tickets may be purchased at http://bit.ly/Lafayette50thDinner.

And what is a city party without a parade? Luckily Lafayette has that covered. At 5 p.m. the parade will be making its way from School Street up to Golden Gate Way along First Street. Rumor has it the parade will include Farmyard Darlings horseback riders and an all-volunteer marching band organized by Lamorinda Music.

As observant residents may have noticed the city utility boxes along Mt. Diablo Boulevard have already been decorated with artwork in honor of the anniversary.

Residents may also have heard of Mayor Don Tatzin's year-long plea in honor of Lafayette's 50th anniversary to get 1,000 homes and businesses to participate in the community gift of green energy by opting up to MCE Deep Green - 100 percent renewable electricity sourced from California wind and solar farms by going to http://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/50.

And finally, with an eye looking ahead to the next 50 years, a time capsule will be available and residents are encouraged to bring something to include. The time capsule will be opened in 2068.