Chandler Marks 99th Birthday on May 17th

Planning continues on 2012 Centennial Celebration

CHANDLER, Ariz. –  Chandler’s 99^th birthday on May 17 will be a low key affair,

but City officials say  that’s only because they are busy making plans and

marshaling resources for the big community bash in 2012.

“Reaching birthday number 99 is great, but next year’s celebration will be one for the ages,” said Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “Residents are already excited, and I’m getting asked about our centennial plans all the time.”

The Chandler Centennial Steering Committee has been meeting regularly for nearly a year, and plans for the main events are almost finalized. The committee includes representatives from a broad cross section of the community, including Chandler schools, non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, service clubs, businesses, and the Chandler Historical Society.

“We had a suggestion form on our website for several months and we got some terrific feedback from residents,” said Chandler’s Centennial Coordinator Jean Reynolds. “We have some fun activities and great celebrations planned, and we are getting a strong early response for sponsorships from our biggest employers and even small businesses.”

The main focus is on a series of special events in early 2012 that build interest and excitement to the May 17 anniversary and the accompanying Centennial Celebration Weekend, May 17-20. A 100-day countdown to the birthday festivities begins in early February and numerous events during that period will include a centennial theme. Arizona’s Centennial will also occur during the 100-day countdown.

The City's celebration will include many aspects: a birthday cake creation contest, art contest for kids, traveling exhibits, a new Chandler history book, a Centennial quilt created by members of the Senior Center, and the unearthing of a 50-year old time capsule and the burial of a new time capsule. The Centennial Celebration Weekend will include a community party at Tumbleweed Park with music, food, fireworks and much more.

Several community groups have already come forward to have their 2012 special events designated as Chandler Centennial events. Some of these include the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony in February, Chandler's All Class & Retiree Reunion in April, the 4th of July Celebration, and a series of Chandler Symphony Orchestra performances. A special program to honor Chandler's centenarians (those 100 years and older) is also being planned.

In the coming months, the Centennial Steering Committee will be recruiting volunteers to assist with specific events in 2012. In the meantime, centennial details, including sponsorship information is available online at http://www.chandler100th.com/.

For information contact:          Jean Reynolds

                                                Public History Coordinator

                                                480-782-2751