CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Honoring our Town's rich history
Planning for Corte Madera’s Centennial Celebration began in 2011, when the Corte Madera Community Foundation pledged $10,000 as seed money for organizing a town-wide celebration of our town’s 100th anniversary in 2016. Other Corte Madera civic organizations -- the Women’s Club, Beautification Committee, and Lions Club -- were eager to participate, each one setting aside $1,000 per year for five years to support Centennial activities.
In 2014, the Foundation formed an ad hoc committee and encouraged all interested individuals, businesses and organizations to participate in sharing ideas for a year-long series of events that would bring the entire community together and highlight community spirit. Many of them offered to sponsor various Centennial activities so that everyone could attend free of charge.
The Town of Corte Madera was an active partner in turning the group’s collective vision into reality. The Town Council, Public Works Department, and Parks & Recreation Department had major roles in the success of the year-long Centennial celebration, as did the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce.
There were multiple events for the month of April including The Way We Were historical presentation, Ragtime Night with Frederick Hodges and the Celebrating the Corte Madera Marsh guided walk.
The two events that took place in May 2016 were the Vintage Auto Show and the Town Band 20th Anniversary Concert.
On June 10th, 2016, the Family Fun Night dinner and Trivia Contest was held and the contents of the Time Capsule from 1991 were revealed.
Several events took place on June 11 including Weekend 100 in Town Park, Community Bike Parade, Free Hot Dog Lunch and Group Outdoor Photo. More events are included on the next page.
Additional events happening on June 11th included the Hall Middle School Band & Chorus show, Official Centennial Ceremony, Birthday Cake in Patio, and the Jimmy Z & The Great Band played.
There were multiple events on June 12th including the Chili Cook-off, Old-time Ballgame - Firefighters vs. Police and the Concert at Piccolo Pavilion.
Sharon Barnett led a Ring Mountain Nature Walk, sharing the history of the location and the conservation effort that helped save this very special place.
On the 4th of July, the Town held a Parade and a Festival that included musical entertainment, arts & crafts from local artists, food and lots of fun children's activities.
Many events were held between August and September including Honoring our Elders, Fred Astaire Night, Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social and Ragtime in Hollywood.
During the months of November and December, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot was held, along with the Snow Day celebration which included games, music, a visit by Santa and a tree-lighting ceremony.
Two years of planning and a lots of gratitude to all the volunteers and sponsors who helped bring our entire community together in celebration of the town’s Centennial.
Scott DeTurk of San Rafael was commissioned to compose a song called "When I Think Corte Madera" for the Centennial, and it was recorded by Susan Zelinsky and musician Drew Youngs.
To listen to the song on YouTube, click here.
To read press coverage on the Centennial New Years Gala, the first event of the Centennial celebration, click here.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
