Celebrate Aiken! Something to Celebrate

Let's Celebrate Aiken!

Welcome to our yearlong celebration of the City of Aiken’s founding 175 years ago. We have much to celebrate: a rich heritage, remarkable natural beauty and residents proud of the place we call home. This is truly a community celebration founded in the past, built around our progress and focused on the future.

Everyone is invited to join in the festivities from the kick off event, “Sights, Sounds and Tastes of 1835,” on January 9, to the gigantic 175th community Birthday Party on December 18.

We want to express our deepest appreciation to each volunteer whose hard work and vision have made this celebration possible. A group of dedicated volunteers began planning Celebrate Aiken! in January 2009 and for many, this will be a two-year commitment.

A very special thanks goes to the sponsors whose generosity funds all the free public events. Please let them know you appreciate their support of our celebration. And last but not least, thanks to City Council and City staff for their enthusiastic support of Celebrate Aiken! from the outset.

Celebrate Aiken! is a continually evolving celebration. The very latest information can be found on our web site www.celebrateaiken.com.

We invite you to Celebrate Aiken! and its rich past, vibrant present and bright future.

Fred Cavanaugh
Mayor and Honorary Chairman

Bill Reynolds
Chairman

If Aiken has been good to you, you can be good to Aiken by being part of Celebrate Aiken!

Come and enjoy the events-almost all are free!
Be a volunteer.
Become an Aiken's 175: Your donation will help pay for all the free public events. You will be listed throughout 2010 on this Web site as one of Aiken’s 175. Check in periodically to see the list grow.
Purchase a Celebrate Aiken! souvenir to help you or a loved one to remember this special celebration.

	Aiken Reads: Tuesday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. at the Aiken County Public Library. A scholar-led discussion of "Swimming Lessons" by South Carolina Lowcountry author Mary Alice Monroe. The companion picture book, "Turtle Summer," introduces children to the life cycle of the loggerhead sea turtles. On Wednesday, July 21 at 2 p.m., 1st to 5th graders are invited to explore the world of turtles through crafts, games and books, including "Turtle Summer." Contact Mary Jo Dawson, (803) 642-2020. Transportation Parade to the Railroad Depot: Saturday, Sept 18, an historical parade of vehicles from the horse and buggy to the hydrogen car will wind though downtown to the new railroad depot. Call (803) 649-2221.
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