Happy Birthday to YOU! This has been a year filled with wonder as we look back over our first 100 years and imagine our future 100 years from now. Who in 1915 would have envisioned our Seal Beach of today: a city of lovely homes on tree-lined streets, year-round sunshine and spectacular beaches? A city of diverse neighborhoods from Surfside Colony to Old Town to the Hill, Leisure World and the newer neighborhoods of College Park East and West? One hundred years of hard work by those who have come before us has given us a city of fine schools and places of worship, a surfer’s paradise, and a city of friendly people who are proud of our heritage as a small town with village charm.
We have celebrated all year long with each of our traditional events honoring the centennial. Some highlights of these are the annual polar plunge that rang in the New Year, Run Seal Beach 5K/10K and Classic Car Show in the spring, the Concert Series and Fish Fry in the summer. We look forward to Halloween on Main in the fall and the Christmas Parade in the winter. Indeed, our town works together every year to create a quality of life that is unparalleled anywhere.
In addition to our annual events, the Centennial Committee planned special events to mark our 100 years. We have enjoyed a year filled with the fun of movies in the local parks, a pool party, a golf tournament, a lovely gala dinner dance and so much more. Now, our celebrations are culminating on Saturday, October 24th and October 27th. This Saturday, October 24th is the day set aside as a birthday party to celebrate our community with a carnival and fireworks. And then, October 27th, starting at noon, the party continues with an open house at City Hall with food served by the Lions, tours of City Hall and the opening of the 1969 Time Capsule.
With its rich past, exciting present and promising future, we welcome in the next 100 years. This is our town and it is fashioned by each of us who call it home. We are a community of people who care for each other and care for the legacy of the next 100 years. Seal Beach is different from every other beach town and it is our job to pass it on to the next generation, unspoiled.
May you enjoy each moment whether walking Main, strolling the pier or burying your toes in the sand. We are truly a town of sun and fun, a great place to work, play and shop. Your Centennial Committee, City Council and I wish you a very happy 100th Birthday. Thank you for being part of what makes Seal Beach so unique and such a wonderful place to live.
Ellery Deaton is the mayor of Seal Beach and represents District One (Old Town and Surfside) on the City Council.
