Party planning under way for Lacey’s 50th birthday

The city of Lacey will celebrate 50 years as an incorporated community next year, which means it is time to get the party started.

Leading the charge is Howard Burton, chairman of the 50th anniversary committee. Burton briefed the Lacey City Council on Thursday on the party planning done to date.

As it stands now, the celebration is envisioned as a yearlong party, beginning in July 2016 and ending in July 2017.

“It’s a program that would instill pride in the community,” Burton said.

Here’s how some of the year would play out:

▪ The celebration begins July 3, 2016, with an enhanced fireworks show at the regularly scheduled Fireworks Spectacular and Freedom Concert in Lacey.

▪ The celebration continues Dec. 5 — the date of incorporation — with an open house, recognizing current and former council members and others who had a hand in the city’s growth.

▪ The celebration ends in July 2017 with a barbecue festival, possibly at Huntamer Park.

The cost to the city is estimated at about $50,000, which could be spread over two years.

During Burton’s presentation, Ken Balsley, a Lacey booster, historian and parks board member, shared a bit of history with the council.

Balsley wore an “I love Lacey” T-shirt to the work session, which he said was produced in 1996 by the Lacey Chamber of Commerce after a downtown Olympia business produced “Lacey sucks” T-shirts.

Balsley said the “I love Lacey” T-shirt was created to protect Lacey’s history.

“This shirt represents what we’re trying to do,” he said about next year’s celebration.

This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 12:48 AM with the headline "Party planning under way for Lacey’s 50th birthday."