Walnut Creek “Rocked” during Celebration of the Century!
The City of Walnut Creek officially celebrated its 100th birthday in 2014, honoring the date of incorporation (October 21, 1914) as well as a century of progress and achievements.
The year-long Celebration of the Century — spearheaded by and funded by the community – featured more than 150 community-sponsored Centennial Events and three Signature Centennial Events and gave community members the chance to explore and recognize our rich heritage and history and solidify our civic pride. See the list of Centennial Sponsors and Donors.
Highlighting the year’s events was the Centennial Birthday Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2014, which was attended by more than 5,000 community members, who enjoyed live music, local artisans, activities and crafts for kids of all ages — and birthday cake!
The Centennial officially closed at the Tuesday, October 21, 2014 meeting of the City Council — coincidentally, 100 years to the date of the official incorporation of the City. Then, on December 6, 2014, the community dedicated the Centennial Groveat Heather Farm Park, a legacy gift for the future.
Centennial Logo
To commemorate the celebration, the Centennial Committee developed a logo that reflects Walnut Creek’s cultural and historic legacy as well as its location at the base of Mount Diablo.
Centennial Committee
The Centennial Celebration was led by a committee of community volunteers who organized in early 2013 to plan the yearlong celebration. The City Council assigned Council Members Kristina Lawson and Cindy Silva to represent the Council on the Centennial Committee and selected Steve and Mackenzie Lesher as the Centennial Committee co-chairs. City Communications and Outreach Manager Gayle Vassar served as the project manager for the Committee.
Mackenzie Lesher, Centennial Co-Chair
Steve Lesher, Centennial Co-Chair
Kristina Lawson, Mayor 2014
Cindy Silva, Mayor 2013
Gayle Vassar, City Project Manager
Janet Abrams
Rocco Biale
Ron Brown
Kim Brown
Linda Rimac Colberg
Angie Coffee
Angela De La Housaye
Donna Dell
Tracy Dietlein
Mark Hall
Brian Hirahara
Sally Ingraham
Sandi Jacobsen
Tony Kallingal
Donald Liddle
Bob Lloyd
Kathleen Odne
Bob Power
Gwen Regalia
Allison Ridenhour
Rob Stankus
Peggy White
Commemorative Items
During the Centennial year, community members were able to show their Walnut Creek Centennial pride and “take home the celebration” by purchasing one of the Walnut Creek 100 collector items.
Walnut Creek’s Centennial featured three Signature Centennial Events.
Centennial Birthday Festival More than 5,000 community members of all ages celebrated Walnut Creek’s 100th Birthday at the Centennial Birthday Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Shadelands Ranch and Museum.
Centennial Heritage Day at Borges Ranch More than 850 community members celebrated Walnut Creek’s early ranching days on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the Centennial Heritage Day at Borges Ranch. Read more.
Flappers and Flasks: Roaring in the Centennial Walnut Creek kicked off the Birthday Celebration on Friday evening, January 24, 2014 at “Flappers and Flasks: Roaring in the Centennial.” Read more.
Centennial Highlights
Five events highlighted Walnut Creek’s Centennial Celebration. Take a look at the photos to remember the year!
The Centennial Celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of the local business community and their contributions, which helped to fund Centennial special events, publicity efforts, and a Legacy Project.