Happy Birthday Pasadena: Chalk Up Another Year

Of course, the moment everyone will be waiting for is when Mayor Terry Tornek cuts the cake…and they get to eat it. – Courtesy photo

It’s time to chalk up another year in Pasadena history and celebrate not just the past 365 days of cityhood, but the previous 130 years of growth and accomplishment as well.

Sunday, June 11, festivities focus on the creative and artistic aspects of Pasadena, a city known far and wide as a hub of cultural activity that far outpaces that of many much larger communities.

The theme for Happy Birthday Pasadena 2017 takes its cue from the two exhibitions in the galleries that look at art from different perspectives. Art in the Street: 25 Years of the Pasadena Chalk Festival celebrates the silver anniversary of one of the area’s most popular art attractions. The Art of Getting There: Railroad Inspired Artistry explores how railroads, the apex of the Industrial Revolution’s might and power, have inspired artists since their introduction. So hop aboard and start celebrating.

The grounds and gardens will be filled with music, art projects and interactive opportunities galore. Get in the party spirit with balloons (Mind Blowing Balloons) and face painting (artist Carmen McDonald). Marvel at chalk artists – including Master Madonnaro Arlou Somo – as they turn cement walkways into masterpieces and party-goers can try their hand at contributing to a Railroad themed mural.

Create original Railroad signs in the Art 2 Go workshop. Check out the Event Partners at pop up displays around the grounds – each one will have something special for everyone’s amusement. Don’t forget to get train tickets punched at Stations throughout the grounds for a chance at a prize.

Of course, the moment everyone will be waiting for is when Mayor Terry Tornek cuts the cake – and they get to eat it. This year, a particularly harmonious Happy Birthday song will be sung to the fair City, with the fabulous a cappella group Acasola as vocal leads. The award-winning vocal ensemble will entertain throughout the grounds before and after the cake cutting ceremony.

Pasadena Museum of History is delighted to join each year with the City of Pasadena to celebrate the City’s milestones and honored by Mayor Tornek, members of Pasadena City Council and other VIPs coming together at this event to pay tribute to Pasadena’s past, present and future. It is a joy to collaborate with the many generous and talented Event Sponsors and Event Partners. They are shining examples of the spirit of community involvement that makes Pasadena a stellar city.

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