LIVERMORE, CA — Livermore will celebrate the 125th birthday of the Centennial Light on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Fire Station 6, part of a broader celebration of the city's 150th anniversary.
Installed in 1901, the Centennial Light has remained illuminated nearly continuously for more than a century, and is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest-burning lightbulb. The bulb was originally installed as a nightlight for volunteer firefighters known as the Livermore Fire Boys, and was later moved between firehouses before arriving at Fire Station 6, 4550 East Avenue in 1976.
“The Centennial Light is a unique and enduring symbol for Livermore. It has watched over the men and women who serve and protect our community 24 hours each day for over 125 years,” Livermore Mayor John Marchand said in a statement. “As we celebrate Livermore’s 150th anniversary, we’re proud to honor this remarkable piece of history with our residents and visitors alike.”
“LPFD is honored to host the Centennial Light at Fire Station 6 and to welcome the community for this milestone,” Fire Chief Aaron Lacey said. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate something truly special.”
The bulb was manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company and made of handblown glass with a carbon filament. Bramell said Dennis Bernal, owner of the Livermore Power and Light Company at the time, donated the bulb to the fire department.
The bulb briefly went dark in 2013 when its dedicated power supply shorted out, but returned after about nine hours.
Event details, including activities and program information, will be released closer to the event date, according to the city. Livermore will hold special events each weekend in June as part of its sesquicentennial celebration.
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