Help Blow Out Candles At Novato's Birthday Party

NOVATO, CA – The year 1960 marked the debut of the Flintstones, the Etch-a-Sketch, “Psycho,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and actor Hugh Grant. It also marked the debut of Novato as an incorporated city, which is something celebrated by several hundred locals each year in grand style. Novato’s Birthday Party 2019 is all set for Friday, Jan. 25, at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, and tickets are on sale now.

The city’s 59th birthday celebration will feature an array of food, drink, entertainment, and special honors at the Buck Institute, the iconic structure on the southern slope of Mount Burdell overlooking the rest of Novato. There will be a showcase of morsels and libations from local restaurants, wineries, and craft breweries called “The Taste of Novato.”

This annual event – which used to be called “Paint the Town Red” – is a tribute to the past, present and future of Novato, its residents, community leaders, first responders, businesses, nonprofits and service organizations. About 200 people attend every year, including many elected officials, making it one of the most anticipated semi-formal galas in Marin County.

The surprise announcement of the Novato Citizen of the Year is always a highlight, especially when the honoree is swarmed by family members who come out from hiding as soon as the recipient is named. Large and small businesses of the year receive ovations from the throng, as do employees of the year from the Novato Police Department and Novato Fire Protection District.

After the big announcements, the dance floor opens up with DJ accompaniment and the candles are blown out on the city’s birthday cake.

“The celebration of Novato’s birthday is the perfect opportunity to welcome new comers, celebrate those who enrich our community and unite in a strong bond of friendship,” said Jeanne MacLeamy, a member of the event committee and a former Novato Citizen of the Year and mayor.

The doors open at 6 p.m. and the event wraps up by 10 p.m. The Buck Institute is at 8001 Redwood Blvd. Tickets are available through PainttheTownRed.org. Take advantage of the $50 ticket price soon because the price goes up to $60 after New Year’s Day.

SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: Novato City Birthday Party Committee

Photo: Ed Schulze blows out candles on the city's birthday cake in January 2018 shortly after he was introduced as the Citizen of the Year during the Novato City Birthday Party at the Buck Institute. Photo via Novato City Birthday Party Committee