Bicentennial Torch Relay Tour Continues Journey Around Gwinnett

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Gwinnett County’s bicentennial torch made its debut at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse last Dec. 15 and has since been on display at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, Lawrenceville City Hall and the Collins Hill and Lawrenceville branch libraries. Now housed at Lucky Shoals Park, the torch will next travel to Lilburn City Hall Wednesday as it continues its yearlong, 200-mile tour of the county.

Students from various local high schools along with the occasional local dignitary carry the LED-powered torch. The torch relay was suggested by Bicentennial Advisory Committee member and Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson.

Johnson said, “As the torch is carried to historical sites, I hope the past is illuminated; when the torch stops at city halls, I hope the present is illuminated; and as the torch is carried by young runners, I hope the future is illuminated.”

The bicentennial torch represents the goodwill and connection between communities. The relay represents Gwinnett’s journey from 1818 to today, evolving from a largely agrarian community to one of the fastest growing, most diverse counties in the Southeast.

Gwinnett Board Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “My fellow commissioners and I are very excited about the bicentennial’s potential to get residents involved with their local government. The torch relay gives students the opportunity to contribute to the celebration.”

The runners will carry the torch to various historic sites, public facilities and cities in Gwinnett and a traveling history exhibit will accompany it to many locations. The torch relay will end at the County’s 200th Birthday Celebration on Dec. 15 at the Infinite Energy Center.

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To follow the Gwinnett County Bicentennial Torch Relay, view photos from the torch’s journey and learn about other Gwinnett 200 events, visit www.Gwinnett200.com.

Lawrenceville City Hall arrival: 1/24, departure: 2/6
Collins Hill Branch Library arrival: 2/6, departure: 2/14
Gwinnett Historic Courthouse arrival: 2/14, departure: 2/28
Lawrenceville Branch Library arrival: 2/28, departure: 3/12
Lucky Shoals Park arrival: 3/12, departure: 3/21
Lilburn City Hall/Lilburn Branch Library arrival: 3/21, departure: 4/9
Bethesda Park Senior Center arrival: 4/9, departure: 4/10
Georgia Gwinnett College arrival: 4/10, departure: 4/12
Bethesda Park Senior Center arrival: 4/12, departure: 4/25
Mountain Park Branch Library arrival: 4/25, departure: 5/7
Centerville Senior Center arrival: 5/7, departure: 5/15
Lenora Park arrival: 5/15, departure: 5/30
Snellville City Hall arrival: 5/30, departure: 6/7
Loganville City Hall arrival: 6/7, departure: 6/15
Grayson City Hall arrival: 6/15, departure: 6/27
Dacula City Hall arrival: 6/27, departure: 7/9
Elisha Winn House arrival: 7/9, departure: 7/18
Auburn City Hall arrival: 7/18, departure: 7/30
Braselton Heritage Center arrival: 7/30, departure: 8/8
Hamilton Mill Branch Library arrival: 8/8, departure: 8/15
Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center arrival: 8/15, departure: 8/27
Bogan Park arrival: 8/27, departure: 9/6
Buford City Hall arrival: 9/6, departure: 9/17
Sugar Hill City Hall arrival: 9/17, departure: 9/25
George Pierce Park arrival: 9/25, departure: 10/2
Suwanee City Hall arrival: 10/2, departure: 10/15
Pinckneyville Park arrival: 10/15, departure: 10/23
Berkeley Lake City Hall arrival: 10/23, departure: 11/1
Peachtree Corners City Hall arrival: 11/1, departure: 11/12
Norcross City Hall arrival: 11/12, departure: 11/26
McDaniel Farm Park arrival: 11/26, departure: 12/3
Shorty Howell Park arrival: 12/3, departure: 12/10
Duluth City Hall arrival: 12/10, departure: 12/15
Infinite Energy Center arrival: 12/15, departure: 12/21

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County