Lake Forest Park Celebrates 50 Years

From free hot dogs and coffee to stargazing and rocket launching, the June 17 weekend, filled with family-friendly, historical events, will be the highlight of Lake Forest Park’s yearlong 50^th anniversary celebration.

Mayor Dave Hutchinson started the plans for the commemoration of the city’s birthday two years ago. With the help of a grant, community volunteers, council members and various organizations, the city was able to put together a series of celebrations. They hope these will not only honor Lake Forest Park, but also help to remind residents of the history of a city that began as a logging town as early as the 1860s.

“We thought it’d be a better community gathering to be able to celebrate throughout the year,” said David Cline, City Administrator. “So people would think about the 50 years --where the city has come and where it’s going-- and not just focus on one event.”

So far, Cline said, they have had a great response from community members, with hundreds showing up to the celebrations. They expect this same response to their June events.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be Shoreline Historical Museum’s grand opening of both an exhibit about the city and a book called, 50 years, 50 memories, accompanied by a CD. The book is a collection of resident’s memories about the city from the past half century. The CD will include interviews with ten of these individuals.

“We asked people to tell us their experience in Lake Forest Park,” Vicki Stiles, executive director for the Shoreline Historical Museum, said. “They talked about things like funny or interesting incidences or major changes that they’ve seen since Lake Forest Park became a city.”

She said the grand opening, which will also include a speech from the mayor and the city’s birthday cake, will be a great snapshot of Lake Forest Park.

Along with the many events, the city also put up eight historical signs across the city. They were researched, designed and installed by Tema Nesoff and first unveiled at a city council meeting in February. The signs explain something about the history of the community and helps to contribute to the anniversary.

Each aspect of the celebration came either through the work of the city or suggestions from individuals and organizations throughout Lake Forest Park. Their goal was to have as many events as possible scheduled between January through December.

And for Mayor Hutchinson, he’s been very happy with the events that were the final product of two years worth of planning.

“They’re all great, you can’t really say there’s a favorite.” 

Friday, June 17:

At 8 p.m. they will show a movie that is rocket or space themed because Horizon View Park was a former Nike Ajax Missile Site, which protected the area from Soviet attack. This will be held at All Nations Community Church

Star Gazing and Marshmallow Roasting will follow the movie. If it is a clear night the astronomical society will have telescopes for people to look through. This will be held at Horizon View Park (across the street from the church).

Saturday, June 18:

At 12 p.m. the event will begin with free hot dogs, ice cream and Starbucks coffee.  Fifteen minutes later there will be games and relay races for all. There will also be tower building, army equipment to explore and kite flying, which will include free kits for kids to make their own.

At 1 p.m.  There will be a rocket-launching demo.

Sunday, June 19:

At 11 a.m. there will be pancake brunch, jugglers and a clown. There will be musical entertainment until 3 p.m., which includes Milner Family Fiddlers and Smalltime String Band. There will also be face painting, booths and exhibits, all located in front of city hall.

At 1:30 p.m. they will have the city’s birthday cake.