A New Date Is Set For The Lake Charles Sesquicentennial Celebration

The City of Lake Charles (1867 - 2017) is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year. Several events were planned last month, but due to inclement weather all the festivities were postponed.  The wait is over!   Join the 150th Anniversary of the Lake City, during Downtown at Sundown on Friday, May 26, 2017.

The new itinerary and schedule of events are listed below:

5:30 p.m. - The Centennial Time Capsule will be unearthed at the 1911 Historic City Hall, at 1001 Ryan Street.  The capsule was buried in 1967 and has several souvenirs from various moments in time, dating back to the 19th century on up to the 1960's. It is also supposed contain 100-year old recordings of some of the events that took place in the city, as well as coins.  However the most interesting item the capsule is said have inside is a taped message from Gov. John McKeithen, to our current Governor John Bel Edwards.

6 p.m./ 9 p.m. - Boomerang will perform live on the Downtown at Sundown stage week two of the Downtown at Sundown Concert Series.  Stick around because during intermission, the contents of the time capsule will be revealed!

All events are completely free and open to the public.  There will be plenty of food vendors on hand, selling food and refreshments.  Plus local merchants and artists will have booths selling one-of-a-kind works, to various other unique items and handmade creations. There will something for everyone in the family to enjoy!  Lots of fun activities will be provided for children as well, thanks to the Recreation and Parks Department.

The celebration continues throughout the year.  Make plans now to attend Sesquicentennial Celebration activities in the Fall as well.  See the schedule of events below and save the dates!  The times will be announced at a later date.

Friday, September 29, 2017 - The 150 Years of Lake Charles exhibit will open for the first time at 1911 Historic City Hall, at 1001 Ryan Street.

Saturday, September 30, 2017 - Lake Charles 150th Anniversary Parade of Festivals, complete with a Lakefront Promenade, and more.

Sunday, October 1, 2017 - Area churches will participate in a community-wide prayer service.

Get your American Press Sesquicentennial Calendars while they last, and remember this historic moment in Lake Charles history forever.  Calendars are available for a $5 donation at 1911 Historic City Hall.  Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more info contact Katie Harrington at (337) 491-1382, or katie.harrington@cityoflc.us.