EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) – A big celebration for the City of Eugene’s 150th birthday was held Saturday with a dedication, procession, concert and cake!
The city was officially incorporated on October 17, 1862. In honor of the day, the city started with a ceremony as dozens helped dedicate the new Great Blue Heron statue on 13th and Alder in the University District on Saturday, October 20, .
Following the dedication, Mayor Kitty Piercy led dozens of pedestrians and bikers in a procession to the Hult Center in downtown Eugene.
In the lobby of the Hult, the city is displaying photos of Eugene’s history, including images of old road project construction, bridges and the old City Hall and Lane County Courthouse buildings.
It wouldn’t be a birthday party without cake, so the city cooked up about ten cakes for party-goers, each one displaying historic images of the city.
Springfield’s mayor Christine Lundburg also joined the celebration, giving a special shirt to Kitty Piercy. The tie-dyed green, blue and white shirt features a heart in the middle, appearing to make the phrase 'Springfield *hearts* Eugene'.
“So in celebration, we are going to be twins today!” said Mayor Lundberg to Mayor Piercy. “Thank you so much to the City of Eugene for being our partner and best wishes and happy birthday!”
Next week, the City of Eugene will release a smartphone application which will give locations and details on Eugene’s historic city locations.
