Port Moody kicked off its official centennial countdown at Tuesday evening's council meeting, which marked 99 years (close enough, anyway) since the city's first such meeting on April 7, 1913.
Mayor Mike Clay unveiled the city's new centennial logo, characterized by purple and gold lettering and a burst of fireworks, with everyone attending the meeting receiving a souvenir scroll with historic notes and a box of chocolates engraved with the logo.
"Today, we start counting down the days to our centennial celebration," Clay said, adding Port Moody "is promising the party of the century."
The city also offered up a sneak peek at what's in store for festivities next year, starting with a kick-off event in January and a "living heritage project" during Heritage Week in February.
The celebrating will continue with a special centennial council meeting in April 2013 - complete with council members in period dress and arriving in heritage vehicles - when Clay will read the inaugural speech from 1913. A reception and exhibit of artifacts reminiscent of the city's civic beginnings will follow.
In the summer, families will be able to enjoy a community picnic at Rocky Point Park, and everyone can get ready for some spooky fun with an expanded Ioco Ghost Town Days in October.
Earlier this year, council approved a celebration budget of about $134,000, which includes a fireworks display, a parade, community block parties, a garage door "mural mania," a time capsule and a spruced-up Penguin Plunge.
PoMo is also planning for a public art piece in front of city hall to commemorate the centennial.
City spokesperson Leslyn Johnson said last night's council meeting was a "warm-up" for next year's celebrations.
"We want to get the interest going, get people into the mood for celebrating the party of the century," she said.
Port Coquitlam is also celebrating its 100th birthday in 2013.
For a selection of stories about Port Moody's history, visit www.portmoody.ca and click on the "Discover Port Moody" tab.
