Centralia is set to honor its rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its founder, George Washington, with the highly anticipated annual Founder’s Day celebration. This significant community event serves as a vibrant testament to the city’s roots, inviting residents and visitors alike to participate in a day of reflection, engagement, and shared civic pride. The festivities are designed to reinforce the bonds within the community while paying tribute to the historical figures who laid the groundwork for this remarkable Washington State city.
Spearheaded by the Centralia Downtown Association, the celebration embodies a tripartite spirit: Restore, Remember, and Rejoice. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the event resonates with historical reverence and forward-looking community development. From commemorative activities to hands-on civic projects, the Founder’s Day celebration promises a fulfilling experience that encapsulates the true spirit of Centralia.
The “Restore” component kicks off with invigorating outdoor activities, beginning with the Founder’s Day 5K Fun Run. This energetic start encourages community engagement and promotes a healthy lifestyle, with participants receiving a unique double run code courtesy of Run Amok. Following the race, the focus shifts to environmental stewardship with a dedicated community-wide volunteer cleanup at George Washington Park, emphasizing the importance of maintaining shared public spaces.
Volunteers are instrumental in the success of the restoration efforts, dedicating their time from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to enhance George Washington Park. Their tasks include essential weeding, meticulous trimming of overgrowth, and the thoughtful cleaning of flower beds, all contributing to the park’s beauty and reflecting George Washington’s own commitment to stewardship. As an incentive, pre-registered volunteers are awarded a commemorative George Washington T-shirt, celebrating their contribution to this vital local event.
The “Rejoice” theme finds expression through creative community initiatives, notably a captivating community mural project. Spanning from August 8 to August 10, this artistic endeavor invites both residents and visitors to contribute to a collaborative artwork that visually narrates Centralia’s spirit. Such projects foster a sense of collective ownership and vibrant public art within the city.
The “Remember” aspect is deeply woven into the fabric of the Founder’s Day celebration, marked by poignant tributes to George Washington. Dignitaries such as Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston deliver speeches reflecting on Washington’s enduring influence, often delivered at significant historical sites like the Washington Lawn Cemetery. These moments serve as crucial reminders of the foundational principles upon which Centralia was built.
Cultural performances further enrich the memorial. Brian Mittge, for instance, graces the event with his original composition, “The Ballad of George Washington,” adding a unique artistic dimension to the historical commemoration. Visual tributes, including displays of T-shirts depicting George and Mary Jane Washington and the prominent statue of the couple at George Washington Park, provide tangible connections to the city’s past and its respected founders.
Collectively, these activities underscore the importance of the Centralia Founder’s Day as more than just a historical observance; it is a dynamic community celebration that fosters civic pride, environmental responsibility, and artistic expression. Residents are encouraged to immerse themselves in these local events, strengthening their connection to Centralia’s unique heritage and its ongoing story.
