Sequim Gazette staff

Sequim’s Centennial celebration is coming to a close.

After more than a year of community events, the city hosts its Centennial Finale Dinner, on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Club Seven at 7 Cedars Casino.

Barbara Hanna, city communications and marketing director, said the intent is to throw a big birthday party with a special dinner, cake and champagne to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Sequim.

Ron Allen, tribal chairman for the Jamestown S’ Klallam Tribe, and Sequim Mayor Ken Hays act as keynote speakers talking about going forward with Sequim’s next 100 years.

In the past year, the centennial celebration has brought plenty of activities to the city including a street dance, community picnic, special meals, golf tournaments, tours and more.

Sequim City Clerk Karen Kuznek-Reese said planning began in June 2009 with the centennial committee because she felt it was something the city needed to celebrate.

After years of effort with community partners, she finds it to be an overall success.

“All of the events have been well-attended and people have enjoyed what we’ve done,” Kuznek-Reese said. “The street dance was a great example of the community coming together. Several people told me that it was an actual community event that people felt was strictly for the community who lives here.”

Kuznek-Reese said the street dance and Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire, also a centennial event, were so popular they are being planned for next year.

While the Air Affaire will continue on its own, the city continues to look for people to help put it together.

“If we can find a volunteer to lead it and enough sponsors, we’ll do it again,” Kuznek-Reese said.

As for doing the Fourth of the July picnic, she said it hasn’t been ruled out, just no one has inquired yet about leading it or any of the other centennial events.

Following the finale dinner, all centennial merchandise will be discounted at city hall and the visitors’ center.