Let them eat cake … Jean-Jacques Rousseau

City officials informed local Historic City News reporters today that a long standing tradition of birthday cake, official proclamations, bluegrass and rock-n-roll music, as well as a step back in time, are planned for Labor Day, Monday, September 7th, as we celebrate the city’s 450th birthday.

Starting at 12:00 noon, this year’s cake cutting ceremony will be part of an expanded event that will include music from The Driftwoods and Mid-Life Crisis, and a timeline of history with docents sharing stories related to the numerous monuments in the Plaza de la Constitución to illustrate parts of the city’s history and provide a great photo-op for everyone.

Then, at 2:00 p.m., the official ceremony, true to tradition, begins with the reading of the official proclamation by Mayor Nancy Shaver and then the St. Augustine Royal Family, assisted by city officials, will cut the cake. Several varieties of cake will then be available to the public served from the Public Market.

St. Augustine’s Royal Family represents the Spanish Royal Family in 1672, the year the Castillo de San Marcos was commissioned. Each year the royal trio is selected from among St. Augustine’s oldest families. Those currently holding the honor are: Kerrie Suzanne Alexander as Queen Marianna, Joseph Solano as King Carlos, and Allison Courter as Princess Margarita Maria.

Entertainment continues starting at 3:00pm with Mid-Life Crisis offering a variety of pop, rock, disco and country classics. The music continues until 5:00pm.

Also included in the afternoon’s entertainment is a special presentation of the original song “A City is Born,” performed by the composer, Phil Hair.

Those attending the afternoon’s activities should bring lounge chairs for seating and are welcome to bring picnic dinners, but alcohol is prohibited.

450th Commemoration events are scheduled for Friday through Tuesday, September 4-8, and include a number of programs throughout the city including reenactments, processions, and a commemorative Mass. For the most up-to-date information on Celebrate 450!, including the schedule of events and an extensive list of frequently asked questions, visit www.StAugustine-450.com/Celebrate450.