Arcadia Celebrates Its 108th Anniversary and National Night Out

Bouncy castles, face-painting and simulated fire scenarios don't typically go hand-in-hand with 108th birthday celebrations. But that's exactly what happened this week on the lawn outside of as the city celebrated its 108th anniversary of its incorporation.

The festivities coincided with National Night Out—an annual nationwide event designed to give Americans the opportunity to become more familiar with their local police and fire departments.

Mayor Gary Kovacic kicked off the evening with a short speech, calling and the “best in the world.”

He briefly recounted the city's history, including the discrepancy over its name. Many people believe Arcadia was named after an ancient Greek city. Kovacic, however, said he subscribes to the theory that Arcadia received its namesake from Arcadia Bandini Stearns Baker, who, at the time of her death, was the wealthiest woman in California.

“To think that the city’s founder, E.J. 'Lucky' Baldwin, named the city after a rich and beautiful woman seems highly appropriate,” he said. “So happy birthday, Arcadia.”

And with that, the celebrating began.

Cold Duck

The Fire Department cordoned off a mall area for kids to try their hand at fire fighting. Children delighted in dragging a miniature water hose to a simulated house fire, which they “doused” with bean bags.

Meanwhile, the band Cold Duck, with its a smooth mix of jazz and contemporary pop, lent a cool soundtrack to the festivities.

“This whole event is an opportunity to get the community out together and show everybody that it’s safe to be out in public,” said Fire Capt. Todd Morehead. “Let’s not forget that we’re all in this together.”

Police Chief Robert Guthrie echoed the sentiment, noting the close relationship between his department and the community.

“We really are so fortunate to have such a good relationship with the citizens of Arcadia,” Guthrie said, adding that the department's outreach programs, such as the Explorer program and the Volunteers On Patrol, are invaluable assets.

The Explorers and Volunteers on Patrol came out in full force to the birthday celebration. They even hosted a stall for parents to create special identification cards for children. The cards, meant to aid police in identifying lost or stolen kids, included fingerprint samples.

hosted a snack booth, the proceeds from which will go towards the maintenance of historical markers around the city.

As revelers picnicked, danced and chatted in the waning daylight, La Puente resident Vicki Farraj summed up what many in attendence undoubtedly thought.

“I do love Arcadia,” she said. “It’s always been a beautiful city–really beautiful.”