The year 2012 is over, but 2013 is slated full of exciting events for the Town of Highland Park. This month launches the area into a centennial celebration that aims to acknowledge the accomplishments of a town started 100 years ago by business leaders, as well as a four-year extended commemoration of other prominent institutions with roots in Highland Park.
The Highland Park Centennial Celebration team, a group of longtime local leaders, is grouping up with town officials to put on a party spanning one year with the theme, “Highland Park, an American Community Making a Difference.” The celebration officially kicked off with the Annual Town Tree Lighting in early December, an event where Mayor Joel Williams and Pierce Allman, who is heading up the centennial event committee, both addressed the crowd.
Though only a town of 8,600, Highland Park’s rich history revolves around various pillars in the community, which are also marking centennial eras in the next few years. Next year, Highland Park ISD will celebrate 100 years as the school district serving the Park Cities, and 2015 will be the centennial milestone for SMU. In 2016, Highland Park United Methodist Church members will denote the 100-year mark at the storied place of worship.
A number of events appealing to children and adults will occur this year. Once HP ISD students head back to school for the spring semester, elementary art pupils will visit Prather Park for viewing of the “Life in Highland park in 1913” display. In February, town officials with pay a visit to elementary students for a presentation.
Spring will bring two happenings sponsored by the Park Cities Historical and Preservation Society, including an April lecture by Dealey Decherd Hernon entitled “Restoring the Governor’s Mansion” and a speech about the Highland Park trolley route by Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm in May.
This summer, the Centennial Parade will boast through the streets of Highland Park on July 4, and residents can attend the Centennial Film Festival at the Highland Park Village Theatre until August. October’s Town Birthday Party will be the biggest celebration all year.
Additionally, the town is urging those willing to aid officials in crafting a digital archive of pictures, film, and other memorabilia for the coming generations. Civically active residents can also volunteer with events throughout the year. For more information on how to volunteer, or to see the year’s event calendar and town history, click here. To see historical photos of Highland Park, click here.
Park Cities BubbleLife will be following all centennial activities in the coming months. If you have any photos or news from events relating to the centennial year, send an email to angela@bubblelifemedia.com.