This Wednesday marks the 150th anniversary of the city of Durham’s incorporation. So, this weekend, the city is having a birthday party, and all Durhamites are invited.
The Durham 150 Opening Celebration will be held at the American Tobacco Amphitheater on Blackwell Street from 10 a.m. 2 p.m on Saturday. It is free and open to the public.
Mayor Steve Schewel will start the celebration off with an official recognition at 10:30, followed by free birthday cake.
The American Tobacco Campus will feature exhibits, crafts, and demonstrations by different local experts and artists to highlight the four pillars of the year-long celebration of Durham’s founding: History & Education, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Social Equity & Robust Democracy, and Arts & Leisure.
The event will also have live performances, a story kiosk, a photo mosaic mural, and a “Running of the Bulls” race of inflatable bulls down the ATC river.
This Saturday’s festivities represent the opening of a year-long celebration of Durham’s sesquicentennial with events held across the city, like an exhibit featuring art by local African-American artists at the Hayti Heritage Center, the “Portraits of Durham” Exhibit at the Durham Arts Council, and a reading-themed photo exhibit at the Southwest Regional Library.
Durham residents can suggest their own event to host as part of the celebration, and apply for grants to make them happen.
For more information about Durham’s Sesquicentennial celebration, visit www.durham150.org.
