Banning Prepares for Centennial Year with New Website

The following was submitted for publication by the Banning Centennial Committee, as they prepare for the many celebrations to come in 2013: 

The Banning Centennial, which commemorates the City of Banning’s 100th year of incorporation and the full history of the area, is now available online at www.Banning100Birthday.com.

The Centennial celebration, which kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at the Phineas Festival of Lights in downtown Banning, will last through 2013—promising an array of events that honor Banning’s stagecoach history, train history, its Native American influences, and much more, through live entertainment, art, daylong outdoor events, a weeklong International Family festival and a lecture series—all of which will inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages.

The Centennial’s new website serves as the online hub of information where visitors can access a full listing of 2013 events, sign up to volunteer for specific activities, donate to the Banning Centennial and submit stories and photos that depict fond memories of living in the area.

“Incorporated in February 1913, the City of Banning enjoys a rich history, where families have continued to live for generations. There are residents who remember Banning before certain streets were paved and before Interstate 10 opened up,” says Don Smith, Banning Centennial Committee member. “Our website will give local residents a chance to share their personal stories about living in Banning, while at the same time, inspire people throughout Southern California to attend Centennial events and celebrate this significant milestone in our State’s history.”

The website will remain a dynamic online location for up-to-date information about the 2013 celebration, playing host to published news, photos, personal stories, updated event information and the ticket sales to select activities throughout all of next year.

Right now, visitors can visit www.Banning100Birthday to:

• Start planning their 2013 calendars by viewing the Centennial events listing. The kick-off event is the Phineas Festival of Lights, hosted by the Banning Cultural Alliance for the eighth year in a row, which takes place this Saturday.
• Sign up to volunteer at a 2013 event. Volunteers are highly needed!
• See the list of the Centennial’s generous sponsors.
• Buy tickets to the Feb. 9 lecture on Banning and the West, presented by Patty Nelson Limerick.
• Donate to the Banning Centennial and learn about the Banning Community Fund.
• Learn about Banning’s history.
• Access information about sending personal stories or photos of living in Banning. The Centennial lists editorial guidelines as well.
• Buy Banning Centennial merchandise, such as polo shirts and pins, proceeds will benefit the Banning Centennial.
• Learn how to contribute to the “100 Things Exhibit.”
• Subscribe to the website and receive updates throughout the year.
• “Like” the Banning Centennial on its brand new Facebook page (facebook.com/banning100birthday) and follow the Centennial on Twitter (twitter.com/banning100years). Both of which will help the Centennial share news about activities in a time-sensitive manner.

“We have an exciting year planned,” says Barbara Hanna, Banning Centennial Committee chair. “The Banning Centennial will be a fun way to learn about the significant role the City of Banning plays in California history—from Phineas Banning’s history as a stagecoach line operator and Wyatt Earp’s history as a nearby property owner to the important role the Cahuilla (Morongo) people played in the development of the area and the emergence of African-American, Cambodian and Mexican communities as strong multicultural influences in the City of Banning—the Banning Centennial has a story to tell! Our website serves as a digital gateway to get people excited and involved,” Hanna adds.

Initial sponsors for the Centennial have contributed more than $60,000. These sponsors include the County of Riverside, Diamond Hills Auto Group, Inc., Diversified Pacific, Waste Management, Beaver Medical Group, Dominium, IBEW Local #47, Inter Valley Health Plan, Southern California Gas Company, and San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. While not supporting the Centennial through funding, the City of Banning is an avid supporter of the yearlong celebration and partner to the Centennial committee.

Online viewers can visit the Banning Centennial at www.Banning100Birthday.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/banning100birthday and on Twitter @banning100years. If you have any questions about the Centennial, its website or its digital marketing presence, contact Barbara Hanna at barbarafhana@yahoo.com or 951-922-0856.

About the Banning Centennial

The Banning Centennial honors the City of Banning’s 100th year of incorporation and the full history of the area, dating as far back as the mid-19th century, when the Cahuilla and Serrano peoples inhabited the region.

The Centennial Committee, responsible for organizing the yearlong Centennial celebration, is an independent committee of community volunteers, who have generated financial support for event and marketing expenses through corporate sponsorships and individual donations.

Funds not used to organize and promote the yearlong celebration, will be invested with the Community Foundation of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties to establish the Banning Community Fund, which will help local nonprofits in perpetuity.