As you may have already heard, Golden will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding in 2009. Indeed, the Boston Company first arrived in town June 12, 1859, and decided to settle and create a community here. A committee has formed to plan for this momentous occasion. We have dubbed the celebrations “150 Golden Years” reflecting our intent to recognize the full span of our city’s history, not just the founding in 1859. 

The 150 Golden Years committee has determined that its role should be to encourage Golden businesses, cultural organizations and other community institutions to incorporate the 150th theme in all their 2009 events. Our committee will help to provide inspiring ideas and will commit to help promote the community’s various 150th-themed events throughout the year. We have already begun generating fun and unique ideas that any organization can use for inspiration and hope to have those listed on our web site, www.150GoldenYears.com, by the end of March. Organizations are also highly encouraged to come up with their own ideas for their events. Events participating in the 150th theme can then be listed on the web site and will be sent the 150 Golden Years logo to use in their event promotional materials. 

In addition to encouraging independent events throughout the 2009, the committee will host a celebration for the community the evening of Friday, June 12, 2009. Thus far, we have tentatively agreed upon a parade beginning near Clear Creek History Park, going through downtown Golden on Washington Avenue and turning down 10th Street to end in Lions Park. Spectators will be invited to join in the end of the parade, following it to the park, where a party will be held, complete with cake and ice cream, a 150th-themed live music program by the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, and a very special finale display like Golden has never seen before. More information about the parade will be presented in a community meeting and on the web site by June 2008.

These events will only be possible through the generous donations of community organizations, and therefore the committee will be soliciting donations to help defray the costs of planning, publicity, the parade, cake and ice cream, live entertainment, staging and other associated expenses. More information on sponsorship will be available on the web site, as well. 

The committee very much looks forward to beginning work with the community on the year’s celebrations. If you have questions or ideas, we encourage you to contact any of the committee members in person, or email us at info@150goldenyears.com. 

Sincerely, 

The 150 Golden Years Committee 

Charles J. Baroch 
Executive Director 
Golden Civic Foundation