California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
Historical displays, a new book detailing their 100-year history, free tacos and ice cream, a petting zoo, a car show, temporary tattoos and face painting for children, and a host of other activities were all part of Palmdale Water District’s (PWD) recent centennial celebration. The water district was fortunate to be able to host their century-old birthday festivities on Sunday, July 22 – the actual day it turned 100 years old.
“The turnout was spectacular,” said PWD Board President Vincent Dino. “It was an honor to have our distinguished officials join our celebration, and it was wonderful to see all the families enjoying the food and activities. It was quite a success.”
A program ceremony featured numerous dignitaries including U.S. Congressman Steve Knight (R-25th District-Palmdale), Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-36th District-Palmdale), representatives for Senator Scott Wilk (R-21 District-Victorville) and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (5th District), as well as the Palmdale City Council and local chambers of commerce, all of whom presented PWD with certificates of recognition.
The dignitaries also contributed items for PWD’s time capsule including such items as Congressional and state coins, business cards and photos. As part of the planning for the centennial celebration and the time capsule, PWD has been collecting mementos for a time capsule that will be sealed and, hopefully, opened at its 200th anniversary in 2118. Before the time capsule is officially sealed many of the items intended for the historical container will be on display in PWD’s lobby.
The three-hour event included emergency vehicles that were on display from Plant 42 Fire Department, L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol. One of the official ceremony’s agenda items was the “reintroduction” of PWD’s mascot, Aquadog. Previously a white, long-furred dog, Aquadog has undergone a makeover and is now a brown, floppy-eared dog and a hit with the youngsters in attendance who had photos taken with the mascot at the photo booth.
“We have accomplished a lot in our first 100 years of history, despite droughts, the Depression and recessions,” said PWD Dennis D. LaMoreaux, general manager. We are optimistic that our second century will be just as successful.”
