South Pasadena Throws 125th Birthday Bash

 

Hundreds of South Pasadena residents of all ages turn out on a gorgeous Saturday to celebrate the city’s b-day with music, contests, and food at events staged in various locations in the city.

Organized by the city and the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the family-centered activities ranged from a climbing wall to a merry-go-round to free birthday cake.

Essay and photo contest winners were announced and given ribbons, cheered on by very proud parents.

Drum roll please: And the winner of the cupcake challenge is… Heirloom’s, with a tangy lemon orange cupcake that stole the taste buds of the judging council members. They received a large banner to hang in their bakery.

Assemblymember Chris Holden and State Senator Carol Liu were in attendance to congratulate the city and wish residents 125 more years of good times.

Community members wished South Pasadena happy birthday in their very own way:

Fifi the tortoise wants South Pasadena to have more dandelions for her dining pleasure and hopes she can meet a handsome Russian tortoise soon (since that is where she hails from). Fifi belongs to Anders and Evan McCarthy, who found her back in 1996 and have enjoyed her company ever since.

Jim Miller and Joanne Nuckols say “Stop the tunnel.” If the 710 tunnel gets built it could be disastrous for the city, the pair say, possibly affecting drinking water quality and creating dangerous driving conditions with its steep 2.8 grade – and the project will cost more than $24 billion, too. Miller hopes South Pasadena will celebrate its 125th by rallying together to stop the tunnel project.

“I hope South Pasadena has a big long life.” 3rd grader Viggo Villa Lobos said. He won first place for his photograph of the city sign.

Elizabeth Rosenburg hopes South Pasadena gets more kids and more ducklings for its birthday! She is four years old and attends St. James preschool. Her family has been proud residents of South Pasadena for eight years.

“I hope it gets better every year, even though I don’t think that’s possible,” high school student Taylor Holmes said. Bailey Roudani and Natalia Valencia say, “Happy Birthday! I love you! You’re the best city ever!”

“It’s a really colorful place. I have been here for two years. Its so historic and colorful, I love taking walks here. It’s a very homey and friendly place,” resident Rachel Sundberg said. She is thankful for the beauty of the city and wishes the city a happy birthday.