Vintage postcard of Morro Bay. The city celebrates it’s 30th anniversary in 2014.

Year-long birthday celebration for 50-year-old city

It’s spring and love is in the air! So goes the saying, but here in Morro Bay we say, “It’s spring and celebration is in the air.”

This year finds Morro Bay celebrating 50 years as an incorporated city. Residents are proud of their history, which goes back to 1542, when Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed past Morro Rock. This 576 monolith is State Historic Landmark #821 and is often referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific.”

Activities planned throughout 2014

Organizers for the town’s birthday celebration have many activities planned throughout the year. In May, which is Bike Month, two city bike tours will take place; one will tour the city parks and the other will tour historic spots.

To continue the beautification of the town, plans are underway to plant 50 cypress trees – Morro Bay has adopted the cypress as its city tree – and a Morro Bay Historical Parade and Community Party will also take place. It is hoped that in 2014 the statue titled “For Those Who Wait,” a project sponsored by the Central Coast Women for Fisheries, will be installed at the harbor entrance to commemorate wives and families who wait at home for men who go to sea.

Information about all the Landmark & Legacy Morro Bay 50th Celebrations can be found online at morrobay50th.com.

Revitalization & Annual Yard Sale

Volunteers with Morro Bay in Bloom are busy revitalizing the town. This is the second group in San Luis Obispo County to affiliate with the America in Bloom program of civic beautification by planting and cleaning up three prime locations in town; the grounds around the library, the Chamber of Commerce, and Centennial Parkway. America in Bloom will professionally evaluate the work based on these six criteria: landscaping public spaces, tidiness and maintenance, models of sensible plantings, urban forestry, floral displays, environmental stewardship and heritage awareness. The group also encourages support of public art. For more information see morrobayinbloom.org.

The weekend of April 5 and 6 brings people from near and far to the City’s Annual Yard Sale. This yearly springtime event is sponsored by the group Morro Bay Beautiful and the Chamber of Commerce. Residents get in the spring cleaning mode and place all their “extra stuff” outside for sale. Buyers can discover some real treasures wandering through the more than 300 locations. This is the time to find that special something you’ve been longing for, and at bargain prices too! Maps for sale locations will be available at the Chamber and online at morrobaybeautiful.com.

Additional springtime events in Morro Bay

Dollhouse & Miniature Show: The 24th Anniversary Dollhouse & Miniature Show with the theme “My Favorite Era” will take place Feb. 22-23 at the Morro Bay Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children 8-12, and under 12 free.

Emergency Vehicle Show: On Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Emergency Vehicle Show comes to town, put on by the Morro Bay Police Department and the Morro Bay Fire Department. The show will feature current and restored fire trucks, police vehicles, tow trucks, security vehicles, ambulances, military vehicles, and other public service related vehicles.

Kite Festival: The Morro Bay Kite Festival takes place on the beach north of Morro Rock on April 26-27; Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. This is a free annual event and the first 500 children to show up on Saturday will receive a free kite.

Car Show: The Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show will line the streets of Morro Bay, May 1-4. This popular annual event is put on by the Morro Bay Rotary, Morro Bay Police Department, and the Chamber of Commerce. Friday night is Cruisin’ time when classic cars drive up and down the streets of town from 6 p.m. until dark. Throughout the weekend visitors can enjoy viewing more than 500 classic vehicles that line Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street in downtown. For more information, visit morrobaycarshow.org.

Art in the Park: Spring time ends with the annual Art in the Park event held in City Park on Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26. This event, sponsored by the Morro Bay Art Association and the City of Morro Bay, has been held for more than 60 years. Proceeds from the sales go to fund the Art Association’s yearly Student Scholarship Awards given to high school and college students in the arts.

— Ruth Ann Angus