Belmont lays groundwork for 2026 centennial; picnic set for Oct. 24, 2026

Parks staff presented the City of Belmont's centennial planning update on Wednesday, describing branding, public outreach and an early schedule for 2026. The city has published a centennial portal at belmont.gov/100years to collect ideas and community event applications, staff said.

Staff said the signature centennial event will be a picnic at Twin Pines Park on Oct. 24, 2026, close to the city’s Oct. 29 birthday. The presentation described light‑pole banners and a Ralston Avenue banner planned for 2026, a community‑run swag shop for customized t‑shirts and merchandise, and funding options including sponsorship tiers and modest stipends for neighborhood events.

The city is also coordinating oral‑history recordings, tours and a time capsule, staff said. The Parks presenter listed early sponsors that have contributed support: Crippen & Flynn Funeral Home, Jacqueline Korth Orthodontics and McGovern Insurance. Staff asked community members and local schools to consider partnerships for field trips, guided and self‑guided historic tours, and volunteer roles for events throughout the year.

Commissioners and staff discussed a possible parade to draw neighborhoods into a central celebration, using historical tours and signage to connect events across the year, and digital options such as QR‑linked content and a GIS‑based self‑guided tour. Staff said planning will continue through winter and that the steering committee will expand as event details are finalized.