“The Santa Monica Pier is the people’s Pier. It is a magical place for all ages to gather and enjoy the rides, games and performers, walk above the waves, enjoy the fresh ocean air and beautiful sunsets. Such simple pleasures are timeless and have been preserved by an adoring community and enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic public venue and it is important to celebrate this year’s Centennial and get the entire community engaged in that celebration.”
-Ben Franz-Knight
Executive Director
Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation
Amy LyonsMirror Contributing WriterFor a full century, the Santa Monica Pier has been a hub of family-friendly activity in the city. Since its inception in 1909, the pier has grown into a beachfront destination packed with dining options and activities for children and adults alike. Family businesses have thrived on the pier over the decades, including the family-owned Playland Arcade and Mariasol Mexican restaurant. Pan Pacific Park still draws huge crowds with its West Coaster rollercoaster and other amusement rides and games. The pier’s interactive aquarium and historic merry-go-round also drive visitors in search of inexpensive entertainment that are quintessentially Santa Monica.Winter storms and past city councilors have threatened the pier’s existence over the years, but it still stands as a symbol of the city’s commitment to historic preservation and community-centric values. Today, more than four million patrons visit the pier annually. As the Santa Monica Pier gears up for this year’s landmark centennial celebration, there are plenty of events in store for people who want to walk down memory lane or look toward the bright future of a true Santa Monica treasure. The Santa Monica Pier Centennial Celebration, through a series of free, public events and festivals, will engage the public in the rich history of the Santa Monica Pier by re-creating and paying homage to some of the most memorable moments from its past, while offering a new set of events for a new population.* * * *Centennial Day on September 9 List of Events *Centennial Day Grand Re-opening CeremonyVisitors will witness the pomp and pageantry of the official rededication Celebration complete with local dignitaries, civic and government officials and our Honorary co-chairs Joan Baez and Robert Redford along with a few centenarians to Cut the Pier’s 100 foot birthday cake, kids, drummers, brass bands, dancers, artists and Giant puppets will add to the festivities.*At night the Pier will celebrate its Centennial in grand fashion with its first large scale fireworks spectacular in 18 years. Three barges will illuminate the entire Bay which will be visible from any point along the Santa Monica State Beach. The festivities begin will a pre-fireworks concert spectacular with some very special musical guests.
Laurel Rosen, President of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce:
“The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most beloved places in our community. The pier gets attention internationally and nationally, and any time we can showcase our community everyone wins. A stronger community equals a stronger economy. The millions of people who come to the Pier make it a lucrative place for the surrounding businesses. As we celebrate 100 years of the Pier, it’s a good time to remember that the Chamber and the Pier grew up together, and we look forward to the business that will be generated with this historic centennial.”
