Black Diamond kicks off golden anniversary

Though Black Diamond has been inhabited since before the days when coal was king at the turn of the 20th century, it has only been incorporated as a town for 50 years.

There will be a golden anniversary celebration, open to all who wish to attend, beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Black Diamond Community Center.

Cake, coffee and ice cream will be served and several dignitaries will be on hand, including King County Councilman Reagan Dunn and a handful of mayors who have been invited from surrounding towns.

Other names from Black Diamond’s storied past in attendance will be Gomer Evans, one of the town’s first mayors; Phil Biege, the first city attorney; Donna Gathier, the first city clerk; and Howard Botts, the current mayor of 26 years.

Another reason for the fete is to kick off the new informative calendar called, “50 fun things to do in Black Diamond.”

These calendars are on sale for $5 and are available at the City Hall, the Black Diamond Museum, Diamond Square and the community center, among other locations. The calendars are packed with information about Black Diamond’s past and present, including dozens of photos from the museum’s archives.

Anniversary events planned for the coming months include an Easter breakfast at the Black Diamond Community Center on April 11, a Cinco de Mayo senior soirée at the community center on May 5 and a Memorial Day observation May 25 at the Black Diamond Cemetery.

For information about Thursday’s event or other anniversary festivities, call Black Diamond City Hall at 360-886-2560.

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