Bonney Lake will host a celebration Saturday in honor of the city’s 60th anniversary.

According to David Wells, special events coordinator for the city, a ribbon-cutting on Main Street will take place at 3 p.m. A parade will follow at 3:15 and birthday cake will be served between 3:30 and 4. In case of rain, the cake will be served in the Public Safety Building.

Wells said music will be provided by the Bonney Lake High School Jazz Band and an antique fire truck from Sumner will make an appearance at the parade.

The city was incorporated Feb. 28, 1949, with a population of 377. Today, the population is more than 14,000 and growing.

The city’s formal history began with Kenneth Simmons, who wanted to get water to develop his property and others’ in the 1940s. Simmons discovered it was cheaper and easier to form a city than a public utility district. Until 1946, there was no electricity or water in the area. The city was formed on a 1,000-acre parcel of land purchased from George Logan.

The first city council consisted of Clarence Roberts, Thurlow Maddux, Alva Simnitt, Elias Hiles and Robert Wheeler. Simmons served as mayor for three terms.

By 1950, the city had streets, a water system, electricity, phone lines, garbage disposal and a blood bank. Several new shopping centers were under construction in 1957 and there were 12 licensed businesses operating.

During its 60 years of existence, Bonney Lake has endured several changes. In 1966, there was a change from a mayor-council form of government to mayor-city manager-council. Residents voted to return to a mayor-council operation in 1973.