What is often a somber day for reflection and remembrance is packed with special events as the anniversary of one of America’s darkest moments has its 20th anniversary.
Morro Bay’s first responders will commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, on Patriot’s Day, Saturday, Sept. 11.
The Morro Bay police, fire and harbor patrol, have invited the community to the Harbor Street Firehouse, 715 Harbor St., at noon on the 11th. The 30-minute ceremony will “honor the lives lost during those tragic events,” reads a news release from the City. The fire department is asking attendees to wear a mask for COVID safety. The ceremony will take place outside the firehouse, and all are invited.
Then after a quick lunch somewhere, people can go over to the nearby Community Center for a celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Morro Bay’s founding by Franklin Riley, sponsored by Morro Bay Beautiful and the City.
The event is from 2-4 p.m., admission is $1 and there’ll be birthday cake, as well as the unveiling of a special commemorative jigsaw puzzle, featuring original artwork by world-renowned painter and puzzle maker, Eric Dowdle.
Dowdle will be on hand to meet the public and unveil the special painting he’s done of Morro Bay.
Morro Bay Beautiful will be selling the first run of the collectable puzzles as a fundraiser and after that they will be available at local retailers and from the Dowdle Puzzle Co.’s online store, see: dowdlefolkart.com.
Also, the Morro Bay Lion’s Club plans to give away another free car to a deserving local citizen, who is in need of reliable transportation. The car giveaway is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Community Center.
Readers can get more information about MBB and the 150th celebration online at: www.morrobaybeautiful.org or call 805-772-8117.