The City of Morro Bay will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its incorporation with a fun filled weekend of events.
Events Schedule
• A special Tunes at Tidelands event featuring live music, a wine/beer garden, and vendors. Thursday, September 5, at Tidelands Park, 339 Embarcadero from 5-7 p.m.
This special anniversary edition of includes MB 60th Anniversary swag and 60’s themed decorations. All are encouraged to join in their best 60’s attire.
• Dahlias & Decades: a 1960s Soiree of Art, Wine, and Memories on Friday, September 6 at Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St. from 4 – 9 p.m. An evening of art and celebration. Visitors will enjoy art, music, wine and beer, light appetizers at the event and can enjoy dinner with restaurant specials throughout all of Morro Bay.
• Morro Bay Founders Day Parade takes place from 10 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7. Enter to join in the parade or bring the family out to watch the fun. Celebrating the 60 years of Morro Bay, the parade will run down (west) on Morro Bay Blvd from Piney Way to Market Ave and then run along Embarcadero (north) from Pacific St and end at Beach St.
Readers wanting to enter the parade, should contact the Recreation Services office at (805)772-6278 for details and entry information.
• Founder’s Day Celebration at Tidelands Park from 12 – 4 p.m. The celebration continues with a family fun day with games, vendors, music, city departments, volunteer groups, and community groups to help celebrate theamazing community of Morro Bay.
Early Days of Morro Bay
A seaside community founded in 1870 by Franklin Riley as a port for the export of agricultural products, Morro Bay owns much to Franklin who was instrumental in the building of the wharf which has now become the Embarcadero.
During World War II, a U.S. Naval base was built on the north side of Morro Rock where sailors were trained to operate military landing craft. The breakwater on the southwest side of the rock was built in 1944 to protect the landing craft from entering and leaving the harbor.
In the 1940’s, Morro Bay developed its fishing industry, beginning with abalone, and remains a fishing destination today with halibut, sole, rockfish, albacore, and many more species still caught by commercial and sport vessels.
Morro Bay the City
Morro Bay was incorporated on July 17, 1964, after Pacific Gas and Electric built the Morro Bay Power Plant bringing jobs and an increased tax base to the city.
Since its incorporation, Morro Bay residents elect their mayor and city council. Under thier policy direction, the City provides its residents and visitors with full city services including full-time police, fire, and harbor hepartments, public works (water, sewer, engineering, roads, facilities, maintenance, groundskeeping), recreation, and community development (land use, building safety and code enforcement).
“Our city is successful because of a deep dedication to community partnerships and volunteerism that has made Morro Bay a safe and friendly place to live, work, and visit for 60 years and beyond,” City officials said.
