Next year is bound to be full of fun for Red Deerian’s as the City prepares for its 100th birthday.

Corporate Strategist Lisa Perkins with the City presented to council the initiatives that will come into play in 2013.

There were two requests made to council, one that they endorse the flower, shrub and tree emblems selected and the other that they adopt the list of capital projects identified as centennial projects.

Council voted unanimously on both counts.

The emblems adopted are the Hot Wing Tatarian Maple tree, the Ivory Halo Dogwood shrub and the Tiny Hope Lily flower.

Perkins said these symbols were chosen because of their colours and significance in the Red Deer community.

“The Centennial Committee worked with parks in identifying what three emblems could be planted that citizens too could incorporate in their own gardens whether they have a great green thumb or those with less space to plant.”

She also said there will be many events next year for people to look forward to including a kick off skating party on December 31st.

“In addition to the planned events there are other community events being planned and the Centennial Committee would like to encourage groups and individuals to find ways to incorporate the centennial into their very own events.”

The capital projects were already incorporated into the budget so there is no additional funding required for them. These projects include the spray park, skateboard park, museum exhibit and many more.

With all of the activities planned for the year including celebrations in each season the Centennial Committee worked hard to make sure that all events were family friendly and not age specific.

“We wanted to have a nice range of activities from things for families and youth to things that celebrate history and the partnerships the City has with groups like the library, curling club and school boards.”

Councillor Dianne Wyntjes, who is also a Centennial Committee member, said it is nice to see that there are so many “people projects.”

“There is everything included from looking at our past to leaving a history book for future generations and looking to our future with the library and learning and touching on something that’s really important to us which is our parks and green space.”

Wyntjes also said that the committee is still on the look out for cultural dance groups, musicians and entertainers to take part as well as individuals, organizations and businesses to help support the projects.

Councillor Tara Veer said she feels that the projects are a good cross section of representation and that the trees, shrubs and flowers are available at any local nursery for people to plant.

Councillor Cindy Jefferies said she would like to find out what the province might contribute for the City’s 100th birthday to see if it might add to what the committee already has planned.

“It’s really quite exciting though to see things coming together this nicely,” said Jefferies.

For more information visit www.reddeer2013.ca.

kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com