Culver City’s leaders are hoping and planning on tomorrow flying directly into the history books as the splashiest, most successful, most populous day in the community’s 99 years.

A gala, year-long Centennial celebration, a civic party leading up to Culver City’s 100th birthday next Sept. 20 begins unfolding on Saturday morning at 9.

At least 1200 marchers are due to assemble at Vets Park, stepping off from the corner of Culver Boulevard and Overland Avenue, headed downtown to the Culver Hotel, site of the 11 o’clock Opening Ceremony, followed by the entertainment-heavy all-afternoon Downtown Block Party.

This is intended to be the biggest day in Culver City history, even surpassing what oldtimers regard as No. 1:

A flashy 1950s day when Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz helicoptered into Culver City after purchasing what now is the Culver Studios.

“Now let’s talk about definitions,” a City Hall regular said yesterday.

“What will make Saturday the biggest day in our history – if 1200 people march in the parade or if 5,000 people are watching?”