After undergoing political surgery 2½ months ago, Jim Clarke is recuperating nicely.
Stepping aside following a one-year term as mayor, he is plain City Councilman Clarke, not that he ever has been accused of plainness.
With a swash of quiet but effective vigor, he has returned to his baby, Culver City’s year-long Centennial celebration, about 10 weeks from ending.
Mr. Clarke has re-engaged with the Centennial Committee.
“I am co-chairing the closing ceremonies, and I am assisting in the fundraising,” he said. “I am focusing on companies that have not previously been involved as Centennial sponsors.”
The Councilman explained that three events will mark the climax of the Centennial year.
- Saturday, Sept. 16, there will be a Birthday in the Park party, with the Centennial taking over the entirety of sprawling Vets Park.
“This will be our showcase event,” says Paul Jacobs, chair of the Centennial Committee.
Since the gigantic annual Fiesta La Ballona weekend party is barely three weeks earlier, Mr. Clarke said Centennial staff is working to sharply distinguish the two from each other.
For example, Mr. Jacobs says, Birthday in the Park will offer the long-ago public games that were popular in 1917, like egg-throwing and tug-of-war.
Mr. Clarke said that water-balloon throwing and three-legged races will be followed in the afternoon by adult attractions, a beer garden ad dancing.
- Wednesday, Sept. 20, will be the official closing ceremonies at City Hall. For one day, the Patacchia R0m will be converted into a museum of the Centennial.
- Saturday, Sept. 23 – The Culver Hotel is staging a 10th anniversary party to honor the present ownership – “and the community is invited,” said Mr. Clarke, “as we kind of close out the Centennial.”