RICHMOND GLOBE
Sept. 9 - 15, 2009

Civic Center Grand Re-opening Celebration to Feature Music, Art, Food

From the Globe News Desk

On Saturday, the city of Richmond’s grand re-opening celebration at its new Civic Center Complex will occur — just one week shy of the original civic center’s 60th anniversary.

Richmond Civic Center. And what a celebration it will be.

The free, all-day community festival will feature music and dance performances, dance competitions, a dedication program, activities for children and families, public art tours, Richmond films, a historical fashion show, food and more.

“It’s so exciting that we have this wonderful event coming up,” said Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin. “It’s showing that we’re going in a new energy-efficient, greener direction with incredible public art, and reclaiming this public space right in the heart of Richmond.” [emphasis added]

McLaughlin refers to $1.3 million in artwork — some from Richmond and Bay Area artists — that beautifies the new building on fountains and elevator doors as well as walls throughout the complex. During the celebration, trained volunteers will lead tours of the artwork. Some of the artists will be standing near their work to give greater insight on their pieces. Tours will leave the lobby every hour on the hour.

The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 450 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond. For more information, visit www.ci.richmond.ca.us.