Opening day of a several months long celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Santa Monica Pier kicked off on Feb. 18. The festivities will end Sep. 9 with a grand reopening ceremony, a 100-foot birthday cake, brass bands and giant puppets.
Pier historian James Harris on opening day told stories about the history and opening of the structure in September 1909, many of which are included in his new book, “Santa Monica Pier: A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier.”
A plethora of free, public events will be offered at the pier, including a sideshow featuring jugglers, fire-eaters, and tap dancers on April 18, a daylong festival on June 20 and a dance party on July 23.
More information can be obtained by visiting www.santamonicapier.org.