City narrows down plans for 60th anniversary

Events could include festival featuring Donkey Dash, carnival

Sunset Valley council members voted unanimously March 18 to approve a preliminary plan for how to celebrate the city's 60th anniversary this fall.

Now that Sunset Valley City Council has approved the plan, the community and economic development committee, or CED, can hash out details, said Sara Wilson, assistant city administrator.

"When this budget line item was funded back in September, the council said, 'We just want to know before you spend any money what you want to do,' so we put that rough plan together of what we want to do within our budget," she said. "I'm working with some really fantastic people, and I think that we can pull together a pretty fun day."

In addition to a public reception and dedication on the actual anniversary, Sept. 17, the celebration plan includes an event Sept. 20 featuring a food and music festival, the Donkey Dash and Doggy Dash, and a carnival and market.

The site is not yet determined. The CED will likely present updated plans to the council in mid-April, she said.

Wilson said potential collaborators include local restaurants and members of the Uchi organization, which is planning to open a restaurant called St. Philip in Sunset Valley this summer.

The city has budgeted a total of $20,000 for the celebrations.