- February 28, 2025
One hundred years ago, in 1913, a loaf of bread cost 6 cents. Eggs were 30 cents for a dozen. Federal income tax was 1%, and a gallon of gas cost 12 cents. Richard Nixon was born. So was Gerald Ford, Red Skelton, Loretta Young, Lloyd Bridges, Vivien Leigh and Burt Lancaster.
But most importantly, the city of Bunnell was born.
And beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, the city will throw a party, the Festival of the Century, as part of its yearlong centennial celebration.
The day kicks off with vendors, arts and crafts, historical displays and food, at the old coquina City Hall building, 200 S. Church St. Awards for the chili cook-off will be at 4 p.m. The parade also begins at 4 p.m. with the route as follows: It begins at the Carver Center (206 E. Drain St.) and heads to U.S. 1. It continues north to Moody Boulevard and then east to its final destination at the Old Memorial Hospital building.
Larry Williams, the new city manager for Bunnell, has lived in the area for less than two years, but you wouldn't be able to tell he's a newcomer based on his enthusiasm. He has always been what he calls “an events person.”
“I think events in the city bring pride to the city — a little commonality of focus,” he said. “It brings people together. You get the elected officials, the cops, the firemen, and then John and Mary Average Citizen. You get true local fare, whether it’s from local crafters, displaying and selling their crafts, local foods. You can eat a hamburger at home, but for some reason it tastes better when it’s at a fair.”
After the parade, awards will be given out for the best displays, and then the grand finale of the event: a 15- to 20-minute fireworks display by the world famous Santore & Sons, which is also based in Bunnell. The display is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s going to be real, hometown fun,” Williams said.
Joanne King, former mayor of the city, will be the grand marshal of the parade. Judges will be Daisy Henry, Charles Gardner and Mark Langello.
And kudos to the hard workers on the Centennial Committee: Raymond Bahrami, Kristen Bates, Patti Bonanno, Randy Burke, Jenny Crain-Brady, Mick Cuthbertson, Luci Dance, Dan Davis, James Fiske, Derek Fraser, Suzy Gamblain, Christine Hancock, Gigi Hart, Jeff Hoffman, Barb Kelly, Mark Langello, Patty Larkin, Armando Martinez, Perry Mitrano, Mari Molina, Gary Northrip, Rachel Ord, Terri Perry, Ken Seymour, Judi Stetson, Larry Williams and Laura Zublionis.
