Wheaton ready to celebrate 150 years

Wheaton officials launched the city's yearlong sesquicentennial celebration Monday.

The city's 150th birthday will be a central theme throughout Wheaton's activities within the next year. More than 100 colorful banners will be hung throughout the city to spice it up.

At Monday night's city council meeting, Wheaton leaders unveiled the logo of the festivities, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." Wheaton originally was incorporated Feb. 24, 1859.

Mayor Michael Gresk said Monday started the celebration, but the festivities officially begin with the Fourth of July parade this year. They'll conclude with next year's Fourth of July parade.

Since Wheaton originally was founded February 1859, Gresk said there's a gala to celebrate Wheaton's birthday scheduled for Feb. 24, 2009, -- the date of the official 150th birthday.

Wheaton was established as the seat of the DuPage County government in 1867.

City officials formally created a sesquicentennial commission that consists of 11 members Monday night. The city gave the volunteer-based group $10,000 as seed money to get activities going.

Ray Morrill, co-chairman of the Sesquicentennial Commission, said many special events, coordinated by clubs, organizations, businesses, churches and the school district, are scheduled to promote Wheaton. He said he hopes people will get involved and participate in the festivities.

"We're looking forward to a yearlong celebration, promoting the excitement of Wheaton and what it has to offer," he said. "It's going to be a fun year."

Gresk said the birthday is an occasion to look back and see where the city has been, look at current accomplishments and what can be done to maintain the city's identity.

"It's a momentous occasion," he said.

Mostly, he's looking forward to the special parade.

"I love parades," he said.