MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The city of Memphis is celebrating its 200th anniversary on Wednesday and that means it’s time to celebrate.
This weekend, residents and visitors alike will take over Tom Lee Park for a day filled with musical performances, a day-long picnic, an aviation show and even fireworks. For all the runners out there, be sure to take part in the Great American River Run early Saturday morning. For more information on Celebrate Memphis click here.
But of course, there are many other ways to celebrate before and after that event.
On Wednesday, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris will host the Memphis Bicentennial Gala at the FedEx forum.
And Wednesday morning, volunteers painted rails at the Riverfront and cleaned up trash along the banks of the Mississippi River. They also celebrated a new century of soul and service by sorting items at the Mid-South Food Bank.
Employees from Green Mountain Technology and Raymond James were among those who took time away from their jobs to check expiration dates and box food that will feed many in Memphis.
“We are saying happy birthday to Memphis by coming out to volunteer, to lend out time and talents and energy to helping make the city a better place,” Ashley Pennington said.
Residents can also celebrate at the Happy Birthday, Memphis! bash at Railgarten starting at 4 p.m.
For more events throughout the year, click here.