The following information was provided by the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau:

In less than 18 months from now, the city will enter its bicentennial year.  Named for St. Bernardine of Sienna, a man who selflessly volunteered to help the sick battle the plague in the 14th century Italy, the city now seeks to tap into the spirit of Saint Bernardine to commemorate and celebrate its 200-year anniversary.

“We are looking forward to a year-long series of events which will include a gala, bicentennial parade, festival in the park and so much more“, says Erin Brinker, chair of the city’s bicentennial publicity committee.  “This is a very exciting time for our city; and keeping with the city’s history and diversity, we are actively seeking volunteers for these events in multiple capacities.  Join the fun!”

On May 20, 1810 San Bernardino was founded by Franciscan missionary Francisco Dumetz, who led an exploration party east from the San Gabriel Mission to this fertile valley blessed with abundant underground water.  In 1842 Don Antonio Lugo, former Mayor of Pueblo de Los Angeles, purchased Rancho San Bernardino from the Mexican government.  The city was incorporated as the county seat in 1854.

Originally settled by the Cahuilla and Serrano Indians, San Bernardino has always benefited from its natural gateway location near mountain passes and later to the railroad and highway networks.    During the frontier period, San Bernardino hosted the likes of Jedediah Smith, Kit Carson and Wyatt Earp.  Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Restaurant in 1940 in San Bernardino and every August the Western Region Little League championships are held in the north end of the city.  Each September we celebrate the history of our famous Route 66 that winds through our city with the Route 66 Rendezvous, California’s largest cruising classic car show.

Show your pride for your city.  Contact Erin Brinker at 951-323-9337 or erin@erinbrinker.com to volunteer.

– photo of old San Bernardino City Hall 

Filed under Review, Headline

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

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