CRESTVIEW — Historian Jim Moore, in character as Andrew Jackson, may have left the building, but as Crestview kicks off its centennial year next month, he’ll be back as Okaloosa County’s founder, state Sen. William Mapoles.
Moore’s historical interpretations are colorful presentations incorporating dialogue from their subjects’ writings and speeches, and featuring historically accurate costumes.
While Moore’s Dec. 1 Jackson presentation at the Crestview Public Library focused on the military hero and president’s efforts that led to Florida’s incorporation into the United States, his portrayal of Mapoles will bring to life efforts that led to Okaloosa's creation.
The Jan. 22 and 23, 2016, presentations at Warriors Hall kick off a yearlong, citywide centennial celebration that will include a dance, picnic, more historical interpretations, and the city’s gala birthday party in April.
Additional centennial events, organized by community clubs and organizations, include a concert, dinner, religious gathering and a wine gala.
Though actually founded by the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad more than 30 years before, the town of Crestview was officially incorporated April 11, 1916, upon approval of a referendum that was held under an oak tree at the Congregational Church.
The Crestview Centennial Committee, chaired by former Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Pat Hollarn, has been meeting nearly monthly for almost a year to plan 100th birthday observances.
The Crestview Centennial Committee has planned these events to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday in 2016 (times and locations to be determined):
Jan. 22 & 23: “How We Began,” a pageant with historic interpreter Jim Moore portraying Okaloosa founder William Mapoles
Feb. 13: Gala Centennial Ball: “Dance Through the Decades”
March 19: Centennial Heritage Performances during the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's Triple B Festival on the South Stage in downtown Crestview
April 16: Crestview Centennial Birthday Party following the Spanish Trail Cruisers’ car show
May 21: Crestview Honors its Heroes, a military salute during the Armed Forces Day Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration
June: TBD
July 4: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Family Centennial Picnic and Fireworks, Twin Hills Park
September, date TBD: Homecoming Through the Decades in conjunction with Crestview High School homecoming
Oct. 14: The Spirits of Crestview: Historic Ghost Walk
Oct. 29: Centennial Fall Festival
Nov. 11: Veterans Day Parade honoring those who’ve served over the past 100 years
Dec. 3: Centennial Christmas Parade: “Christmas Through the Decades”
Additional centennial celebrations
Community organizations have scheduled these events to celebrate Crestview's founding:
Feb. 12: “Valentines and All That Jazz” concert presented by the Crestview High School jazz band and the Friends of the Arts
March 5: Old-Fashioned Dinner hosted by the Crestview Woman’s Club
Sept. 17: Women of Valor Conference organized by Destiny Church
Oct. 22: Wine Gala presented by the Crestview Area Sister City Program
CRESTVIEW CENTENNIAL EVENTS
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Centennial celebrations kick off Jan. 22 (VIDEO)