Wyoming town of Centennial celebrates 150 years

Facebook Twitter Email Print Copy article link Save Centennial, Wyo. - The historic mountain town of Centennial will commemorate 150 years of history with a day-long Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday, September 12, 2026, honoring the community's rich heritage while bringing together residents, visitors, and history enthusiasts for a full day of family-friendly festivities. The celebration begins with a 9:00 a.m. Parade through downtown Centennial featuring acclaimed Wyoming author C.J. Box as Grand Marshal. The parade will showcase community organizations, local businesses, classic vehicles, and hometown pride as Centennial marks a century and a half of history in the shadow of the beautiful Medicine Bow Mountains. Following the parade, families can enjoy a variety of activities at the Nici Self Museum, including face painting for children, local artisan and craft vendors, delicious offerings from food trucks, and a special appearance by Smokey Bear, reminding visitors of the importance of wildfire prevention and stewardship of Wyoming's forests. Don't miss the artistry and excitement of live chainsaw carving demonstrations, where skilled craftsmen will transform logs into remarkable works of art while celebrating the region's longstanding connection to the timber industry. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Centennial Library will host a book sale alongside presentations from historical speakers, offering fascinating insights into the people, events, and industries that shaped Centennial and the surrounding Snowy Range. Centennial's story began long before it became the welcoming mountain community it is today. During construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, Union Pacific logging crews established a work camp in the Snowy Range to harvest lodgepole pine for railroad ties. After the railroad crews departed, prospectors discovered gold on nearby Centennial Ridge in 1875 and by 1876, they had established a permanent settlement, naming it Centennial in honor of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Centennial, WY was the first of several towns of the same name established that year. Although the area's gold boom was brief, the town endured. Merchants remained to serve local ranchers, while later discoveries of copper and renewed mining efforts brought periodic waves of optimism. The timber industry experienced a resurgence in the early 1900s, and the arrival of the Laramie, Hahns Peak and Pacific Railway in 1907 further strengthened Centennial's role as a vital mountain community. Through mining, ranching, logging, and tourism, Centennial has continually reinvented itself while preserving its unique Western character. Today, 150 years after its founding, Centennial remains one of Wyoming's most picturesque and historic communities—a gateway to the Medicine Bow National Forest, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, and countless outdoor adventures. "The Sesquicentennial is an opportunity to celebrate not only our remarkable history but also the people who have made Centennial such a special place for generations," said event organizers. "We invite everyone to join us as we honor our past while looking forward to the next 150 years." Admission to the Sesquicentennial Celebration is free, and all are welcome. Event Highlights · 9:00 a.m. – Sesquicentennial Parade featuring Grand Marshal C.J. Box · Family activities including face painting · Food trucks and local vendors · Special appearance by Smokey Bear · Chainsaw carving demonstrations at the Nici Self Museum following the parade · 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Historical speakers and book sale at the Centennial Library Bring the whole family and celebrate 150 years of Wyoming history in one of the state's most treasured mountain communities. For additional event information, parade participation, or vendor inquiries, please find us on Facebook. Facebook Twitter Email Print Copy article link Save Jeremy Downing News Director Author email Follow Jeremy Downing Weather Currently in Cheyenne 76° 76° / 59° 12 PM 78° 1 PM 79° 2 PM 79° 3 PM 79° 4 PM 79° Latest Wyoming town of Centennial celebrates 150 years Rare moment 3 tropical cyclones in Pacific captured from space Hurricane Hunters capture stunning views inside Hurricane Lowell's eye 25 years after 9/11: Americans impacted by terrorism calling on Congress to act Inside the free NYC exhibit exploring Snoopy's legacy in fashion Are most podcasts dead? Four in 10 without new episode in a year Laughter could be 'best medicine' for people with this lung condition The 2026 World Cup Was Supposed To Supercharge U.S. Tourism. The Actual Numbers Tell A Different Story Trending Articles Long-time Frontier Mall Restaurant closes for good Central inducts second Hall of Fame Class Laramie Police investigate after a home is shot multiple times F.E. 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