Join us for Houston Founders Day celebration

A little history — Houston’s origins are due to the use of Herning Trail (now Willow Creek Sled Trail) for freighting supplies to the Willow Creek Mining District. “Houston Siding” (named after Congressman Houston of Tennessee) was first listed on a blueprint map of the Alaska Railroad in 1917 and the name endured for the area.

The city of Houston was declared and recognized as a third-class city on June 6, 1966. By Proclamation on Aug. 7, 1984, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough reclassified the city of Houston as a second-class city. The city of Houston’s population grew from 69 in 1966, to 739 in 1984. The last census acknowledges the city of Houston’s population at approximately 2,018. The increased census is a compliment to the founders of the city; knowing the area would appeal to those who enjoy the Alaska beauty and bounty of the area just 57 miles north of the state’s largest city, Anchorage.

Under the same 1984 Proclamation, Former Mat-Su Borough Mayor, Edna Armstrong-Devries, proclaimed Aug. 12 to 18, “as Founders Week for the City of Houston.”

Over the years, the Founders Day celebration has grown to be the largest summer event for the city of Houston and the surrounding area. The event is organized by the Houston Fire Department Auxiliary and draws large numbers of Alaskans and visitors to participate in the day of fun celebration.

This year’s event celebrating Houston’s Founders Day is Aug. 18 at the Houston Fire Station.

The participants will enjoy free food, live music, a parade and an excellent fireworks show by Gorilla Fireworks, while they enjoy a large number of vendor booths. There also will be an array of games and mini-events for kids and adults alike throughout the day.

Come dunk a politician in the dunk tank! The parade starts at 5 p.m. If you wish to participate in the parade, call Houston City Hall at 892-6869. If you are interested in having a vendor booth, call Starla at 892-5104. Space is limited.

Sadly, this will be the last year for the Air Force Band to perform at Founder’s Day. Please join us and enjoy their wonderful music for the last time at this beloved local event.

The event provides a great opportunity to visit with one’s neighbors, meet people and visitors new to the area and catch up on old and new news around the community. All proceeds benefit the Houston Fire Auxiliary.

Houston — live, work, play. Join us for our Founders Day celebration. My invitation is open to all!

Virgie Thompson has been mayor of Houston since October 2010.