St. Louis Park turned 100 in 1986, and celebrated throughout the year. Candy Johnson from Party in the Park served as Chairperson of the Centennial Committee. In addition to the Party in the Park festivities around the Fourth of July, there were other events to celebrate our first 100 years:
One event was the Treasure Hunt, sponsored by Minnesota Rubber. Each week the St. Louis Park Sun would publish clues as to where to find a hidden medallion. Permission had to be granted by the state gaming commission before this activity could be run.
On September 26, a banquet was held at the Holiday Inn (9970 Wayzata Blvd.). Following a talk by Carolyn Charles from the School District, the attendees enjoyed dancing to the Northern Dixie Ramblers, who were made up of Shriners.
On November 15, two parties were held. The first, an afternoon affair called the City birthday party, was sponsored by the St. Louis Park Women’s Club and held in the Park High cafeteria.
The second event that day was a dinner celebrating the culmination of the centennial year. It was held at the Sheraton Park Place Hotel, and featured a talk entitled “St. Louis Park: My Home Town” by Stan Turner.
At the end of the year, funds were remaining from the centennial celebration and that year’s Party in the Park, so it was decided that they would be put in a Lyle Hanks Centennial Scholarship Fund, available to an outstanding student graduating from Park High. Businesses made donations to increase the amount available.
Among other materials created to celebrate the centennial were special plates that bear the likeness of the Depot. A few of these plates are still available from the Historical Society for $10 each.