WAITSBURG – This year, Waitsburg will celebrate its sesquicentennial – 150 years of existence – as part of the annual Waitsburg Celebration Days weekend.

According to City Hall staff, the exact date is unknown, but Waitsburg was chartered sometime in the spring of 1865. Waitsburg is known as a "One of a Kind" city and operates off the territorial charter created in that year. Waitsburg is the only charter city in Washington and one of only six in the nation.

The fun-filled Celebration Days weekend will include a parade, an ATV Jasper Mountain Poker Run and ATV rodeo, a classic car show in Preston Park, a brew fest in Town Hall, music, food, vendors and family-friendly events. The highlight of the weekend will be the dedication of three bronze art statues that commemorate the city's history.

The Parade Committee is currently accepting nominations for this year's parade marshal. To nominate an individual or family that has made significant contributions to the Waitsburg, send a letter of nomination to: Walt and Gwen Gobel, PO Box 137, Waitsburg, WA 99361 or email it to waltandgwen@charter.net.

See a list of past Days of Real Sport/Celebration Days parade marshals on Page 7.