by Stephen Lindsley

On May 14, 1804, Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery left St. Charles to venture into the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory. One hundred years later, in 1904, St. Louis celebrated its prosperity with a World’s Fair and the Olympic Games. Another century has now passed, and St. Louis once again prepares to celebrate its growth and development as one of America’s great cities. And St. Louis 2004, a nonprofit catalyst for improvement in the St. Louis region since 1996, has several celebrations planned throughout the coming year.

Through a series of public meetings, St. Louis 2004 developed key initiatives for positive change in St. Louis including downtown revitalization; clean water, safe parks and community trails; reducing gang and youth violence; diversity awareness; minority and women-owned business development; after-school child and youth programs; and more.

Sen. John Danforth, chairman of St. Louis 2004 since the summer of 1996, has assisted in passing legislation and worked with Missouri Botanical Garden director Peter Raven and St. Louis 2004 president Peter Sortino to help forge coalitions among local civic organizations to make the action plan become a reality.

“We are planning four major events in 2004 to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of the region, beginning with the free ’04 Eve party in Forest Park,” says Sortino. Collectively, the year’s events are to be known as “Celebrate 2004.”

On Dec. 31 the park will be alive with activities, too numerous to mention here. Highlights include: a Children’s Village at Steinberg Skating Rink with ice skating, snow sculpting and face painting, and an early fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.; the official lighting of the giant Ferris Wheel across from Forest Park Community College; special exhibits and activities at the St. Louis Science Center; First Night at the Saint Louis Zoo with art, magicians, storytellers, music and more; a free showing of “Meet Me in St. Louis” at the Saint Louis Art Museum; special food and beverages at locations throughout the park; and a New Year’s Eve Gala at the Jewel Box – all culminating in a countdown to midnight and the long-awaited 2004 with a spectacular fireworks display.

All that, and the year has only just begun.

In May, the Giant Ferris Wheel will re-open and offer rides for a fee through July ’04. Beginning Thurs., July 15, and continuing through Sat., Aug. 21, Riversplash will be presented in the Mississippi River in front of the Arch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. “Riversplash will be a giant, fan-shaped wall of water, 75 feet high by 100 feet wide, with video images back-projected on it, highlighting the best of St. Louis sports and cultural features,” says Sortino “This has never been done in a river channel before, and it is going to be spectacular.” The show will include fireworks, lasers and live musical performances.

On six summer weekends, Eads Bridge will be transformed into a unique dining destination, dubbed “Eats Bridge.”Not only will visitors be treated to culinary treats of all kinds, but they will enjoy a unique view of Laclede’s Landing and the downtown skyline that only Eads Bridge can provide.

The grand finale of Celebrate 2004 will occur in Grand Center – the scene of much urban renewal in recent years. First Night® St. Louis in Grand Center will include more than 150 events produced by hundreds of participating organizations and groups. They will also include the closing ceremonies for St. Louis 2004, whose activities officially end on that night.

For more information about St. Louis 2004, visit www.stlouis2004.org, or pick up a monthly newsletter at grocery store literature racks and other neighborhood locations. Also, visit www.celebrate2004.org for details on the celebrations planned for the coming year.

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