On April 14, 1909, the city of Bothell formally came into being.

On April 18, 2009, the city plans to mark its centennial in a couple ways, launching a celebration officials say will last all year.

The centennial gets into gear first with the dedication, appropriately enough, of Centennial Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to the city, the event will include a brief ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in the park followed by Arbor Day activities and kids arts and crafts tables.

Located at 12th Avenue Southeast and 208th Street Southeast in the Thrashers Corner neighborhood, the park spans 54 acres and includes natural wildlife habitats and wetlands. The park also is now home to the 106-year-old North Creek Schoolhouse, which was relocated to the park last year. Once fully restored, the school will serve as an interpretive center and meeting room.

In the meantime, the Downtown Business District and the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce have planned a party all their own.

Owner of Alexa’s Cafe on Main Street, Leigh Henderson said the celebration in Bothell’s downtown also is slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18.

Families can take part in a couple of different events, including a “passport” contest, which will have participants hunting down seven historical buildings on Main Street. For example, one building is described as once housing the Bothell State Bank.

Built in 1908 by the Worthington family, one of the bank’s claims to fame apparently resulted from an attempted robbery by the “River Rat Gang” in 1927. One could argue the gang should have stayed closer to the river, as Ross Worley, a bank cashier, shot and killed two of the would-be robbers.

In addition to the passport competition, youngsters also have the chance to take part in a scavenger hunt, finding items in the large mural at 101st Avenue Northeast and Main. Correct entries will be eligible for prize drawings in both contests.

According to Henderson, another highlight will be old-fashioned children’s games, such as hopscotch. Visitors also can munch on their share of 200 cupcakes as they walk along Main, which should be decorated in red, white and blue.

As the year progresses, Catherine Jansen, an executive assistant in the city manager’s office, said the centennial theme will permeate Bothell’s annual Riverwalk in August, the Independence Day celebration, as well as summer concerts planned for the Park at Bothell Landing.

For further information on city-sponsored centennial events, visit www.ci.bothell.was.us.