San Carlos is ready for a year-long Centennial Celebration this 2025, with the big day—its 100th anniversary—arriving on July 8. Wondering what San Carlos looked liked then and now? One project announced by the Centennial organizing team is the installation of Historical Markers throughout the city. These markers will include a QR code, spotlighting each significant location with brief a description, inviting residents and visitors alike to imagine what San Carlos looked like decades ago.
Other events and projects already confirmed include the following:
- The City of San Carlos is teaming up with StoryCorps to create an audio-visual keepsake featuring personal stories from residents, with interviewee recruitment starting in January on the Centennial website.
- The Museum of San Carlos History is creating a video series, San Carlos Stories, exploring the city’s history from the turn of the century, covering major events, Laurel Street’s transformation, the East Side, schools, and demographic changes, enriched with interviews offering personal insights into San Carlos’ growth and cultural evolution.
- Explore the San Carlos Centennial online store for commemorative apparel, drinkware, and keepsakes to celebrate with your family.
- Hosting a Block Party this 2025? Request a Centennial Block Party Kit packed with giveaways and decorations like branded balloons, bubble necklaces, and reusable cups; just indicate it on your application, and the Parks & Recreation Department will arrange your pickup once reviewed.
- Challenge yourself and learn about San Carlos’ history and environment with the Agents of Discovery app, featuring monthly augmented reality missions created by the Youth Advisory Council in various local parks; download it on Google Play or the App Store to join the fun.
Events to look forward to this year include:
- January 10, 2025 – Cheers to 100 Years ACC Luncheon
- January 24 – February 2 – Week of the Family
- April 1 – May 9 – Centennial Art Contest (Grades 6-12)
- April 19 – San Carlos Day of Service
- May 16-18 – Centennial Hometown Days
- May 30 – Back to the 20s Youth Center Dance
- June 14 – Centennial Adventure Camp Reunion
- July 8, 2025 – San Carlos Turns 100!
- November 15, 2025 – “Centennial Wrapped: A Year in Review” Movie Night at Burton Park
Photos of San Carlos, Then and Now
Below, we’ve prepared some old and new photos of famous San Carlos landmarks. Have fun, and if you have more old photos of San Carlos, and you’d like to share them, please send them to hello@sancarloslife.com and we’ll be glad to feature them in the website.
Laurel Street
1959 – 2024
Drakes Building
1930s – 2024
Devonshire Little Store
1930s – 2024
San Carlos Station
1970s – 2024
The City of San Carlos has called on various non-profit organizations to help create and organize events for 2025. What kind of events would you like to see next year? Help us know by answering the survey below:
For More News
For more of what’s happening in and around San Carlos, please visit San Carlos Life Blog
About San Carlos Life
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are co-owners of Vabrato Real Estate, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living, and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.
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