The city of Battle Ground celebrated its 75th anniversary Thursday, June 18, with a free birthday party at Kiwanis Park, drawing families and community members together to commemorate the milestone with activities, treats and reflections on the city's past and future.
The two-hour celebration featured mini horse petting, face painting, a foam dance party and a preview of Battle Ground Parks & Recreation’s Summer Playground Program.
Birthday cupcakes were provided by Rabbit Hole Eatery & Coffee while local artist Ana Gabriela Honsowetz created a live mural as attendees watched and learned about the creative process behind what city leaders hoped would become one of many future community art projects.
The city turned 75 years old on June 18 after being incorporated as a town on June 18, 1951, and later incorporated as a city in 1975. Officials had invited residents to celebrate the once-in-a-generation milestone and to contribute memories to the “75 Stories for 75 Years” commemorative video project, which aimed to highlight the people, places and moments that shaped Battle Ground over the last seven and a half decades.
Mayor Eric Overholser said seeing the turnout at Kiwanis Park reinforced his pride in the community.
“Well, what an amazing milestone — 75 years of this amazing city,” Overholser said. “And to look back at the history, what we have built here, what great people have done, great things in this city, it's just amazing.”
As children played in the park and enjoyed the foam party, Overholser reflected on the generations that will continue shaping the community.
“And to look around here in Kiwanis Park and just see all the youth, you know, this is the future of the city,” he said. “So these are the people that are going to make up and do great things in the next 75 and beyond. It really gives me a sense of pride in this community and also hope that we're here for just a short bit of time, but the lasting effect of the great things that people do here has an effect for years to come. And it's just really great to be able to celebrate it, to even have the honor to be a part of it.”
The mayor noted the timing of the anniversary coincided perfectly with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
“What an awesome thing also to be celebrating our 75th as I'm watching this foam party go on over here,” Overholser said. “What an awesome thing to celebrate the 75th birthday during the 250th anniversary of this country's formation. So it doesn't go without notice that it's important what we're doing. It's important to be a part of this community and it's a beautiful, beautiful thing.”
Asked what Battle Ground means to him personally, Overholser offered a simple answer.
“Battle Ground is home,” he said. “Battle Ground means community, unity, productivity in a place of peace and rest. It's a beautiful little city.”
He added that the city’s location and quality of life have become increasingly recognized by newcomers.
“Really, it's a paradise … we have people come into town and they go, ‘I didn't realize how beautiful this was,’” Overholser said. “And it's really. It's like a hidden secret that is slowly leaking out, which is beautiful. I mean, that's why our population is growing the way it is. The word is catching on that Battle Ground is a great place to be. And yeah, we just look forward to the continued growth and more great people coming to this town to enjoy it.”
