Durham opens yearlong celebrations Saturday to mark 150th anniversary

Durham turns 150 years old this year, and to celebrate the anniversary, local organizations are launching a yearlong celebration to encourage all of us to learn more about the city's history and where it's headed.

To kick it all off, the Durham 150 Opening Celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 13, at the American Tobacco Campus.

The event will highlight the four pillars of Durham 150: history and education, innovation and entrepreneurship, social equity and democracy and arts and leisure.

Each area will feature local experts, artists and community leaders, who will offer exhibits, crafts and demonstrations. There also will be drawings to win entertainment and staycation packages from Durham businesses.

Other activities include complimentary birthday cake, live performances, a story kiosk, a race of floatable bulls down the American Tobacco river and more.

More information is on the Durham 150 website.