Pensacola has been in the midst of a 450-day celebration, including a kick-off party in May 2008, a visit from the king and queen of Spain, tours of the Elcano tall ship, Revolutionary War battle reenactments, and visits from renowned artists and Spanish winemakers. Now, it's time to blow out the candles on Saturday, Aug. 15, the 450th anniversary of the founding of Pensacola, at the free birthday bash, which is open to the public.

The day begins with a landing ceremony of reenactors and a Catholic Mass on Pensacola Beach. That evening, local and regional bands perform on Palafox Place in Downtown Pensacola. Attendees can enjoy birthday cake, contribute personal items to a time capsule, and sign the world's largest birthday card on record.

The Pensacola Celebrity Chefs, who cooked for the king and queen of Spain during their February visit, are preparing Spanish small plates for $4.50. Plus, children can buy tickets for a chance to dunk their favorite chef in a dunking booth.

The evening will end with a fireworks display over Downtown Pensacola.

The dedication of the Spanish conquistador statue will take place on Thursday, Aug. 13, followed by an art auction on Friday, Aug. 14 of the ten historic paintings that Celebrate Pensacola commissioned artist-inresidence Dean Quigley to create.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Aug. 13: 5 p.m. - Spanish conquistador statue dedication at Plaza de Luna

Friday, Aug. 14: 7 p.m. - Art auction featuring ten historic paintings of Dean Quigley and other special items such as private chef dinners from Dan Dunn and Gus Silivos at De Luna Landing at Plaza de Luna

Saturday, Aug. 15: 8:30 a.m. - Don Tristan de Luna Landing Reenactment and Catholic Mass with Bishop Ricard on Pensacola Beach at Fort Pickens Gate Park

5-10 p.m. - Downtown Street Festival and Birthday Bash, world's largest birthday card, live music and entertainment, fireworks display, Spanish cuisine from the Pensacola Celebrity Chefs, birthday cake, time capsule, historic reenactors.

Find more facts and information about the 450th at www.CelebratePensacola.com.