The Auburn Downtown Association in cooperation with the City of Auburn is throwing a party to celebrate Auburn’s 122nd birthday.

Festivities for the inaugural event will run from 4 to 8 pm, on Friday, June 14, at City Hall Plaza, 25 West Main St.

“Our city has persevered through the devastating loss of hops in 1890, through floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters over the years,” said Auburn City Councilmember John Holman. “But we’ve also grown into a great community with a diverse population of over 72,000.”

Auburn became an incorporated city in June of 1891.  At that time the city was called Slaughter, named after Lt. William Slaughter. A monument was erected in 1981 in the memory of Lt. Slaughter and still stands in a local park.

The city lies between the confluences of the White and Green Rivers and the valley soil reaped crops of vegetables, fruit and hops. The celebration will honor that history with local musicians, food and a beer garden featuring local craft beers.

“The event will include mobile food vendors, a beer garden, local musicians, displays of our history and hops and a special birthday cake and cupcake table,” said Laura Westergard, Auburn Downtown Association executive director.

Proceeds from this event will go to the Auburn Food Bank.