The Gatherings That Shaped the Events We Now Love: A historical journey through the City’s festivals and celebrations Though the tagline for the City of Celina may have recently been changed to Life Connected., this concept is nothing new to residents and friends who have spent years in and around this community. Since the turn of the 20th century, when J. Fred Smith first laid out Celina’s now historic Downtown Square, lives of generations of Celina families have connected around that beloved parcel of land that still beckons current residents and our guests to engage together at events and festivals each year. Today, Celina residents are accustomed to a regular annual schedule of events that celebrate the heritage of our hometown while embracing the exciting days ahead. Crowned by the annual Celina Cajun Fest held on the Downtown Square each May, the events calendar for the City is one that allows folks here to live up to the city’s motto. Yet, a look back in time reveals that these events and festivals stand on the broad shoulders of similar activities across Celina’s history that have always made this place a friendly and welcoming community for those who lived here or for those who just stopped on their way through town. Among the many events that took place throughout our history, there are several notable and memorable ones that are important because they set the precedence for the gatherings that this community enjoys today. Old photographs and archived copies of the Celina Record newspaper tell the stories of these treasured and memorable celebrations that happened in the city, and most often, around the historic Downtown Square. Like the celebrations of today, they brought out families, vendors, shop owners, city leaders, volunteers, farmers, residents of all ages, prizes, music and dancing, and most of all, the connecting of lives among those who for decades called this place their home. A quick overview of some of these festivals and events of yesteryear should allow everyone who enjoys Celina’s celebrations today to appreciate them all the more.
SATURDAY DRAWINGS IN CELINA After revisiting Celina several years ago, Shirley Smith Clark penned her memories of one of her favorite childhood memories from her earliest days in her much-loved hometown. She recalled going to the Square two times a week as her family ventured downtown on Sundays for church services and on Saturdays to go shopping with her mother.
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