Lafayette Celebrates U.S. Birthday Today

LAMORINDA, CA — Lafayette will celebrate tonight with carnival games, live music, hands-on history, and a documentary exploring the life of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French military officer who became an ally of the American Revolution.

The free celebration runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd.

Outdoor activities from 4 to 6 p.m. will include carnival games, craft activities, and interactive history stations.

Visitors can sign a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence, pose for photos, learn about the Marquis de Lafayette. Food vendors will offer hot dogs and nachos for purchase while local bands The Au Contraires and Janel and the Magdalena Sage Band perform in the amphitheater.

The celebration moves indoors at 6 p.m. in the Don Tatzin Community Hall, where singer Janel Wagner will perform the National Anthem. Mayor Carl Anduri will deliver remarks, and local historian Mary McCosker will explain how Lafayette received its name before a screening of Lafayette: The Lost Hero, a one-hour documentary examining the Marquis de Lafayette's military service, diplomacy, and contributions to American independence.

The event is presented by the City of Lafayette in partnership with the Lafayette Historical Society, the Acalanes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and All Ages Recreation Downtown, with support from Front Porch Music. Organizers said the celebration is open to everyone.