The city of Richmond Hill will soon recognize half a century of progress, success, change and more as the city prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next month.

The city has planned a weeklong schedule of events, which will all be free to the public, Steve Scholar, planning and zoning director and 50th anniversary committee member, said.

“We wanted to do something we could invite the city to as well as the south part of the county,” Scholar said. “We thought a picnic with free food would be the easiest way to reach as many as possible.”

The celebration kicks off March 3 in J.F. Gregory Park when the city will host a military appreciation and birthday bash picnic. The family-friendly day will include fishing, a citywide garage sale, free food and drinks and kids bounce houses. Also featured that day will be a military instrumental quartet, a wreath-laying at the Veterans Monument and a 21-gun salute. Atlanta-based rock band Heart and Soul will perform live entertainment, and the evening will end with a fireworks show.

Scholar said the city and 50th anniversary committee hopes for a good turnout and noted they would be happy with 3,000-4,000 people. He said the events provide something for everyone in the community.

He added having numerous events in the week following the city’s 50th anniversary would give all residents an opportunity to celebrate.

A reception also will be at 5:30 p.m. March 8 at the Richmond Hill City Center. Dubbed “Past, Present and Future, a Black and White Celebration,” the event will feature free refreshments, presentations to previous council members and mayors and more. Buddy Sullivan with the Richmond Hill Historical Society will also be on hand to speak about Richmond Hill and its 50-year history.

A display of the 25th anniversary time capsule and the 50th anniversary time capsule will also be available for viewing at the reception, Scholar said. He added the committee is still working on what contents to put in the time capsule.

To round out the weeklong celebration, the city will host another picnic March 10 in J.F. Gregory Park with free food and more live entertainment. A hometown market sale, kids bounce houses and entertainment from local band The Tams will be available for residents to enjoy. The city will also bury the 50th anniversary time capsule that day.

For more information, visit the city’s website at www.richmondhill-ga.gov or the convention and visitor’s bureau website at www.richmondhillvisit.com.

For information regarding booth space at the garage sale March 3 or the hometown market sale March 10, call Amanda Styer at 756-3641.