Ridgeland ends 125th anniversary with gala

RIDGELAND — The city capped off its year-long celebration of its 125th anniversary last week with food, music, and a drone show.

Ridgeland was founded on Dec. 29, 1899. The event was held Dec. 29 at the Bill Waller Craft Center.

Chairman Kim Cooper said the event was a “unifying celebration that brought the community together.” It was dubbed “A Night to Remember!”

“Through impactful initiatives, lasting tributes, and a collective commitment to honoring its history, the City celebrated its rich heritage while looking ahead to a promising future,” Cooper said. “From official proclamations to uncovering historical narratives, dedicated committees and staff worked diligently to highlight what makes Ridgeland truly unique.”

Throughout the year, the city honored its rich history, vibrant culture, and ongoing growth with a variety of events, projects, and community initiatives, ssaid Mayor Gene F. McGee. 

The year-long celebration invited residents, businesses, and visitors to commemorate this milestone in Ridgeland's story.

“As we reflect on the past, let us also look forward optimistically. Together, we will continue to build a future marked by progress, compassion, and strength. I want to give special thanks to the 125th Anniversary Planning Committee for all of your hard work making this year one to remember,” McGee said.

In addition to last week’s anniversary celebration, the city launched its virtual history room in August, followed by the unveiling of the Ridgeland History Trail, which consists of 22 historical markers, on the first day of October. 

This completed a project that has long been in the works. The first marker was unveiled in 2023 at Ridgeland City Hall, which was recently named after Mayor Gene McGee in December.

The trail is accompanied by a virtual version that went live on the city’s website in October.

The events were coordinated through the 125th Anniversary Planning Committee. Committee members include: Kim Cooper, Chair, Nancy Batson, Jim Woodrick, Pat Truesdale, Donna Dye, Polly Hammett, Robby Carr, Matt Dodd, Jane McGee, Lisa Walters,  Bill Lee, D.I. Smith, Kenya Rachal, Bryan Johnson, Karen McKie, Chris Chapman, Kelly Durrett, Amelia Dalton, Chrystal Pham,  Carol Fitzgerald, Linda Bynum, Ben McDonald, Mike Porter, and William Gilbert.