St. Augustine invites the world to celebrate 450th birthday

It’s been a moment years in the making.

Tuesday morning, September 8^th, the countdown clock officially hits 0, marking St. Augustine's 450^th birthday. Those who have organized the commemoration, however, want the focus to be on more than just the City.

"What we're really celebrating is the very genesis of America," says St. Augustine 450^th Commemoration Director Dana Ste. Claire.

Ste. Claire estimates about 100,000 people came to their events in the first few days- a large number given the City itself is just about 13,000. The focus isn’t on attendance though. For Ste. Claire, he says they’re most excited about the impression they’ve been able to make online, with millions of hits on social media sites.

“We want the world to celebrate with us. We want the rest of the nation. After all, this is America’s birthday party,” he says.

For 450 years, St. Augustine has been continually occupied. Ste. Claire says the first settlers were a diverse group looking to start new lives, and they’re honored to see such a diverse mix commemorating this occasion as well- with representatives from Spain, Britain, DC and more taking part. The King and Queen of Spain are actually scheduled to stop through later this month.

Along with spreading the history of St. Augustine, Ste. Claire says their objective has always been increasing the City’s profile as a destination.

“It’s about building legacies and building sustainable programs for the future,” he says.

He says they’ve already had people coming to St. Augustine because of buzz around the various celebrations they’ve had, and that’s momentum they hope to continue.

“We have something for you- if it isn’t food, if it isn’t wine, we have wonderful museums and attractions and zoos. Bring your family, bring your friends,” he says.

The heart of the celebration wraps up tomorrow with the official birthday. After the clock hits 0, there will be a reenactment of the first settlers coming to shore as well as a parade. Ste. Claire says the excitement lasts through the rest of the month, however, with events like a wine festival.