City Schedules Events to Mark 40th Birthday

Bellflower will celebrate its 40th birthday this week with a series of events in what Mayor Ruth Gilson calls “a huge celebration.”

A carnival featuring rides, booths and food will begin at 3 p.m. today at Thompson Park and will continue for three days. A parade Saturday on Bellflower Boulevard will be led by former professional football player Vince Evans, “Baywatch” star Jose Solano and the Spike, the mascot of the Long Beach Ice Dogs.

Also on Saturday, the award-winning Long Beach Junior Concert Band will present a concert at 7 p.m. at Thompson Park and will be followed by a fireworks display at 8. A bicycle stunt show is scheduled Sunday at 2:30 p.m.