Boston celebrates birthday

Charter Day celebrations officially began on Saturday afternoon as Mayor Thomas Menino sliced Boston's birthday cake in the Boston Public Library courtyard.

A crowd of parents and children attended for free cake and ice cream along with children's activities as Menino reflected on the city's past, following an introduction from library president Bernard Margolis.

"When Boston was founded, it was a small port with one dominant culture. There was no separation of church and state, and one religion laid down the law," he said. "Now, Boston has grown into one of the most diverse cities in the country. The diversity of our city is the strength of our city."

Reminding onlookers of the light from the "city on the hill" early settlers hoped to cast as an example for the world, Menino asserted, "That's what we celebrate today, that vision of hope and possibility.

"When we celebrate our diversity and our freedom, we are creating that city on a hill," he continued.

Partygoers sang a hearty happy birthday before they quickly lined up for the double-decker cake and free ice cream. Depicting a colonial map of the bay area, the $650 cake was enjoyed by all. Free commemorative T-shirts were also available.

Lively historical impersonations of Massachusetts heroes such as John Quincy Adams entertained parents and children before the mayor arrived, and children decorated party hats at a station set up for the duration of the event. Parents enjoyed the various activities available for their children to participate in, including storytelling later in the evening.

"My children love to read. It's quite exciting; we had a surprise. We didn't know there was a party with cake and ice cream," said Boston parent Jane Lee as her son decorated a party hat.

Chris Peterson, the director of the day's events, was pleased by the favorable attendance.

"These kinds of events are vital to increasing the number of people who come to the library and to get people to know, like and use the library again."

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