SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A six-month celebration begins Wednesday to mark the 150th anniversary of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.
This morning Mayor Kevin Faulconer and other dignitaries came together at Fifth Avenue and L Street to make an official proclamation.
"Rabbitville" Public Art Installation
During the proclamation ceremony, six fiberglass rabbits painted by local artists were unveiled.
The rabbits were created to honor the history of the Gaslamp, which was once known jokingly as "Rabbitville" because of the many wild rabbits that lived in the area.
There will be a total of 15 glass rabbit statues created by local artists like Matt Forderer, Rebecca Nuvoletta and Tasha Hobbs, whose piece entitled "Honoring the Disdained," can be viewed here.
Free Wild West Wednesday Block Party
From 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. tonight, the "Wild West Wednesday" block party will kick off on Island Avenue, between Fourth and Fifth avenues. The party, which is open to the public and free, will feature live country music.
Numerous celebratory events will take place in the Gaslamp Quarter for the next six months, with many area restaurants and businesses joining in on the fun by offering discounts and special deals.
RELATED: The Gaslamp's glorious 150 years
150th Birthday Party This Summer
Details haven't emerged yet but sometime in August, the festivities will continue with the official sesquicentennial party.
One notable promotion during the anniversary celebration: $5 flat rate parking at the 6th & K Parkade Sunday-Thursday, from 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Details on this parking special can be found at http://www.gaslamp.org/parking/flatrate/.
For all things related to the Gaslamp Quarter's 150th anniversary, visit http://www.gaslamp.org/150.
