It’s “Time” To Celebrate 100 Years of Family Fun

The name Disney is synonymous with cherished childhood characters and meaningful memories. Generation after generation has grown up with the magic of “the mouse.” Find out how you can celebrate 100 years of Disney with a very magical “time” here in Missouri.

By Peg Cameron Gill You probably already know that Walt Disney was Missouri born and bred. He hailed from the northern  Missouri  town of Marceline in Linn County. And on Saturday, June 3, to celebrate 100 years of his eponymous empire, the town is celebrating bigtime—emphasis on both “big” and “time.”  Why the emphasis on those two words? On that day, renowned timepiece maker CITIZEN is donating a replica Main Street, USA clock to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum Garden. Main Street USA is, of course, a popular attraction and favorite photo opp location in both of our country’s Disney World and Disneyland theme parks. Prior to the 4 PM “Celebrate a Moment in Time” clock dedication, visitors will find plenty to do during a fun-filled afternoon that’s free and open to the public.

During Walt Disney’s Marceline Street Fair from noon to 4 PM, browse offerings from local and global specialty vendors. CITIZEN will have some exclusive, special products—along with Disney products–for sale, including a watch exclusive to this event designed by illustrator and Disney artist Jeff Shelly.  Prefer a scavenger hunt to a souvenir one? The celebration in Marceline will have one of those, too.  You can stroll the quaint, small town community of Marceline and enjoy live entertainment. Special guests will be in attendance, too. And you won’t want to miss a special presentation mid-afternoon featuring the Disney D23 FanClub. Those who are artistically inclined can try their hand at free interactive classes with aforementioned illustrator and Disney artist Jeff Shelly, as well as mural painting with Disney creator and fine art artist Arcy. Purchase a postcard or two then stop by the Walt Disney Post Office to buy a special cancellation stamp featuring the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, the Main Street Clock USA replica, and CITIZEN recognition.  There will also be a ticketed event, “A Night at the Disney Family Farm,” from 5–6 PM. It will feature special guests including animator and Disney legend Floyd Norman, along with a four-course meal designed by Marcy Carriker Smothers, author of Eat Like Walt, and an “A Kiss Goodnight” fireworks display. Tickets for the dinner and associated activities are available here.     If you’re interested in supporting the Walt Disney museum, click here.  In an interesting addendum: Harper Goff, who created Disneyland’s Main Street USA with Walt Disney, was a native of Fort Collins, Colorado. He used his former hometown, along with Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, as inspiration for the models of Disney’s Main Street USA. To learn more about Walt Disney’s life in Marceline, read this interesting and informative Missouri Life article. For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.