The city of Pelham will celebrate its 45th birthday during a public gathering Friday, July 10 from 1-3 p.m. at City Hall.

“We have a lot to celebrate – business and residential growth as well as expanded sports and recreational opportunities,” said Mayor Don Murphy. “This birthday celebration is a way to say thanks to our community, and it’s a good excuse to eat cake.”

Murphy recently coined the phrase “Let’s play in Pelham” to remind residents and inform visitors of the city’s parks and venues for golf, tennis, ice skating, fishing and mountain biking.

The city incorporated on July 10, 1964 with a population of 654. Today, the city boasts 20,625 residents, according to the latest U.S. Census estimate.