The 100-day countdown to Redmond’s official centennial began Sept. 23 and city staff have added a number of activities and events to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday and close out 2012.

The City of Redmond turns 100 on Dec. 31, and between now and then Lisa Rhodes, events and marketing administrator for the city, said they are making one big final push to get residents and businesses more involved in the festivities.

The city is accepting items from the public for a time capsule that will be on display throughout December at City Hall for all to see. To fit into the time capsule, Rhodes said submissions must be no bigger than 12 inches wide and 30 inches tall. She said for submissions, they are looking for pieces of history significant to Redmond that people will donate to the city. Examples of item submissions include commemorative items, pins or shadowboxes.

The items selected will depend on how much space there is in the capsule. Submissions will be accepted through Nov. 2.

“It will be going into the city vault,” Rhodes said about what will ultimately happen to the capsule.

She added that they are not planning to bury it because there are so many stories about cities losing track of their time capsules because they’ve been built over or people forget where they were buried.

For their submission, Rhodes said city employees came together for a group photo on the lawn at City Hall. The photo was taken from the City Hall balcony, and in honor of the centennial, city employees formed the number 100.

Rhodes said the time-capsule items will be displayed beginning with Redmond Lights on Dec. 1.

In addition to the festival’s usual cultural entertainment and activities at night, this annual event will also have a few special centennial activities added to the itinerary during the day, Rhodes said. There will be a historical exhibit and kids activities such as gingerbread house building. The city has also commissioned the Redmond Chorale to write a special centennial song to be performed that day.

Rhodes said local businesses, organizations and agencies have also been presented with the task of creating gingerbread buildings of Redmond’s historical buildings. These creations will be on display during Redmond Lights and people will vote on what they think is the best one.

To get businesses involved in the festivities, Rhodes said the city is offering a special “100 businesses for $100” sponsorship package to make it more affordable.

“We’re hoping this is something more affordable,” Rhodes said.

As a centennial finale, the city will hold a community bonfire from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 30 at City Hall. There will be hot chocolate and other treats for attendees.

“We just want the whole community to come out,” Rhodes said.

For more information about Redmond’s centennial activities, visit www.100years.redmond.gov.