Richland is turning 100 years old this month.

The town of about 175 people, 41 miles east of Baker City, will have a centennial celebration on Saturday, March 25.

Organized by a committee of local residents, the celebration will feature local speakers who will talk about the history of the town and the surrounding area. There will also be an opportunity for other locals to participate in an open microphone session to tell their personal stories about living in Richland.

Parts of two streets — First and Valley — will be closed to traffic for the event. A street party begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m.

Local home-schooled student Brice Ransom will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” on keyboards and other local children are slated to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Dick Pedersen will give a short speech as well.

Vocalists and guitarists Larry Hendrick, who’s from Richland, and Eddie Booze from California will both perform country and western music during the event.

Activities for children will include the bean bag-tossing game corn hole, and balloon popping with darts.

Barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs will be served.

Food and supplies for the celebration have been donated by local businesses. Idaho Power Company, the Eagle Valley Grange, the city of Richland and a local resident have donated money to help pay for the celebration.

The Richland area was first settled in the 1860s. A post office was established in the town in 1897 and it was incorporated in 1917.

Richland is in the Eagle Valley, just east of Eagle Creek, a large stream that flows from the Wallowa Mountains.

The Eagle Valley has long been a farming and ranching hub due in part to its climate, which is considerably warmer than Baker Valley and the Pine Valley, which is less than 10 miles to the east.

For more information call the city of Richland at 541-893-6141.