GRANT COUNTY — Planning is already under way for the 100th birthday of Grant County in 2009.

The Grant County Centennial Celebration Committee is in the beginning stages of planning for the celebration, which recognizes the formation of the county Feb. 24, 1909.

Ideas for the celebration include pioneer-themed activities, such as an antiques market, historical speeches and classroom demonstrations. Other possibilities the board is looking into are local performances, arts and crafts shows, vintage clothing shows, picnics, a parade, pioneer story time for children and the creation of a wooden nickel.

"I just hope that all the communities will get involved and say 'happy birthday' to Grant County," said Historical Society President Patti Goodwin.

The committee is seeking individuals to become involved with celebration planning, said chair of the committee's district chairmen Beverly Mayer.

Planning for the centennial began in November with the committee's first meeting. The third meeting was held Wednesday.

Committee member Janet Nelson is charged with researching Ephrata's history for the centennial. She found the first documented white settlers came to Ephrata around 1880, and the city was incorporated in June of 1909.

Nelson said the tenacity of the early pioneers is what stuck out most in her research.

"When everybody came here, there was no water other than what you could get out of the springs," she said.

For more information, call Beverly Mayer at 509-754-3041 or e-mail Patti Goodwin at [email protected].