FOLEY – On Jan. 15, 2015, Foley will celebrate a century as an incorporated city. In preparation for such a milestone, plans are already under way to celebrate the occasion.

“The city of Foley last year formed a committee,” City of Foley Leisure Tourism Marketing Director LaDonna Hinesley said in an interview, “and the committee wanted to do something big to benefit the community.”

According to Committee Chair Carolyne Hollis, they’ve done just that.

“A lasting memorial to mark the centennial will be a 52-foot tall Carillon clock tower that includes 32 brass bells,” she said in a news release. “It will be located in Heritage Park and surrounded by a plaza.”

Hinesley explained that the memorial plaza will include two stage areas, which will be located adjacent to the rose trail and the fountain.

“It’ll be a neat thing because if anyone wanted to get married in the park, they could do it there,” she said.

“Right now the committee is fundraising to build hardscaping for the clock tower,” she said.

That includes benches, as well as landscaping, a project designed by Chad Watkins of W.A.S.

Although that portion of the project is still ongoing, other portions are already complete.

“The city has already purchased a clock tower and bells,” Hinesley said.

She added that Foley’s centennial celebration will be funded by joint efforts from the city and community and sponsorships are available for businesses, families and individuals. They include bricks that will be part of the plaza and plaques that will displayed on the structure’s columns.

Hinesley also pointed out that the Forward City’s celebration will continue well after the Jan. 15, 2015 anniversary date.

“A number of events are planned throughout the centennial year,” she said.

For more information, please call Suzanne Kellams at 943-1545.