It only happens once every hundred years in La Cañada and it’s happening this weekend.

By Maddy PUMILLIA

La Cañada Flintridge is celebrating its unique place in the foothills this upcoming weekend with a huge party on Friday night at Memorial Park, open houses and a store and restaurant sale on Saturday and on Sunday a memorial service for 9-11 victims.

The community-centric events are part of 9.10.11, a weekend to connect, celebrate and remember in recognition of Saturday’s date – Sept. 10, 2011 – and how the date reflects the town’s zip code.

“We are hoping everyone in La Cañada [will use this] chance to get back and experience the community,” said Todd Andrews, an organizer for 9.10.11.

La Cañada’s zip code is 91011 and the correlation between the zip code and the date only happens once every century. Civic leaders worked together to create events that would draw residents together while honoring those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

On Friday, residents can join the fun at Memorial Park for music and food and reconnecting with other people in the community. Bring a picnic, get take-out from a restaurant or purchase food from one of the participating food trucks. The food truck fare includes a grilled cheese truck, a bacon truck and a shaved ice truck. The music lineup includes the Untouchables, Misplaced Priorities and the Trip.

On Saturday, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Descanso Gardens, Verdugo Hills Hospital, Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA, La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association, Lanterman House, Assistance League of Flintridge, the La Cañada Thursday Club and the Flintridge Riding Club will host open houses. Descanso Gardens will give free admission all day for La Cañada residents. There will be a free tram tour at 11 a.m. for the first 40 people who register. JPL will open their von Karman Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to noon. For a complete list of the open houses, go to www.celebrate91011.com.

In addition on Saturday, residents are encouraged to volunteer at the La Cañada Trails Council located at 1418 Descanso Dr. from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (contact Tara Davies at [818] 790-4353), La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association anytime from 10 a.m. to noon (contact Ann Neilson at [818] 790-0055) and La Cañada Valley Beautiful at 9 a.m. at DISH (contact Linda Fults at [818] 790-1964).

Also on Saturday, local shops and restaurants are partaking in Zip Along the Boulevard, when shoppers and diners will find sales and promotions. These include a free raffle worth more than $7,500 in prizes. Some of the prizes include Cañada Jewelry and Gifts’ freshwater pearl necklace with 14k gold beads, valued at $500, and a $200 gift basket from the Apple Cart.

On Sunday, there is an ecumenical memorial service to remember those lost on 9-11 at 2 p.m. at La Cañada Presbyterian Church.

For details, visit. www.celebrate91011.com.

  MADDY PUMILIA