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In a couple of days, LaGrange will turn the ripe old age of 195 years old. The city plans to commemorate its birthday with a celebration on the square on Friday.

Community members are invited to attend the celebration, which will be held on Friday, Dec. 15 starting at 12:30 p.m. on Lafayette Square in Downtown LaGrange.

The tradition of celebrating the city’s birthday with an annual party on the square was started at the suggestion of Mayor Willie Edmondson last year.

“We’re going to have a festive heartfelt celebration to honor the day that LaGrange was incorporated,” Edmondson said.

The celebration will be the day before the official incorporation anniversary, Dec.  16, 1828.

Current and former city leaders and former leaders are set to speak at the event, including former Mayor Chris Joseph.

Miss Georgia Teen Charlie Key, who is also a leader on the LaGrange Youth Council and serves as the youth council’s historian, will perform at the event. The LaGrange High School Marching Band is also expected to perform.

City Communications Manager Katie Van Schoor said Councilman Quay Boddie and others are set to speak on the history of LaGrange and its incorporation nearly 200 years ago.

The event is free and open to the public, Mayor Edmondson said, noting they plan to have cupcakes to share to celebrate the city’s birthday.