Michael Senft
The Arizona Republic
May. 8 2008 6:53 am
In 1908, Philadelphia schoolteacher Anna Jarvis led a quiet celebration in honor of her mother, handing out flowers at her church.
Saturday, Glendale hosts a shopping celebration marking the 100th anniversary of that event, which led to the 1914 congressional designation of an annual Mother's Day.
"There's no better place than downtown Glendale to celebrate a special occasion. And what's more special than the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day?" asked Lorraine Pino of the Glendale Visitor Center.
"We want to make a unique, unforgettable experience for all our visitors. So we've got some great activities and specials that are all about Mom."
Visitors should start at the Glendale Visitor Center, 5800 W. Glenn Drive, where they can pick up a map of the area, a special Mother's Day flower from Glendale Florists, and if they are one of the first 500 visitors, a goody bag filled with gifts and coupons.
"The map highlights all the great events happening during the day. So you can have a Mother's Day tea at Kimberly Ann's Tea Room, or find great bargains and gift baskets at the shops downtown," Pino said.
Visitors also can follow the map to pick up free flowers throughout the downtown.
"It's sort of a scavenger hunt throughout the stores area," Pino said. "By the end of the day you should have a beautiful bouquet for Mom."
The event is all about letting Mom relax and enjoy herself.
"The free Glendale Express will be weaving throughout the area, shuttling Mom around in style and comfort through Catlin Court and downtown," Pino said. " And of course it's stopping at Cerreta's Chocolate Factory, so you can get some sweet treats for Mom."
100th anniversary of Mother's Day
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Downtown Glendale, 59th and Glendale Avenues. Start at the Glendale Visitor Center, 5800 W. Glenn Drive.
Admission: Free.
Details: 623-930-4500 www.visitglendale.com
