A slew of free events, champagne and enough cake to link both sides of the city are on tap for Port Coquitlam's 100th birthday celebration next week.

Slated for Thursday, March 7, the celebrations begin with the opening of the city's new museum and community archives at Leigh Square. A public open house to unveil Heritage @ Leigh Square runs from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Outlet, which is located within the Leigh Square Arts Village.

Program displays, games, face painting and prizes will be offered at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre from 5 to 9 p.m. A ceremonial cake-cutting courtesy of Mayor Greg Moore is scheduled for 8 p.m., followed by a free swim and live music from 8 to 10 p.m.

The PoCo Recreation Complex will host a free skate for people of all ages between 7: 15 and 8: 45 p.m., with activities in the lobby - including a cake-cutting - starting at 7: 30 p.m.

The events wrap up with a gala cocktail reception featuring live entertainment at City Hall. The few remaining tickets for the event cost $19.13 and are available at the Outlet in Leigh Square. For more information about centennial events, log on to www.portcoquitlam.ca/100.

jkurucz@thenownews.com