Published: August 18, 2009 09:08 am      

Georgia city marks centennial

ARCADE, Ga. (AP) — The northeast Georgia city of Arcade has wrapped up its celebration of 100 years of existence with a ceremony at city hall.

The Jackson County community has experienced rapid growth in the last 20 years.

The town that once was noted for its speedway now identifies itself with a variety of azalea. Officials held the town’s first Encore Azalea Festival in April. They planted 150 Encore Azalea bushes around city hall and hosted a community centennial celebration Saturday.

The rapid growth of the last few years has slowed with the economy, and Arcade’s leaders have had to cut the city’s staff this year. They’ve managed to hold several centennial celebration events with the support of volunteers and sponsors.