Hanford Civic Auditorium 100th Anniversary

Hanford's historic Civic Auditorium is turning 100 years old, and the community is coming together to celebrate this momentous occasion with a Century of Memories celebration. This iconic landmark has been at the center of Hanford's cultural life since it was dedicated in 1924, hosting everything from world-famous musicians to notable political figures throughout its storied history.

When the Civic Auditorium was first built, Hanford only had about 7,000 residents, and some questioned whether such a large venue was necessary for a small town. However, the investment has proven its worth over the decades, becoming a cultural hub that has enriched the community for generations. The building quickly established itself as a prestigious venue, attracting world-class talent including the legendary John Philip Sousa and his band, who performed there twice—in January 1926 and October 31, 1928. Sousa himself praised the venue during what would be his 50th anniversary as a conductor, cementing the Civic Auditorium's reputation as a premium performance venue.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating stories shared about the Civic's history involves Eleanor Roosevelt's visit. Contrary to what many might assume, the First Lady didn't arrive by train but drove to Hanford from the Los Angeles area with her entourage. Her visit is documented in her personal diary, where she made notes about her journey. During her appearance, she spoke about human rights and also touched on the likelihood of America's involvement in World War II—a historically significant moment captured within the walls of the Civic Auditorium.

The Civic's significance extends beyond political figures. During the big band era, the auditorium was the epicenter of entertainment in Hanford. Nationally renowned orchestras and musicians including Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman performed to sold-out crowds. The proximity to the army base in Lemoore helped attract these high-caliber performers, further establishing the Civic as a cultural jewel in the Central Valley.

The building itself holds numerous historical treasures that will be on display during the centennial celebration. Visitors can see artifacts from the cornerstone that was recently opened, including original seats, the vintage spotlight made by a company famous for arcing spotlights, and the original steampunk-esque dimmer panel that controlled all the stage lighting. The display will also include items from the Hanford Police Department, which was housed in the basement of the Civic from the 1950s through the 1970s, including original uniforms from around 1910 that were later worn by community outreach officers in the 1980s.

The Century of Memories celebration on June 7th will be a full day of activities, beginning with a Hanford Breakfast Lions pancake breakfast at 7 AM inside the Civic Auditorium. Throughout the day, visitors can explore historical displays showcasing the building's rich history. At 3 PM, a special program will begin, featuring proclamations from local politicians, performances by the Kings Fiddlers, and a special 80-member John Philip Sousa Tribute Band performing some of the composer's most beloved works. The celebration will culminate with the singing of Happy Birthday and the cutting of a custom cake designed to look like a miniature version of the Civic Auditorium.

Concurrent with the Civic celebration, the fourth annual Carnegie Museum of Kings County Car Show will take place downtown, featuring approximately 200 classic, vintage, and modern vehicles. The car show has grown from a modest 50-car exhibition during a foggy November day in 2021 to a major event that draws car enthusiasts and spectators from throughout the Valley. With 11 separate judging categories and a special People's Choice Award, the show offers something for every automobile enthusiast, from hot rods and historic pre-1950 cars to modern vehicles and imported European and Japanese models.

This combined celebration represents the best of Hanford's community spirit—a day dedicated to honoring the past while bringing people together in the present. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of the Civic Auditorium and the community's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.