(1) Legendary 60's folk singer/songwriter and centennial steering committee honorary co-chair, Joan Baez, sings "Gracias A La Vida" at the Santa Monica Pier Carousel during a Centennial Celebration and  book launch of James Harris' 'Santa Monica Pier: A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier' on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. (2,3) Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser presents Joan Baez with the Santa Monica Pier award on Wednesday. (4) Joan Baez rides on the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel during the  Centennial Celebration.

The Santa Monica Pier Centennial Celebration, through a series of free, public events and festivals, will engage the public in the rich history of the Santa Monica Pier by re-creating and paying homage to some of the most memorable moments from its past. Throughout the Centennial, the Pier will highlight the place that the Santa Monica Pier has in the everyday life of the city. The Santa Monica Pier Centennial looks 100 years in the past, 100 years ahead in the future that will create an atmosphere of fun, festivity, and fitness that will last for another 100 years. The events of the Santa Monica Pier Centennial will pay tribute to the past, enhance the visitor experience of the present, offer a new set of events for a new population and attract event visitation and economic development on a year round basis.