Icing on Newport’s centennial

Newport Beach officially turned 100 on Friday, and residents and city officials celebrated on the lawn in front of City Hall with balloons, proclamations and a cake created just for the occasion.

Mayor Don Webb, ever the fashion plate of the City Council, literally wore many hats as he described different eras of the city’s history, starting with a bowler and ending with his own wide-brimmed straw chapeau. He made a few bold predictions for the city’s future, including that City Hall will be moved to Newport Center — a decision the council is still hashing out.

About 200 residents showed up for the party, among them representatives of some of the city’s oldest establishments. Webb honored Alice Smith, who at 101 is the city’s oldest resident; the Arches, which was founded in 1922 and is the city’s oldest existing restaurant; and also the oldest school, church and others.

The wind interfered with the lighting of candles, and the rendition of “Happy Birthday” was a little off key, but the ceremonial cake was a lovely blue and white confection of coconut and white chocolate representing sea, sand and sky. Instead of serving guests slices, though, officials chose the no-mess option of cupcakes.