A city, just like a person, gets to celebrate its 50th birthday only once.

And Des Moines community leaders came up with dozens of ideas at a recent "summit" to make the Waterland city's 50th anniversary a special year-long occasion.

The meeting "went extremely well," Mayor Bob Sheckler said afterwards. "When you get this many community leaders in the same room, great things are bound to happen. It should prove to be one fantastic celebration."

More than 50 representatives from neighborhoods, businesses and local government joined in the lively brainstorming session. A volunteer steering committee now is evaluating their suggestions and focusing on events that, throughout 2009, will include everyone from children to seniors.

Des Moines incorporated as a city on June 17, 1959.

"I think every city needs to celebrate itself," noted Dianne Jacobson of CorkyCellars, who is 2008 president of Destination Des Moines, a non-profit organization that promotes the community. "Des Moines needs to grasp this opportunity and the citizens need to know the city is behind [the anniversary events]."

And citizen involvement bolstered by city support was the message City Manager Tony Piasecki delivered as he left the meeting.

"Citizens are talking and planning for our 50th anniversary," Piasecki noted. "After what happened today, more people will pay attention and volunteer to help. This is going to be fun."

The first anniversary event, which already was on the calendar and will kick off a year of celebration, is the Des Moines Legacy Foundation's ninth annual Bayside Brunch on Sunday, Nov. 9. The theme is "Fabulous 50!"

Special events for 2009 that were suggested at the meeting and received strong support from the participants included a parade, which now is being organized, arts-related activities, and a beer garden.

A 50th anniversary city logo and theme will be designed.

Also recommended were a black-tie community kickoff, a history walk and a 50th anniversary commemorative walking map, concerts, boat races, and a time capsule.

Many of those participating expressed a hope that some of the anniversary activities will return in 2010 in a renewal of the summer Waterland Festival.