RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A birthday is always better with a big party to go along with it. The City of Rancho Cordova threw a big party for all the residents to celebrate birthday number 15.

With lots of big smiles, handshakes, hugging neighbors and great music the celebration was a hit from the moment people lined up for the free Kona Ice at the end of another hot summer day.

The celebration was held at Rancho Cordova City Hall on Monday, July 2 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Rancho Cordova has come a long way in a short time to become one of the most vibrant cities in the state. It has strong economic growth and a very promising future as it reaches adolescence at 15.

Mayor Linda Budge, one of the original founders who pushed hard  to make Rancho Cordova a city, said, “15 years ago we set out to create a city as good to live in in 100 years as it is to live in today. We have an incredible future ahead of us.”

The opening welcome was offered by Congressman Ami Bera, kicking off the celebration. It was followed by a wonderful extended 14 selection birthday performance by the Rancho Cordova River City Band.

City councilman Bob McGarvey, a fellow founding father of cityhood said, “It’s been a very short, and long 15 years. The people of Rancho Cordova know they are a part of it. We’ve been so grateful for what the people have done with us, and now they can see the results.”

With the recent improvement of the economic climate in the city, there is even more to celebrate. Diann Rogers, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are so grateful to the city and we are glad to have the partnership of prosperity. We are looking forward to the next 15 prosperous years for the community.”

Rancho Cordova has much to celebrate this birthday, and everyone acknowledges that it starts with those who live here.