Early risers were treated to a parade of more than 40 marching bands, drill teams, cheerleaders, and various organizations and performing groups that traveled along City streets to warm up the crowds as the Torch made its way from Marin County across the San Rafael Bridge into Richmond.

People began arriving at the Plaza as early as 7:30 a.m. with blankets, steaming cups of coffee, and plastic lawn chairs to stake their claim on what they hoped would be the best vantage point for a glimpse of the historic beacon that so many have only seen on television since the Torch began its journey in Athens, Greece on November 19, 2001. The trek on American soil began on December 3, 2001, and will end on February 8, 2002, at the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As the frost began to melt from the freshly mown grass on the Plaza, the weather could not have been more perfect. The temperature was balmy, the sky a crisp, clear blue, dotted with puffy white clouds. But even the piercing bright sunlight could not outshine the golden flame that flowed from the 33-inch glass, copper and aluminum wand carried to the front steps of City Hall by Richmond High School Men’s Basketball Coach Ken Carter. "I’m just honored to do this," said Carter as crowds of people pressed from all directions to get photographs with the famous Coach.

As the minutes ticked by slowly, children amused themselves by climbing a 50-foot rock wall provided by the U.S. Army. Others tested their strength and endurance with exercise equipment provided by Magic Johnson Sport 24-Hour Fitness at Hilltop Mall. There were also fruit drinks freshly blended by the Contra Costa County Wellness and Prevention Program.

By late morning, the first of the Olympic Torch promotional vehicles began to arrive with Olympic souvenirs and interactive games, including a virtual reality ski run, and an ice hockey game. The crowd was also entertained by a variety of cultural dance and musical groups. The Plaza itself was adorned with life-sized cutouts of Olympic icons, bright blue balloons, and banners proclaiming Richmond as a Torch Relay City.

But after two hours, people began to grow restless as they waited for the Torch to arrive. "You’ve waited this long," said Angela Jones, Richmond’s Public Information Officer. "You don’t want to go home now, do you?" The crowd responded enthusiastically, "No!"

Finally, nearly an hour behind schedule, the moment they had all been awaiting arrived. As the cheers rose to a deafening pitch, flags waved wildly among the crowd, and the Olympic theme song began to float above the Plaza.

Then Richmond High School Men’s Basketball Coach Ken Carter came into view as he jogged down the 350-foot Torch Chute, wearing a gleaming white jogging suit with the blue Olympic logo, and flanked by an official Olympic Relay support team.

Carter mounted the steps to City Hall and proudly placed the Torch in a silver stand, then waved both arms high above his head in an unparalleled moment of pride and honor. "It was just a tremendous experience for our city, for the families here today, and for our country," said a near speechless Coach Carter.

The special ceremony included the presentation of colors by the Travis AFB Honor Guard, and the National Anthem, performed by Cynthia Harris.

A number of City dignitaries and elected officials were on hand to experience the spectacular event. "Today, as we celebrate this wonderful occasion," said Mayor Irma L. Anderson, "I pray that the spirit of Richmond, with all its diversity, with its commitment to provide opportunities for all of our citizens to live, work, learn, and recreate in peace, will follow the Olympic Torch to the next city, the next county, the next state, and throughout the nation. It starts with you and I."

Congressman George Miller represents Richmond in the 7th Congressional District. "We welcome the Torch that has been carried across many thousands of miles, "said Congressman Miller, "binding our country together demonstrating the tremendous diversity of America."

Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia who represents District 1, which includes Richmond said, "This is a great day for Richmond. There are only a few of these ceremonies around the country, and we should feel so fortunate that Richmond is a part of it."

Senator Dianne Feinstein was unable to attend. Staff representative Chris Thorem presented Mayor Anderson with a letter congratulating Richmond, and "recognizing the diversity here that is embodied in the American spirit."

At the end of the ceremony, Coach Carter touched the flame of his torch to the unlit tip of the torch carried by Phyllis Bailey from Southern California. Later along the route, Richmond Fire Department Engineer Sal Bonilla ran along 29th Street with the lighted beacon. The Torch continued to Concord and Martinez later that afternoon.


Written by Angela Jones, Public Information Officer
Richmond Torch Logo design by Leon Sun