FARMINGTON – The city of Farmington’s long history will take center stage this year.

The community of, according to U.S. Census data, roughly 10,000 today was first settled by Arthur Power in 1824 and had previously been home to Native Americans. It’s where former Michigan Gov. Fred Warner grew up and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, it’s known for its charming atmosphere and busy downtown.

"To me, the bicentennial is to take stock of everything Farmington is today and what we love about the city," said Councilwoman Maria Taylor, who's also a member of the Farmington Bicentennial Committee. "Our goal is that, however people get their information, people know that 2024 is a special year."

The city is looking forward to recognizing its 200th birthday this March, but people will see festivities all year long.

"I think it really resonates with our need for community, especially because everything is so polarized in our culture," said Kate Knight, director of the city’s Downtown Development Authority. "This is something we can all rally around and identify with."

Sean Murphy, chair of the all-volunteer Farmington Bicentennial Committee, said people will see special elements of all the city's annual events like the Founders Festival, Art on the Grand or Harvest Moon. Murphy said people will also be able to purchase commemorative bicentennial gear at events, farmers markets or at Farmington City Hall, 23600 Liberty Street.

More:How wrestling helped 2 Livonia Stevenson seniors become college football recruits

More:Get books for cheap at upcoming Livonia used book sale

More:Westland woman pleads no contest in Veterans Affairs fraud case

"Everything will be infused with the flavor of the bicentennial," Knight said. “There’s a lot of thought that’s gone into things, and a lot of it is happening downtown because we’re kind of the heart of things.”

Julie Law, president of event production company 360 Event Productions, said the annual Farmington Founders Festival will have several special elements to recognize the city's history. Murphy added it's likely the city will also hold a bicentennial gala sometime this summer and will commemorate March 8, which is the 200th anniversary of Farmington's founders cutting down the first tree in town.

"We’re going to be celebrating who we are, who we’ve been and who we’re going to become," he said.

Knight and Murphy both said they're excited to see the city through a milestone birthday. Murphy, who's been a "townie" most of his life, said he's looking forward to celebrating the things that make Farmington what it is.

"I love the opportunity to be involved," he said. "We’re trying to get to the essence of what makes Farmington, Farmington – and that’s 'welcoming.' It’s been welcoming since 1824 and it has that spirit of welcoming others."

Get the latest headlines for metro Detroit every morning in your mailbox by signing up for our daily briefings newsletter.

Contact reporter Shelby Tankersley at stankersle@hometownlife.com or 734-311-0659.