LAKE HAVASU CITY — Earlier this week, the 25-year-old time capsule sealed in January 2000 by the Keep Havasu Beautiful Committee was carefully unearthed from its home at the “Welcome to Lake Havasu City” north gateway monument. Built by local craftsman Joe Vitela Masonry, the monument and capsule were designed to preserve the community spirit of the year 2000 for future generations to rediscover.
Twenty-five years later, that future has arrived, and the excitement throughout Lake Havasu City has been inspiring. Residents, families, and organizations have eagerly reached out to share memories and stories connected to the project, reminding everyone of the pride and heart that have always defined this community.
“We’re grateful to Joe Vitela, the Keep Havasu Beautiful Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce for organizing this special project twenty-five years ago and inviting our community to be part of it,” said Mayor Cal Sheehy. “The time capsule is a wonderful reminder of Lake Havasu City’s spirit and the people who helped shape our story. Sharing these memories during London Bridge Days makes it even more special. The enthusiasm has been incredible, and it shows how deeply connected our residents are and how proud we all are to call Lake Havasu City home. We can’t wait to share these treasures and take a walk down memory lane together.”
Inside the capsule were dozens of sealed boxes, letters, and keepsakes contributed by families, schools, and community organizations in 2000. Though some containers showed signs of water exposure, many remain in remarkable condition and are being carefully dried and preserved ahead of the public reveal. Among the contributors represented are the Keep Havasu Beautiful Committee, Joe Vitela Masonry, Lake Havasu City Government, Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce, BPOE Elks Lodge, Mohave Community College, Havasu Community Credit Union, Havasu Art Guild, Partnership for Economic Development, Havasu Valley Dental, Butler Communication, Havasu Chili Society, McAtlin Electrical, and Islander RV Resort.
Also included are contributions from Cub Scouts Troop #85 (featuring a folded U.S. flag), local elementary school students who wrote letters to their future selves, and many Havasu families who placed personal mementos inside, including Binder, Brent Ball, Boelter, Brian Conway, Campbell, Churndo, Crozier, Paul and Gloria Dauey, Tim Downes, Depuydt, John Graif, Hayes, Horner, Jensch, Kany, Karnish, Kartes, Dustin G. Lama, Lloyd, Madden, Joe and Pat Oswood, Guy Reynolds, Starr, the Stall family, Terry Janet, Frank and Leah Wenning, and Winslow.
The public reveal of the time capsule’s contents takes place during Coffee with the Mayor and Manager on Friday, October 31, at 8:30 a.m., in the Lake Havasu City Council Chambers, located in the Municipal Courthouse at 92 Acoma Boulevard South. The event will also be broadcast live on the City’s official Facebook page (@cityoflakehavasu) for those unable to attend in person.
Without a roadmap or contact list to guide us, we are relying on the community’s help to spread the word. Residents are encouraged to attend or tune in live on Facebook to experience this once-in-a-generation moment and celebrate the enduring community spirit that continues to make Lake Havasu City a truly unique place. If you recognize any of the names listed from the original time capsule contributors, please invite them, or their families, to join in the celebration as we open this special piece of Havasu’s past together.
