Sugar Land’s 50th New Year

The Town Square of Sugar Land, Texas, was crowded on New Year’s Eve with residents, business and government leaders, friends and neighbors who had all come together for special birthday (and New Year’s) party – the grand finale celebration of the city’s 50th anniversary.

While New York City has a giant glittering ball that drops at the stroke of midnight, Sugar Land rang in 2010 with sweeter style … by dropping a sugar cube.

Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor and his wife Tiba.

Sugar Land was officially incorporated on December 29 1959, New Year’s Eve. And, the community this year has been reflecting of the phenomenal growth and prosperity over the last half century.

One of Sugar Land’s more prominent and long-time landmarks has been the headquarters of Imperial Sugar Company, one of the nation’s largest pure cane sugar companies. Many of Imperial Sugar’s employees and leaders participated in the 50th anniversary New Year’s Eve party, including President and CEO John Sheptor and his wife, Tiba.

Entertainment never before seen in Sugar Land showed up in the Town Square to help ring in the New Year, including a “living” Roman fountain, roaming stilt dinosaurs and an intriguing candy sculptor to name just a few.

Highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebration was unveiling of a memorial sculpture depicting the history of Sugar Land, including its origin with the construction of the first Imperial Sugar Company production facilities and employee houses dating back to 1843.