Pinellas became a separate county from Hillsborough in 1912. A century later, Pinellas is celebrating with a weekend filled with special events that trace its history and explore how life has changed on this peninsula.

The upcoming weekend's centennial events include a collaborative effort of the Florida Gulf Coast Center for Fishing, Heritage Village, Pinellas County Extension and the Florida Botanical Gardens.  All four are part of the 200-acre Pinewood Cultural Park off of Walsingham Road in Largo.

Taste black pot soup, check out the model trains and air boat, sip lemonade on the veranda, make doll furniture and enjoy more hands-on activities. Ten local historical societies — including those in Largo, Seminole, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport and Palm Harbor — will participate at Heritage Village.

"We are really trying to have people come here and see some history ... what it was really like back then," said RoseMarie Kafer, President of the Pinellas County Historical Society.

The new Center for Fishing will teach kids how to fish and have a Family Fish Fry both Saturday and Sunday. Fishing is an integral part of Pinellas' history.

"We are excited to have people come see who we are and for a community event to bring people together," said Jessica Espaillat of the Florida Gulf Coast Center for Fishing.

Weekend Events

Saturday, Sept. 15

• 7 a.m. Centennial Run for the Fishes in Walsingham Park (12615 102nd Ave, Largo, FL). The special run for the fishes' shirts were designed by Clearwater resident Lyle Polyack.
• 8 a.m. Pancake Breakfast in the courtyard of the fishing center.
• 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Events and hands on programs at Heritage Village, Center for Fishing and Botanical Gardens.
• Noon Family Fish Fry, Cost $10 at the Fishing Center

Sunday, Sept. 16

• noon- Family Fish Fry, Cost $10 (same as Saturday)
• noon- 5 p.m. Events and hands on programs at Heritage Village, Center for Fishing and Botanical Gardens (same as Saturday)

Monday, Sept. 17

• 7:10  p.m., Tampa Bay Rays Game, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg