And that's where we'll leave it tonight. Thanks everyone for joining us.
But even though we are stopping the blog, we'll keep you up to date with everything on the site.
For those who haven't got out to celebrate yet, there's still plenty more to do tonight. Have a look through a guide. You'll find something worth doing.
Enjoy the party - and happy birthday Canberra!
Photo: Jenna Clarke
JENNA CLARKE: The AIS troupe, who have been running around the lake all day spruiking military mantras, celebrate Canberra's birthday by toasting a glass of sparkling from the Canberra region outside the Bubbly Bar.
JENNA CLARKE: Some well planned Canberrans nestling in for the night's celebrations with a barbecue just under the bridge on Commonwealth Way.
Photo: Jenna Clarke
One eagle-eyed reader has just called in to say there is another famous face in the crowd.
Spotted! Tony Abbott in his running gear, sweating along the heavily populated north side lake footpath.
The Opposition Leader was left out of today's official events - much to the chagrin of local Lib Senator Gary Humphries, as per Ross Peake's story below - so it's good to see Mr Abbott still getting involved one way or another.
The ACT government will not bow to the federal Coalition's last-minute demand to change Tuesday's event marking a century since the official naming of Canberra.
Liberal senator Gary Humphries said on Sunday it was a snub that Mr Abbott did not have ''an appropriate role''.
''This event is the culmination of the centenary of Canberra celebrations, with an appropriate role for federal political leaders, but to not include the federal opposition is a snub,'' he said.
This could well go down as the haircut of the day.
Holt resident Keely Adams after a visit to the special centenary hairdressers. A half hour well spent! twitter.com/stephanieando/…
— Stephanie Anderson (@stephanieando) March 11, 2013
Photo: Jenna Clarke
JENNA CLARKE: The most sought after item (other than sunscreen) today.
JENNA CLARKE: The sun is still scorching so the wait for ice creams continues.
Photo: Jenna Clarke
Our photographers have been roaming around the lake today, capturing all the birthday celebrations and the partying. Perhaps they caught you? Have a look through this photo gallery to find out. We'll keep updating it as we go along.
Click for more photos
Canberra Centenary Celebrations
Robyn Archer celebrates Canberra Day at Regatta Point. Photo: Katherine Griffiths
STEPHANIE ANDERSON: There may not be much wind, but that hasn’t stopped Canberra’s children lining up to make kites.
Nine-year-old Tiahna Northey created one with her younger brother Ari in one of the child-friendly activities provided as part of the city’s big birthday bash.
“We went all day looking for some kids to play with and there were heaps of kids,’’ Tiahna said.
The activity was also word-oriented, with children able to create words in the tails of the kites.
Ari Northey, 6 with his sister Tiahna Northey, 9 of Franklin who took part in the kite making. Photo: Melissa Adams
It's always good to hear Canberrans standing up for their city. Jamila Rizvi is a born and bred Canberran who now works for Mamamia and she has put a heart-felt post up outlining just why she loves Canberra.
Well, today I boldly strip down to my tights, position my undies squarely on the outside and claim my new (self appointed) role as the superhero to beat all other superheros: Jamila Rizvi, Defender of Canberra.
In honour of her 100th year, I want to share what it is about Canberra that makes my home town a wonderful place to grow up in, to live in, to work in and to visit. And I’m going to do it all in only a few hundred words, before I have to fly off and shoot down some bad guys with my laser beam eyes and save a damsel in distress.
STEPHANIE ANDERSON: Word art dominates the skyline at Regatta Point as part of the HOME project. Elena Bozhko Marshell spent a fortnight working on the installation for the Russian community, working on a number of interactive craft activities for visiting children.
“Dom is Russian for home,” she said.
“We have had a lot of people through with the activities. We also have costumes for people to dress in.”
The project involves contributions from 17 multicultural groups, including the Polish and Indian communities.
Elena Bozhka Marshell from the Russian Church School, Canberra. Photo: Melissa Adams
STEPHANIE ANDERSON: Canberra is looking picture perfect for its 100th birthday, and its residents are more than happy to take advantage if its sunny skies. Locals and visitors are queuing beside the numerous over size picture frames dotted along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Palmerston resident Kim Rowe was among them, biding her time until the bubbly bar opens for business.
While the former CIT fashion design student admitted the city was more exciting than her former home town, the 23 year old was limited with compliments.
“Canberra is not that bad,” she said.
Kim Rowe,23 of Palmerston is dressed for the occasion. Photo: Melissa Adams
JENNA CLARKE: Chief Minister Katy Gallagher was in a giving mood. She gave a group of thirsty Canberra Times journalists special passes to The Longest Bubbly Bar in the World.
The 800m bar will pour local drops and serve tapas from 4pm onwards to around 3500. It's sold out. General public patrons can enjoy a beverage from on the water front from 9.30pm.
Ever heard a carillon and uilleann pipes playing in a duet? Well fear not, now you can - just watch the video below. Or, if you want to hear it live, then head over to Aspen island where the folk festival is putting on a show as part of the day's festivities.
Carillon and Uilleann Pipes
A preview of the duet between the Carillon and Uilleann Pipes that will be part of the Folk Festival section at the Canberra Day celebration.
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Hot-air balloons, the old Monaro Mall, retro T-shirts in front of new Parliament House - Canberra artist Michael Ashley has now completed his suite of one-off posters to celebrate the national capital’s 100th birthday.
Ashley has done a striking poster for each decade to the mark the city’s milestone. They will be available from www.mickashley.org Have a look through them in the photogallery below.
Click for more photos
Michael Ashley Posters of Canberra
Year 2000 Poster of Canberra. Photo: Michael Ashley
JENNA CLARKE: Robyn Archer and a floral clad Chief Minister Katy Gallagher addressed the media today overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.
"Let people criticise us. Tomorrow is the new century so it's about time we got over the Canberra bashing. I urge everyone come and see what the city has grown into and what it's set to become," Gallagher said.
"The loudest critics are those who have had strong ties to politics.
I've travelled all around Australia and think the national conversation about Canberra is changing in a positive way. We are only 100, with plenty of years left to grow," Robyn Archer said.
As well as working until past 11pm on Monday, Archer will personally be attending 20 parties on Tuesday after 4pm.
All we're missing is a "Strewth!" bubble quote...
Signs at Canberra Centenary
Fun Machine are hitting the Regatta Point Stage at 9.45pm.
And judging by this pic, they're definitely in the centenary spirit!
Heading into town, you better believe I'm rocking the Griffin plan. #canberra100 #oneverybigday twitter.com/funmachineband…
— Fun Machine (@funmachineband) March 11, 2013
Still not sure what time you should be where?
Here's the full guide - in PDF format - so you have have a quick look at the performance times of all the acts you want to catch today.
JENNA CLARKE: "What a perfect day. It's exactly what we have planned for. Like Robyn Archer said 'build it and they will come' and the great city that we are is being shown to all of Australia today," Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.
Centenary director Robyn Archer loving life in the capital today
JENNA CLARKE: Centenary director Robyn Archer loving life in the capital today.
STEPHANIE ANDERSON: Long before the crowds gather along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the chefs at the world's longest bubbly bar are hard at work.
Hundreds of plates are due for each of the six sessions along the water near The High Court and the Gallery of Australian Design, consisting of such delicacies as smoked Snowy Mountain trout with brioche and oysters with cucumber and Marin granita dressing.
JENNA CLARKE: Some of the Cardinals en route to Rome after making a cameo on the Regatta Point Stage. I wonder what they think of the new atrium at the Canberra Airport.
Cardinals in a ute, Canberra centenary.
STEPHANIE ANDERSON: And it looks like the ferry services have been well-utilised today - they're shuttling patrons from Regatta Point jetty to Commonwealth Park jetty every half hour until 8pm.
Centenary punters taking advantage of the free ferry services on the Lake Burley Griffin.
JENNA CLARKE: It appears everyone wants to be on the Lake today. The lines are more than 50m long to get onboard the HMAS Canberra today. Luckily the weather has provided a setting befitting the "Love Boat" not the "Titanic".
It appears everyone wants to be on the Lake today. The lines are more than 50m long to get onboard the HMAS Canberra today. Luckily the weather has provided a setting befitting the "Love Boat" not the "Titanic".
Wow - some of you have taken some amazing photos down by LBG today.
This panoramic shot is great - and what a beautiful day it is for all Canberrans on this public holiday.
Perfect day for it #canberra100 twitter.com/Kimbochino/sta…
— Kimbo (@Kimbochino) March 11, 2013
And yes - it has been quite a busy century!
Cracker day in Canberra. #canberra100 twitter.com/Kevintrev/stat…
— Nancye Burkevics (@Kevintrev) March 11, 2013
JENNA CLARKE: Even with the wide variety of international cuisine on offer, the humble ice cream is the choice dish of the day, thanks to mercury almost tipping 29 degrees.
Lines for a Paddle Pop down on the Lake are similar to the beer queues experienced at Manuka Oval during the recent One Day International and GWS v Essendon match at the weekend.
The Sandor Earl/Blake Ferguson Foreshore shoulder carry has become a thing. Even for family friendly events like Centenary.
JENNA CLARKE: The Sandor Earl/Blake Ferguson Foreshore shoulder carry has become a thing. Even for family friendly events like Centenary.
Navy personnel with children at the Canberra Centenary celebrations on the Lake.
JENNA CLARKE: The Navy are on a recruitment drive. Girl power with a granny knot.
And just on a non-centenary related note, the Canberra Airport has tweeted a photo of its new atrium.
What do you think? Worth the wait?
Stunning atrium getting the finishing touches twitter.com/CanberraAirpor…
— Canberra Airport (@CanberraAirport) March 11, 2013
The Balloon Festival - during Canberra's 75th birthday celebrations.
While we're at it, this seems the perfect time to show you Maeve's dad, back when Canberra was celebrating its 75th birthday. It's just a shame that he isn't wearing the same classic T-shirt in this shot at the balloon festival.
Maeve Moloney. Photo: John-Paul Moloney
Yes, we're plugging our own people. But how could we go past this shot of Maeve Moloney rocking the 1970s Canberra kid look.
JENNA CLARKE: To the cheers of the crowd the National Museum have taken to the water on a tug boat with a local choir singing welcome songs.
To the cheers of the crowd the National Museum have taken to the water on a tug boat with a local choir singing welcome songs.
We want to know what you're looking forward to as part of today's big party.
Here's what some of you had to say:
@canberratimes walking around the lake thinking how lucky we are to live here. #canberra100 img.ly/tjKN
— Mezza76 (@mezza76) March 11, 2013
We're gonna head along to see some local bands tonight at Regatta Point stage from 9! @canberratimes #canberra100
— Local Gold Canberra (@LocalGoldCanb) March 11, 2013
JENNA CLARKE: No parking worries down at Commonwealth Park. Park your push bike for free today.
Photo: Jenna Clarke
Photo: Jenna Clarke
JENNA CLARKE: "Let's hang off the huge balloons which spell out 'Welcome'" is proving to be one of the favourite kids games down on the Lake.
Crowds are gathering for the best vantage points for today's entertainment - it looks like some of you are settling in for the long haul.
Celebrate well Canberra #canberra100 twitter.com/havyatt/status…
— David Havyatt (@havyatt) March 11, 2013
Stephanie Anderson:
Prepping for the world's longest bubbly bar is well underway, as part of the birthday bash for #Canberra twitter.com/stephanieando/… — Stephanie Anderson (@stephanieando) March 11, 2013
It's definitely going to be one very big day - right now, the Royal Military College Band is playing at the Regatta Point stage.
You might also see the Noise Orchestra workshop roving about in the next half an hour.
This is just the start of the day's events - it sounds like things are really kicking off with a bang!
The lake is filled with boats, and the boats are filled with bands, and the air is filled with music #canberra100
— Sayraphim Lothian (@Sayraphim) March 11, 2013
The Kayak Cameraman got up close and personal with a hot air balloon on his daily paddle on Lake Burley Griffin today.
Tweeps are getting into the centenary spirit this morning - the well-wishes for the national capital are coming in thick and fast.
Happy 100th Birthday to my lovely home. For those of you who think we’re soulless & boring, you haven’t looked hard enough! #canberra100
— Melina Fahrenheit (@Mdm_Fahrenheit) March 11, 2013
Happy 100th birthday Canberra! canberra100.com.au #Canberra100
— Inside History (@InsideHistory) March 11, 2013
Best photo! MT @adamshirley The force is strong in this national institution #canberra #canberra100 twitter.com/adammshirley/s…
— Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) March 11, 2013
It's your day Canberra : D#oneverybigday #canberra100 twitter.com/fmcg2/status/3…
— FMCG2 (@fmcg2) March 11, 2013
At #Canberra's 100 Birthday Bash twitter.com/bobcraw/status…
— Bob Crawshaw (@bobcraw) March 11, 2013
If you head on over to Twitter, Centenary of Canberra are tweeting some photos from around the lake, as well as tidbits of info to help you find your way around today.
Just in case you're yet to open your curtains on this glorious public holiday, it's going to be perfect autumn weather for being down by Lake Burley Griffin.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a maximum of 29 degrees, with partly cloudy conditions.
At the moment, it's just over 21 degrees.
We've put together a rundown of what's happening this afternoon - it all kicks off at noon and continues throughout the day.
For a more comprehensive list of the day's proceedings, you can head to www.oneverybigday.com.au and find something fun to do.
There's something happening all the way around the lake - from Regatta Point, to Aspen Island, Commonwealth Park and Kings Park - just make sure you get yourself a good vantage point for the fireworks at 8.45pm!
First things first - getting to the events today.
All ACTION buses are free to and from the centenary celebrations. Punters are being urged to take public transport to events, and not drive as parking inspectors will be out and about.
Buses are running on Sunday schedules - check out the timetables here.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to Lake Burley Griffin for Canberra's centenary celebrations today.
The Canberra Times journalists and photographers will be covering it all from around the national capital - but you can get involved too.
Tweet us photos or commentary from around Canberra, leave comments on this live blog, hit us up on Facebook or email the online team.
You can also give our posts a thumbs up to let us know we're posting things you want to know about.
So get involved our coverage of Canberra's centenary celebrations - and enjoy yourselves!
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