United Residents for Commerce City's (URCC) second annual Pioneer Picnic Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Take a step back in time at the United Residents for Commerce City's (URCC) second annual Pioneer Picnic Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at City Park next to the Commerce City Recreation Center.

"It will be a time to share pictures, memorabilia, and stories or just listen to others talk about their lives in Commerce City," said Debra Bullock, one of the founders of URCC, which is an organization dedicated to preserving the city's rich history.

Last year, Bullock said, approximately 60 residents attended the picnic. "And everyone wanted it to be an annual event," she added. "This year, we are expecting even more people to attend."

There has been so much interest in the history of the City of Commerce City that Bullock and URCC are working with Arcadia Publishing in putting together "Images of America - Commerce City."

"The book will recount back to when the city was settled in the 1850's," she said.

It will take the reader through the pioneer times of hog farms, truck farms and dairies to World War II when the area was known for its Rocky Mountain Arsenal, a U.S. Army weapons manufacturing facility. It will tell of the inspiring story of citizens who incorporated the area into Commerce Town and eventually into Commerce City.

"We have sections on different aspects of the city, including the Arsenal, fire department and school district," Bullock explained.

It will also include more recent city accomplishments such as the new Commerce City Municipal Center, Buffalo Run Golf Course, and Dick's Sporting Goods Park, which is the home of the professional Colorado Rapids soccer team.

"Our members interviewed many citizens who have lived here for a long time and gathered images from the city, residents, and businesses," she added.

Bullock will be putting the final touches to the book in the next few weeks. She expects it to be in local bookstores sometime early next year.

But even before the ink dries on the pages of the book, URCC is continuing its quest to maintain the history of Commerce City. Its next venture is to form the Commerce City Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization for the purpose of accurately collecting, memorializing, preserving, protecting and maintaining the rich physical and written history of the peoples and times of the City of Commerce City.

"We invite anyone who is interested in preserving Commerce City's history to come join us," she said.

In addition to the Pioneer Picnic on Sept. 26, where RSVPs are appreciated, but not necessary; the group will be holding their next regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 6770 Monaco St.