Preparations are under way for the 200th anniversary of the settlement of Astoria, the oldest U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, in 2011. Public suggestions for a theme for the bicentennial are being sought.

The Astoria Bicentennial Celebration Committee, created by the Astoria City Council, is offering $200 to the person whose suggestion for a theme is chosen. Contestants’ suggestions should be 15 words or less, and submitted by Aug. 20. Entries can be mailed to Astoria Bicentennial Celebration Committee, in care of Clatsop County Historical Society, P.O. Box 88, Astoria, OR 97103, faxed to 325-7727 or e-mailed to (cchs@cumtux.org)