Balboa Island kicks off its centennial celebrations

More than 200 guests danced, dined and honored the history of Balboa Island during a celebration Saturday night marking the 100th anniversary of the island’s incorporation into Newport Beach.

Balboa Island got its start in 1906, when developer William Collins decided to dredge a channel along the north side of Newport Bay across from the Balboa Pavilion on the peninsula. He piled up the dredged sand and silt until an island was formed.

The island became part of the city of Newport Beach in 1916.

A series of celebrations is planned this year to honor the centennial.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event, presented by the Balboa Island Merchants Assn. at the Harborside Pavilion and Grand Ballroom, will fund a larger “all-island” party planned for September, as well as various neighborhood improvements.