ORANGE BEACH — "Happy birthday Orange Beach!" was a recurring phrase from the audience of a recent town hall meeting that included a celebration of the city's 40th anniversary of being incorporated.

Before the meeting was held, a slideshow displayed images of original buildings, businesses, news and people of Orange Beach that went from Aug. 1, 1984, when the town was incorporated, to 40 years later today.

Mayor Tony Kennon said he was happy to announce the 40th anniversary to the audience filled with people "who've been a part of making that happen." After the meeting, commemorative keychains were handed out alongside cookies with themes that celebrate Orange Beach's milestone.

The keychains represent what the new signage in the city will be themed to look like.

"We're going to try to change everything and make it more uniform and updated a little bit and have it sort of flow with what we're doing with all of our city buildings. We're trying to find that coastal look," Kennon said.

A documentary titled "Life is Better Here: The History of Orange Beach, Alabama" was created in 2014, the city's 30th anniversary, and can be found on the Orange Beach official city website. Curious guests and visitors can also check out local artifacts and memorabilia at the Orange Beach History Museum, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.