We’ve fawned over him. We’ve written about him. We’ve paid one too many visits to the National Zoo to see him. And now, we shall celebrate him. That’s right — we’re throwing Butterstick a birthday party.

On Thursday, July 6, starting at 7 p.m. at Chief Ike’s in Adams Morgan, DCist will celebrate the year since the ‘stick entered our lives. We’ll remember the precious moments, share our favorite pictures, and plot ways to stop the zoo from giving him away to communist China come 2007. We’ll also share in some drinks, listen to some music, and otherwise enjoy a (hopefully) non-downpour night. We may even sponsor a contest, whose victors will walk away with a membership to Friends of the National Zoo.

We hope to see you all there.