The sesquicentennial celebration is almost here. The word means the one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of an event, and in this case, of Boyertown. It’s not so bad if you sound it out – “ses-qui-centennial,” at least that’s the advice Lori Carnes offered me.
Carnes is chairman of the Boyertown 150 planning committee. She says the official, formal start of the celebration is this Friday with the opening of the time capsule. The capsule itself is a casket built by the Casket Factory. They’re not sure what shape the casket will be in – or what inside – but everyone is excited to find out.
The opening will take place Friday, May 20, at 6 p.m. at Boyertown Community Park.
Carnes says the casket is “very appropriate,” as the medium for a capsule. “Fifty years ago – it would have been a very obvious choice. A lot of people worked at that casket factory – it’s a part of our history.”
She wonders what object the people of Boyertown will use as their next capsule.
At the end of the year, with the end of the celebration, on Oct. 21, a new time capsule will be buried. The 150 committee is looking for items to represent past 50 years, suggestions are welcomed. The committee will be on site with a stand during the block party.
If it’s in good enough condition, Carnes said the casket will be on display on Saturday throughout the festivities.
“Saturday is going to be fun – it’s going to be a party,” said Carnes. “We’ve encouraged people to dress in period costume and have fun with it.”
On Saturday, May 21, the Wellness Council of Boyertown will be kicking things off with a Fun Run to begin at 1 p.m. right before the parade being led by Grand Marshall, singer, Stephanie Grace.
The parade route begins at Boyertown Senior High school and continues up E. Philadelphia Avenue, left on South Reading Avenue, left on Third Street and ending back at Boyertown Senior High.
Following the parade at 1 p.m., the block party will kick off to feature plenty of vendors, wineries, music, a cake large enough to feed four hundred people, and the crowning of the sesquicentennial royalty. The event will be held from 3 to 9 p.m., rain or shine, at the Colebrookdale Railroad Yard 101 East Third Street.
Carnes is truly looking forward to the block party, since is brings the entire community together.
“It’s a big party for everyone – it’s going to be ‘we’ as a community, celebrating,” she said. “We’re doing this together, making history together.”
As a part of the celebration, the local railroad is running a steam engine. Rides aboard the steam engine are scheduled for May 22, 23, 28 and 29; visit the colebrookdalerailroad.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Carnes says the railroad’s Steam Engine excursions will “add to the ambiance” of the celebration. “IT’s something they would have used – makes you feel like you’re there in 1866.”
On Sunday, May 22, the celebration will wrap up with a nondenominational religious ceremony at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. The service begins at 2 p.m.
It will be a quiet day, “thanksgiving-type of fellowship,” she explained.
Following the weekend celebration, Carnes said there will be more events coming in summer and fall, with the official conclusion on Oct. 21.
To volunteer or find out for information, visit <Boyertown150.com>.
“Boyertown is worthy of celebrating 150 years – it’s a great town and great community,” said Carnes, welcoming everyone to get involved.
