FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE – Sesquicentennial Spring! Days to Remember

During the Sesquicentennial year we have been remembering the long gone days of the Village Centennial.  Like a snapshot, that event from 50 years ago seems like yesterday.

Now we are in the midst of our own activities and events to celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of the Village and hopefully we are creating lasting memories. The Sesquicentennial Committee has been working to create events that are inclusive, have a context to local history and are fun.  In addition to the calendar of events are annual activities and organizations have used the Sesquicentennial as a spring board or a way of framing their event.

This past weekend the Warwick Chamber hosted the Community Showcase and although it was not a Sesquicentennial Event it used the Village Business District as the venue to show the diversity of local businesses.  Over 80 businesses set up booths along Main Street and Railroad Avenue.  It was a wonderful event to have downtown.  Thank you to Michael Johndrow, Sarah Armand and Bea Arner who helped create the new Community Showcase.

During the showcase the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows had an open house at their Lodge on Main Street.  The IOOF is also celebrating their 150 years in Warwick. The men of the lodge were gracious showing the public the history of their fraternal organization. It was a glimpse of a bit of Warwick we don’t often see.

Sunday’s activities included the Warwick Farmers’ Market and the famous Winslow Therapeutic Duck Derby.  Later in the day the Warwick Valley Chorale had their Spring Recital at the Reformed Church.  The program, “Seeking the Right Path: American Songs” paid tribute to the Sesquicentennial with songs from the 1860’s Civil War Era and ended with the great music of Irving Berlin and George and Ira Gershwin including Berlin’s, “God Bless America”.

So a weekend to remember with the backdrop of a vibrantly alive Village filled with history and stories and fun.

Coming up is the Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 29^th with line up at 10:00 a.m.  The parade starts at 11 a.m. from Church Street.  Ceremonies will be held at the Warwick Cemetery, St. Stephens Cemetery and Memorial Park.  After the parade there will be a barbecue at Excelsior Fire House, 25 Church Street Extension.  This is the beginning of a series of events titled, “Salute to Veterans” which will include various activities from May 29^th through June 14^th, Flag Day.  One of the key events will be the exhibition of Military Uniforms throughout the decades.  This Event is Saturday, June 3^rd at the A.W. Buckbee Center with a 1 p.m. opening and showing of colors and will include numerous demonstrations such as Healing with Horses.  This event is organized by the VFW, American Legion, Town of Warwick, Historical Society and the Sesquicentennial Committee.

Please join us on Memorial Day as we pay homage to the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives for our country.

For more of Sesquicentennial info, please visit warwick150.org.