For Meaford, it’s time to party.
Meaford is ready for its 150th birthday sesquicentennial celebration. A kickoff event for the big party will be held on March 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre.
The kickoff will feature podcaster and Meaford native, Jeni Besworth, sharing her personal experiences growing up in Meaford.
Free cupcakes and hot chocolate will be available as well as a chance to visit with friends, old and new. The community is inviting current and former residents to be part of the ceremony. The event starts with free family skating from noon to 2 p.m., followed by 150 Celebrations in the community room.
“The kickoff committee hopes to create an atmosphere where everyone can mingle and share their Meaford memories and hopes for the future,” said Verna Hindle, committee co-chair, in a news release about the upcoming celebrations. “Working with Mary Solomon and the other wonderful women on the committee is the icing on the Meaford 150th celebration birthday cupcakes, we will enjoy on March 10. I may be a tad exuberant, no, I am a lot exuberant, thanks to the comfort of togetherness I received half a century ago here in my hometown of Meaford and especially now working on a committee which is full of exuberance - my heart is singing. Let the celebrations begin."
Activities at the kickoff event include: selected displays celebrating the history of the community, a townscape where attendees can add a memory, children’s activities by the Scarecrow Invasion and Beautiful Joe Heritage Society, cupcakes donated by the Meaford Family Resource Centre at Land Forces Training Base Meaford, and hot chocolate served by the Meaford United Church Ladies.
At 2 p.m. the formal kick-off ceremony will begin with a program including the Meaford Goldenaires, present and past dignitaries, guest speaker Jeni Besworth, the Meaford town crier and a surprise special guest.
Also that day in the Meaford Hall galleries from 11 - 2 p.m., the Meaford Museum will host a reception to launch the sesquicentennial cookbook and calendar. The galleries will include an exhibit on the history of Meaford.
“We stand on the shoulders of a lot of pioneers and entrepreneurs who built Meaford into the great community it is today. One hundred fifty years ago, the Town of Meaford was incorporated. I believe it’s an occasion to look back on our storied history as well as to look ahead to vision the Meaford we want to bequeath to future generations,” said Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner in the town's news release. “It’s also a time to celebrate and party. But it is only through the generous contributions of time and talent from dedicated volunteers (for which Meaford is so well-known) that we can enjoy these special events. I want to especially recognize and thank those who have worked so hard to make our sesquicentennial another milestone in our growth.”
Full details about the celebrations can be found online here.
