275th celebration plans in works
By Nora Cardec

Citizens throughout the town are preparing a variety of activities for the upcoming celebration of the town's incorporation on June 29, 1732.

Members of the organizational group have recently announced the date of next year's parade - Saturday, Sept. 23, 2007 - and are planning a few more fundraisers this year.

"It's the biggest thing for the town and everyone is trying to raise the money for the celebration," said Dotty Grand, a committee member. "It's a way for the community to come together."

While events commemorating the 275 anniversary of the town will be held throughout next year, a parade with marching bands, antique cars, numerous floats and fireworks will be the highlight of the occasion to be held between June and September, according to Albert "Tubby" Boucher, a committee member.

Boucher also said the town's anniversary celebration will culminate with a grand ball in December 2007.

The 275th Anniversary Committee, including about 25 active members, have been working to raise funds through numerous events including concerts, dinners, raffles, advertisement booklets, social gatherings, fairs, bake sales, performances and more.

The preparations for the 275th town anniversary have been going underway for the past three years.

This year alone, the Anniversary Committee has held two "Old Home Days" with crafters, games, food, music, and events for children. They have also hosted several dinners including one to recognize the for businesses with over 50-years of service in town; a number of performances including an Elvis impersonation show and a "Las Vegas Night."

The committee also held a talent show that proved to be extremely successful and is now getting ready to hold a second show October 21 at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Hall in the Great Room.

"Our show last June turned out really well with over 200 people in attendance. It's been no problem booking performances for the second one," said Grand, the chairwoman of the talent show subcommittee.

Grand said she along with David Lamoureux, co-chair, and close to a dozen volunteers, have put together a show that will entertain young and old.

The show, which is a variety show - not a contest - will include volunteer performers from novice to professionals and ages 5 to 75.

Comedy, juggling, acrobats, singing, dancers, skits and even audience participation will all be part of the show, she said.

Solo performers, duets and groups will entertain by playing instruments or singing. Even Grand, who was a professional singer and dancer, will take part in the show.

"I want people to have a good time and I guarantee they will," she said.

Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children. Tickets will also be available at the door.

People, committee members or not, have been doing whatever they can to help commemorate the town's anniversary.

Some bake, others assist during events, others make monetary donations and yet others contribute in other ways.

The Atwood Cuties - a group of elderly women who posed nude - are selling copies of their calendar and donating the profits to benefit the town's celebration.

Priscilla Kipp, coauthor of "Voices - From Their Times and Places: Women of Townsend Share Their Stories" and Kate Walsh, editor of the Townsend Times, are compiling stories from townspeople for the "Townsend Over Times," a collection of town's memories.

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Nora Cardec is a correspondent for The Community Journal and can be reached at: ncardec@yahoo.com or (978) 827-3386. Ext. 10.