GILEAD – A bicentennial bash comes around only once, so residents of Gilead made sure that the town’s 200th anniversary celebration was something they would be proud of.

The cool, cloudy weather along the New Hampshire border Saturday was not enough to spoil Gilead’s big day. The majority of the town’s 170 residents came to the daylong festival at various locations, including several sites along Depot Street.

At 10 a.m. a large parade stepping down Route 2 set the mood. The parade included participants from all over the area, including several police and fire departments.

Plans for the celebration had been in the works since last summer, when residents voted at town meeting to raise money for the bicentennial. For the 19 committee members in charge of organizing the celebration, it was a joy to see the special day finally arrive.

“A lot of people have done a lot of work to make this happen,” explained committee chairman and longtime Gilead resident Lin Chapman. “This last week has been crazy,” she said, looking at the crowd shuffling to see all the attractions. “This is the payoff.”

Residents and visitors were able to get made-to-order hamburgers at the fire station, enjoy live local entertainment at the music pavilion, and take a scenic train ride to West Bethel. In the town office there was a display highlighting 200 years of Gilead history.

There were also games and activities for the kids and, to top off the night, a twilight fireworks show.

As a byproduct of the bicentennial, participants had a chance to help support a good cause. Most of the money raised from raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and other fund-raising activities will go toward a town scholarship fund.