PERU — Honoring its incorporation on Feb. 5, 1821, as the 240th town in Maine, Peru will celebrate its 200 birthday on Oct. 2 with a block party and a 1970s theme.

Organized in 1812 as Plantation Number 1 and previously known as Thompsontown, Peru was named in the spirit of liberty and solidarity for Peru, the South American country which declared independence from Spain on July 28, 1821.

This logo will appear on T-shirts to be sold during Peru’s 200th birthday celebration on Oct. 2. Contributed photo

The celebration is scheduled to take place in the town complex, starting with a parade at 10 a.m., and includes a bike decorating contest. Residents and attendees are asked to dress in their best ’70s attire, as the committee would like to provide prizes for the best outfit, as well as for a child’s best decorated bike.

Participants should register for the parade, but entry is free. Local artists are also invited to showcase their wares for no charge, but space is limited. People can get registration forms online at the town of Peru website or from the town office.

Planning committee member Tammi Lyons said the theme was decided to coincide with the highlight of the event, the 4 p.m. opening of a replica of a time capsule the town buried during the 150th birthday celebration on Oct. 2, 1971.

The copper capsule was made and donated by Diamond Match Corp., and buried under the walk in front of the Peru War Memorial. There was also a duplicate set of capsule contents that were put on display and now currently sit in the town vault.

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“There will be some musicians from Peru performing and we’re hoping to have some antique cars in the parade as well,” said Lyons.

Lyons asked for prize donations from local businesses and also asked residents to donate used bottles to help cover the cost of the celebration.

“We’re having a bottle drive to help raise funds for the event. There is a big trailer in front of the town office,” said Lyons.

Committee members are Lyons, Barbara Lane, Jason Dolloff, Earle Wingate III, Wendy Henderson, Deb Coudrain, Valerie Taylor, Kevin Taylor and Nicole Bambrick. There are also people assisting who are not on the committee.

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