NEWRY – Up to 500 people are expected to flood Newry next weekend when the town celebrates its 200th birthday.
The three-day bicentennial celebration is to be spread across the town’s Sunday River and Bear River valleys on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 8, 9 and 10.
Newry was incorporated on June 15, 1805.
Three new, flashy wooden welcome signs featuring the town’s covered bridge were erected last week. Made by Don Katlin of Bethel with donated supplies from Western Maine Supply of Bethel, one is located on Sunday River Road; the other two, at both ends of town on Route 26.
Deputy Clerk Anita Clark said Tuesday that it was a coincidence that the signs, which show “Newry” lettered in red, white and blue paint, were put up right before the celebration.
Additionally, a temporary exhibit featuring historic items and mined minerals associated with the town is to open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, on the second floor of the Bethel Historical Society’s Robinson House in Bethel.
Events kick off at 6:30 p.m. July 8 with a proclamation by head Selectman Steve Wight and historian Randy Bennett at the Artist’s Covered Bridge over Sunday River.
From 7 to 8 p.m., horse and carriage rides depart from the bridge to Sunday River Inn for the ice cream social.
From 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, July 9, there is to be a pancake breakfast prepared by Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, for a small fee.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. near the Bernard Powers sign – people are told to watch for yellow balloons – on Route 26 at Saddleridge Road, and is to travel a quarter of a mile to Bear River Grange Hall.
People who wish to join the parade are asked to contact the town office at 824-3123 or write to [email protected].
Among the afternoon activities are a cookout by the Newry Fire Department, music by Jewel Clarke, Donnie Katlin, Peter Morton and friends.
Evening activities include a baked bean supper in the hall from 5 to 7 p.m., and performances from 7 to 9:30 p.m. by the Wicked Good Band and Maine humorist Joe Perham.
From 9:30 to 10 p.m., fireworks are to light up the evening.
Clark said people should bring lawn chairs and bug spray.
Sunday, July 10, concludes the celebration with a hymn sing at 2 p.m. at the Newry church in Bear River valley.
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