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Chardon gearing up for bicentennial celebration
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - December 08, 2010)
Chardon gearing up for bicentennial celebration
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
It will take a village to help get Chardon's bicentennial celebration under way.
The city is gearing up for the celebration planned for July 27 to 29, 2012, with a steering committee in place. Karen Simpson, former mayor and co-chair of the committee, said ideas for the celebration are taking shape, but there is one important missing ingredient. "The success of these ideas depends on volunteer involvement," she said.
Among the ideas being bandied about are an ecumenical church service, a large ice-cream social on the nationally registered historic town square, an antique car show, a parade and fireworks. Historical displays and other activities also are being planned.
Ongoing quarterly events also will be part of the celebration, Mrs. Simpson said. Some of the ideas being floated for those events are a snowflake ball and displays of bicentennial memorabilia.
"During the year, it is anticipated that the Main Street historical district will display antique artifacts and illustrate the history of the buildings," Mrs. Simpson said. "You can expect weekly newspaper articles documenting 200 years of history and invitations to participate in century home, photo identification and walking tours as well as multiple activities for school children of all ages."
She said a fall community harvest festival will conclude the celebration.
Bicentennial-sponsored merchandise will be available throughout the year, beginning with the 2011 holiday season.
Local artist Bob Kolcum, of the Maple Palette, has joined with the committee to offer his talents.
Mrs. Simpson said volunteers of all ages are needed to manage and carry out the various bicentennial events, activities and operational functions, such as media, advertising, fund raising, finances and videography.
"In the near future, plans will be announced for a bicentennial informational town meeting, planned for mid-January 2011.
The steering committee is composed of Bob Clark, Joe Spear, Dave Jevnikar, Bill Jackson, Sara Brougher, Cathy Gillette and Mrs. Clark.
The committee is asking resident to contact Chardon City Hall at (440) 286-2600 to volunteer for further planning and execution of specific events and to share historical artifacts and memorabilia.
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