Special to The Star-Herald
BRIDGEWATER – It’s been 150 years since the town of Bridgewater was incorporated, and the town is planning a great number of events to celebrate this fact. From Thursday through Saturday, July 24-26, there will be many exciting things happening for both the townsfolk and others in the area to enjoy.
The opening will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24 with a prayer by Steven Bradstreet, the flag salute, the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Jann Votaw, and the presentation of the Boston Post Cane. Entertainment will be provided by Miss Bridgewater Jennifer Holcombe, Junior Miss Bridgewater Marissa Anthony and Little Miss Bridgewater Chloe Wheeler. The contents of the 1990 time capsule will also be unveiled for all to see. These events will take place at the Bridgewater Town Hall under the sponsorship of the Bridgewater Historical Association.
At 7:30 p.m., Michaela Goff will perform “Dancing Through the Years.” There will be a music night until 9 p.m. with old time rock ‘n roll, country, standards and original compositions by “Outside In.” If you enjoy jamming, bring your instrument and join in the fun. If you like to kick up your heels, bring your dancing shoes!
At 7 p.m., there will be a “Fashions Through The Years” Show of outfits from the mid 1800s to the present. This will take place at the Bridgewater Free Baptist Church and is sponsored by the Bridgewater Community Club. This will bring back memories for some, and amaze others who won’t be able to imagine wearing some of those fashions!
On Friday evening, July 25, at 7 p.m., there will be a Variety Show with the notorious, infamous Joy Whited as emcee. If you have never seen this, you should make sure that you attend. You won’t be sorry! This will take place at Keith Kingsbury’s potato house.
Saturday, July 26 will start out with a breakfast at the Community Center from 6-8 a.m. sponsored by the Bridgewater Fire Department.
At 9 a.m., a number of events will start. There will be a bicycle-decorating contest at the Grammar School sponsored by the Recreation Department. The Craft & Vendor Fair will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Bridgewater Baptist Church parking lot. The Quilt Show will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. inside the Church.
From 9-11 a.m., the Town Hall will be open for those who want to see the building and the contents of the Time Capsule.
At 10 a.m., the parade will begin. Parade entrants are to assemble on Millikin Street between 9-9:30 a.m. The parade will go north to the Kingsbury potato house. There are many exciting floats that will be in the line-up. If you haven’t signed up for the parade, but would like to participate, just be at the assembly point by 9:30 a.m.
Other events include an Antique Car Show from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the potato house sponsored by the North Country Cruisers. There will be 10 classes, with first-, second-, and third-place trophy prizes in all classes, as well as a Grand Champion. There will also be an Antique Farm Machinery Display at the potato house.
There will be a barrel-making demonstration at 11:30 a.m. There will be a tour of the Bradbury Barrel factory, home of the “idea” barrel at 12:30 p.m., and a tour of Wood Prairie Farm, a certified organic farm, at 1:30 p.m.
At 11:30 a.m., there will be a Pedal Tractor Pull for the kids, followed at noon by an Antique Tractor Pull, both events to be in the field off of Station Street. This is always an exciting event, with entries coming from near and far. The pulls are expected to run until 4 p.m.
Horse and buggy rides will be available throughout the day. From 12:30-2:30 p.m., the Bridgewater Recreation Department will provide Face Painting outside the Grammar School.
From 5-7 p.m. at the potato house, there will be a Supper catered by The County Bakery with BBQ Chicken or Pulled Pork ($11) on the menu. Also available will be a hamburger or hotdog meal for kids under 12 ($5). Tickets should be purchased in advance if at all possible. An order form is available on the town Web site: www.bridgewatermaine.org under Sesquicentennial.
Following the dinner, there will be a dance at the potato house in conjunction with the ACI/CAHS Reunion Alumni. The music will be provided by the Jerry T Band and will run from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
These events provide something for everyone, so make plans now to attend some of these happenings to help Bridgewater celebrate their 150th birthday!
