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The Town of Elizabethtown will be celebrating its 250th anniversary this year with a schedule of events that will span from March to November, kicking off with a Founders Day on Saturday, March 4.
Almost 250 years to the day from when the Town’s Charter was signed, the day will include a parade and festival. According to organizers, the Founders’ Day event will honor the men and women who helped establish the town on the Cape Fear River and interpret their lives during Revolutionary War and first 50 years.
A Founders Day parade will take off from Town Hall at 10 a.m., Director of Communications and Marketing for Elizabethtown Terri Dennison said. “We are encouraging descendants of the Founding Fathers to enter floats or walkers in the parade; but we also want families to celebrate when they found themselves here.”
Dennison added that businesses, organizations and churches should also consider entering the parade to show pride in their community.
Parade entry applications are available at Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce office or at https://elizabethtownnc.org/visitors/250th_celebration/. Parade entries are due by February 24.
After the parade, a dedication and official “opening” of the 250th anniversary will happen at the Farmers Market. Demonstrations of life during the Revolutionary War period as well as vendors will be available.
Barrownburn, a traditional Celtic band, will perform from noon until 3 p.m. in honor of the Scotts-Irish heritage of the founding fathers.
The anniversary will continue with events every other month, including interpretation, vendors and entertainment.
On May 6, the next 50 year period (1824-1873) will be celebrated with a demonstration of what a Naval Store is, interpretation of the Civil War and a quilt show.
On July 8, the years of 1874-1923 will be highlighted with information about the importance of agriculture on the area, transportation on the Cape Fear River and the impact of World War I.
The September 23 event is being called a “Homecoming” and will focus on 1923-1973. It will focus on our emerging industry and leaders.
The final event will take place in conjunction with the Pork & Beats Festival on November 3-4 and will focus on modern times.
Vendor applications, sponsorship opportunities and parade entries can be found at https://elizabethtownnc.org/visitors/250th_celebration/
The 250th Committee welcomes additional idea and suggestions. Contact Terri Dennison at 910-862-4368.
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