New Lebanon celebrates the 200th anniversary of its incorporation as a town in 2018. And celebrate we will. The New Lebanon Town Board, in collaboration with Grow the Valley Inc., as well as several local businesses and organizations will provide or sponsor programs and events throughout the year. Updates will continue to be provided in the Town newsletter and the Grow-the Valley e-newsletter but the best place to get the most up to date information on NL200 is the NL200.org website, including a calendar of events and other cool stuff. Also, be sure to “like us” on the Grow the Valley Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GrowTheValley) to receive notifications about coming events sent to your Facebook page.
Here’s what’s happening in the coming months:
February is Recreation Month with a special event to get things going:
Saturday, February 17 (details to be announced) – Shaker Swamp: Frozen Landscape of 1818. sponsored by the Shaker Swamp Conservancy. A guided walk through the Shaker Swamp, conditions permitting. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing for cold conditions
March is Food and Beverage Month with special bicentennial-themed menu items and offerings by local restaurants, and food and beverage providers. Look for posters in town and check out the NL200.org website for details. Kick off those winter doldrums by partaking of the many fine culinary establishments in the area.
Saturday, March 3 from 10 AM to Noon – Bicentennial Kickoff at Town Hall that will include a presentation on Religious and Spiritual Institutions in New Lebanon, displays of historical documents as well as an introduction of the bicentennial banner, new Town Seal and the Passport to New Lebanon.
· Bicentennial Banner – 30 banners will be mounted on major roads throughout town.
· New Town Seal – maintaining the elements of the current seal in a clearer format
Passport to New Lebanon – area businesses and organizations will stamp your “passport” when their advertised criteria have been met. Collect the required number of stamps to be eligible for fabulous prizes. The Passport, which is free, will be available at the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall and other community locations.
Saturday, March 3 from 3 to 5 PM – Culinary Crossroads book launch, sponsored by the New Lebanon Library. Event location to be announced. The book compiles recipes from town residents and the stories associated with them.
April is Bicentennial Celebration month
Saturday, April 21, 2018 – the actual anniversary date of New Lebanon’s chartering:
10 AM – Noon at Town Hall – Bicentennial Commemoration program, including presentation of proclamation from State Government, re-enactment of the charter signing, various displays of historical interest, entertainment, special commemorative cancellation stamp and more.
5 PM – 8 PM – Sup and Swing at the Jr/Sr High School featuring the High School Chorus, pot luck supper, and entertainment from the locally renown Twangbusters; THE event not to be missed!!
Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Congregational Church – auditions for New Lebanon’s Got Talent. (The actual show will be Saturday June 2 at the Theater Barn.) Seeking Singers, Dancers, Musicians, Comedy and More! Participants must have been raised in New Lebanon and gone to school here or be current residents. Watch for posters and announcements on the website for further details
And further down the road, other NL200 programs and events include:
· A Tour d’manure escorted bike ride to visit local farms in late May
· An 1818 float at the Memorial Day Parade
· New Lebanon’s Got Talent (June 2) at the Theater Barn
· Special bicentennial programs at Music in the Park and the Community Picnic (August 19)
· New Lebanon Night at the Speedway on Labor Day weekend
· and many more events and programs sponsored by community organizations and businesses such as the Shaker Museum, The Abode and Mountain Road School. See NL200.org for details.
Interested in helping to make this year one to remember? There are several ways:
· by volunteering to help with an event
· by sponsoring a banner ($100) or making another financial donation
· by taking out an ad in the “playbill” or Passport
· by having your organization orient an event on a bicentennial theme
It’s easy to do, just drop a line to growthevalley@gmail.com.