Plans for Newstead Bicentennial continue to expand

Additional fundraising and programing ideas surfaced as the Town of Newstead Bi-Centennial Committee continued to develop plans for a celebration of Newstead’s milestone anniversary in 2023 during their meeting this month.

The Committee worked on selection of a logo for the celebration, which will be unveiled in the near future.

Under development are a Native American program on Saturday, July 1, 2023; activities for children, a civil war re-enactment; a Dinner Dance; Garden Walk, and a Scavenger Hunt; a Car Show/Taste of Akron-Newstead in conjunction with the Akron Chamber of Commerce.

The Buffalo Philharmonic has been secured for a concert with Kelly Schultz committing $10,000 of the $25,000 cost and the committee working on applying for State and County arts grants to pick up more of the cost.

Help from local businesses and individuals will be critical in obtaining the funds necessary for the week long celebration.  Information on how the community can help with donations, and or participate in fundraising events, will be available in the near future.

A book commemorating 200 years of Newstead history is being compiled with information from the 175th celebration book and information from the last 25 years.

Everyone will have an opportunity to be part of a Bicentennial Quilt.  Squares will be sold for families/individuals to write their name, and incorporated into the red, white, and blue themed quilt for display.   Square may go on sale as early as this 4th of July.

Also being considered are refillable cups, a treasure map fundraiser, commemorative flavors of products produced locally, a fundraiser at the former Ford Estate, basket raffle, wine or other tastings.

The core team knows that to make this event exceptional more committee members and volunteers are necessary. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Terra House, Buffalo and John Street, Akron, New York.

The Preliminary schedule includes:

Friday, June 30, 2023: Officials Opening Ceremony- brief history of town and opening of time capsule from 1998 sesquicentennial followed by the Akron Community Band concert kicking off their 100th Anniversary.

Saturday, July 1, 2023: Native American program and kids’ programs in the park with a dinner dance for adults in the evening.

Sunday, July 2, 2023: History and Business/Industrial displays along Main St and Cultural Center and a Garden Walk, possible bus tours of historical sites.

Monday, July 3, 2023: Celebration Committee activities and fireworks, historical society events.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023: Celebration Committee activities and parade, historical society events

Wednesday, July 5, 2023: Daytime movie for families in the park, BPO or other band concert in park.

Thursday, July 6, 2023: Akron Chamber Car Show and Taste of Akron-Newstead food vendors in the park and Main St.

Friday, July 7, 2023: Closing ceremonies with filling of new time capsule with items donated/collected Akron Community Band concert and food in the park,

Committee Chair Dawn Izydorczak has or is planning to attend upcoming meetings of the Akron Chamber, Akron Celebration Committee, Akron Lions/Lionesses, Akron Lady Lions, and Rotary Club of Akron Newstead to share the plan and opportunities for participation as sponsors, volunteers, and participants.