Prescott prepared to party in 2010
Posted By NICK GARDINER , R & T STAFF WRITER
Eighteen months of preparation is coming down to an eight-day countdown.
That's when all the hard work of the Prescott Bicentennial committee begins to pay off with the first of more than 200 events scheduled to mark the Fort Town's 200th anniversary in 2010.
The party begins with the annual New Year's levee held in partnership by the town and Prescott branch of the Royal Canadian Legion which, this year, carries a unique designation of being first in line to recognize the bicentennial.
Period costume and welcoming remarks that reflect the historic occasion will be featured elements of the levee, which begins at 2 p. m., said bicentennial coordinatorHaileyMcLean.
"That's what makes this levee unique," McLean told The Recorder and Times.
"It's a secondary reason to celebrate. Just a salute to the coming year."
The scene at next week's event is one Fort Town residents should get used to over the next 12 months.
The coming year will see much more of local re-enactors dressed in historic costumes and reacquainting the town with its heritage at multiple events, assured McLean.
Many events are already established and, while not all are bicentennial specific, they will all incorporate the theme of the anniversary, she said.
Loyalist Days, for instance, is an annual celebration that will easily envelop the bicentennial agenda, said McLean.
She said two other events are scheduled for January.
One is the Prescott Curling Club's Wiser Cup Challenge, which in itself recognizes distilled spirits as one of the town's early industries.
The challenge is scheduled Jan. 23 and 24 and includes a wine and cheese reception the first day and a closing dinner on Day 2.
Another historic milestone will be celebrated Jan. 30 when the Grenville County Historical Society marks its 50th anniversary at its office in the converted rail station.
At the same time, a book on the bicentennial, Prescott Celebrates, 1810-2010, will be launched, said McLean.
She said the entire list of bicentennial events may be viewed on the Internet atwww.prescottbicentennial.myevent.com.
McLean, a school teacher on call to supply locally, moved here with her husband from Essex last year.
She quickly became attached as co-ordinator of Prescott's bicentennial and has learned more history about the town than she could have imagined while preparing for 2010.
"It was an amazing way to dive into the town's history," she agreed.
McLean's term as bicentennial co-ordinator was scheduled to end Jan. 31, but town council voted Monday to look into a possible six-month extension.
Regardless, McLean vows to be a part of the celebration whether or not she's still on the job.
Mayor Suzanne Dodge expects to see a similar enthusiastic greeting to the bicentennial by other residents.
Dodge said many community partners have been involved in organizing for the bicentennial year as well as adding their own individual events into the mix.
"Everything from the food bank to the Rotary Club to the Walker House Ladies is involved," she said.
Working on a limited budget, but with an application out for a heritage grant, the community has to rely on local resources, she said.
"It's encouraging to see a group come together and make this happen."
She said the major celebration will be held the July 1 to 4 weekend, with a host of events including a Canada Day parade and bicentennial gala July 3.
The parade will include an old-fashioned element where children dress up and decorate their bikes and wagons as was common in the past.
"It's a way to step back in time and reflect on our heritage," said Dodge.
"There's just such a tremendous history here and it's kind of fun that we have a chance to celebrate our heritage and appreciate where we've been."