PERU — Honoring its incorporation on Feb. 5, 1821, as the 240th town in Maine, Peru will celebrate its 200th birthday Saturday with a block party with a 1970s theme.
This logo will appear on T-shirts to be sold during Peru’s 200th birthday celebration on Oct. 2. Contributed photo
The celebration will take place in the town complex, and includes opening two time capsules from 50 and 25 years ago, and burying a new time capsule.
Committee members Tammi Lyons and Lynda Hebert said the new time capsule will include the contents of a remembrance book, available to the public Saturday.
People are also encouraged to bring a note about their family history to go in the capsule.
“That would be so cool,” Hebert said. “Like letters in a bottle.”
The following roads will be closed Saturday from 9:45 to 11 a.m.: Dickvale at Ridge Road; Main Street at Route 108; Veterans Street at Route 108; 56 Ridge Road to Main Street.
Festivities will begin with a parade starting at 10 a.m., which will include a bike decorating contest. People are asked to dress in their best ’70s attire as well. Participants should register for the parade. Registration forms are available online at the town of Peru website or at the Town Office.
At 11:45 a.m., the two time capsules will be opened by Hebert, Glen Tompkins, John Dolloff and Bob Dolloff. The contents will be on display until 5 p.m.
The new time capsule will be buried at 4 p.m.
Barbara Lane, who owns Hot Colors Screenprinting & Design in Norway, came up with a bicentennial logo and will use it on bicentennial shirts for sale Saturday. There will be an assortment of colors.
She added that 10% of sales will be donated.
Oct. 2 was chosen for the celebration because it was 50 years ago Saturday, during the town’s sesquicentennial, that the first time capsule was buried.
Organized in 1812 at Plantation Number 1 and previously known as Thompsontown, Peru was named in the spirit of liberty and solidarity for Peru, the South American country which declared independence from Spain on July 28, 1821.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
10 a.m. — Parade
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Kids activities
11:30 a.m. — Presentation by state Rep. Dick Pickett
11:45 a.m. — Opening two time capsules by Lynda Hebert, Glen Tompkins, John Dolloff and Bob Dolloff
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Time capsule displayed; vendors open; classic cars shown
11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Food by Gatch’s
12-3:30 p.m. — Music by Jessica Hines and Steve Bailey
12-5 p.m. — Hourly raffle drawings
4 p.m. — New time capsule buried
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