By John Kriz
The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — the Semiquincentennial of our nation’s founding — is fast approaching. And New Canaan is getting ready to party!
Tucker Murphy, New Canaan’s Administrative Officer, said many of the major events will kick off on Flag Day (June 14) with a special 1776 flag, and will continue through Veterans Day (Nov. 11).
But there’s more – much more.
Leading the charge is the New Canaan 250th Planning Committee, a group of around two dozen people chaired by Ms. Murphy that includes representatives from the town, schools, and charitable and community groups. It has been working for a year to share and generate ideas, and coordinate efforts. “We’ve gotten such a great response,” enthused Ms. Murphy. “I’m so impressed with the level of creativity regarding the programs these organizations have pulled together.”
The group is planning a kick-off release soon with more details.
However, town, schools, and local civic and charitable groups are already underway creating events. A website https://tockify.com/newcanaan250/pinboard has been created to help everyone publicize celebratory events. Local groups with 250th Anniversary events are encouraged to post them on this site. Residents seeking to keep up and get involved with all the fun will be able to find information there.
The Town Hall lobby has a colorful display to help publicize the Semiquincentennial events.
Coming Events
Much is still in motion, but one signature event will be a ‘NC250 Parade’ on June 27 starting at 9:30am going down South Avenue to the high school, and the fireworks at Waveny Park on July 4. “We hope to have an extraordinary show,” said Ms. Murphy.
Other events include:
• The New Canaan Beautification League plans to make the hanging baskets that grace downtown lampposts, as well as the other natural spots it cares for, especially patriotic.
• New Canaan’s Public Schools are planning various concerts and other performing arts events.
• The Chamber of Commerce is working with local merchants to create special window displays.
• The Powerhouse Theater is planning to stage a 250th relevant play.
• St. Aloysius will host an interfaith concert.
• The summer concerts at Waveny Park will commence with the National Anthem or God Bless America.
And Many More!
The New Canaan Sentinel will cover as many of New Canaan’s Semiquincentennial events as possible, and will be alerting people to them in its popular, free daily email, Top 5 things To Do in New Canaan. If you are not already on the 5 Things mailing list, you can sign up HERE. The Sentinel also encourages the town and local groups to submit event photos and captions, and listing any people in them. Email them to publisher@newcanaansentinel.com
