It’s Time…
To Report on Fort Fairfield’s
2008 Sesquicentennial Events
by Rayle Ainsworth & Sarah Ulman
Planning began in August of 2007, when the
theme “It’s Time” was chosen to help us reflect upon
the past, enjoy the present, and prepare for the future of
our community.
We determined that our goals would be:
To involve as many people and organizations in
the planning process as possible
To include activities for all age groups
To celebrate our 150th year throughout the
whole year
To build a Sesquicentennial theme into our
many annual activities and
To bring back some favorites from the past.
Our resources were found within Fort Fairfield
in an active Chamber of Commerce, Frontier Heritage,
clubs, businesses, churches, The Recreation
Department, Public Works Department, schools, and
a supportive town council and town office staff. In
December 2007, we presented plans and a tentative
budget to The Town Council.
It’s Time… To Celebrate Community. A kick
off Open House Potluck Supper, attended by 200 at the
Community Center, brought us together for an evening
of story telling and shared memories directed by David
Case, master of ceremonies. The new Town Office
was open to the public before the supper. The High
School computer class furnished placemats, beans were
provided by Frontier Fish and Game Club and rolls by
Students Baking A Living. Students served and video
taped the evening. At that time a collage painting of
Fort Fairfield was presented by artists Edwena Philbrick
Gagnon and Roger Sprague; the clock logo and banner,
created by Craig Cormier, was on display.
It’s Time… To Remember Our Charter. Tony
Levesque organized a Sesquicentennial Proclamation
Signing Ceremony March 26th in the council
chambers. Representatives for the State of Maine
and Congressional delegations read messages of
congratulations. The present town council and town
manager, as well as descendants of original town
fathers, signed the proclamation.
It’s Time… To Reunite Alumni and Friends.
This flyer, prepared by the High School computer
class, highlighted Sesquicentennial activities centered
around the Potato Blossom Festival. It was included in
a mailing to all alumni.
It’s Time… To Collect Pictures and Anecdotal
38 Anniversary Events SUMMER & FALL 09