Podcaster and Meaford native Jeni Besworth will be sharing her personal experiences of growing up in Meaford at 150 Sesquicentennial Kickoff Ceremony, March 10, 2 -4 p.m., at the Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre.
Free cupcakes and hot chocolate will be available as well as a chance to visit with friends, old and new. Be part of the “ringing in” ceremony. The fun begins with free family skating from 12-2 p.m., followed by 150 Celebrations in the community room.
The Kickoff committee hopes to create an atmosphere where everyone can mingle and share their Meaford memories and hopes for the future. Activities including selected displays celebrating community, a townscape where you can add a memory, children’s activities by the Scarecrow Invasion and Beautiful Joe Society, cupcakes donated by the Meaford Family Resource Centre at Land Forces Training Base Meaford, and hot chocolate served by the Meaford United Church Ladies. Other activities are still in planning.
At 2 p.m. the Kick-Off ceremony begins with a program including the Meaford Goldenaires, present and past dignitaries, guest speaker Jeni Besworth, the Meaford Town Crier, and as a finale we will ring in the new era with a special guest. Before the Kickoff Celebration, people are encouraged to visit Meaford Hall Galleries from 11-2 p.m. where the Meaford Museum is having a reception to launch the Sesquicentennial cookbook and calendar. The Galleries have an excellent exhibit on the history of Meaford.
Everyone is welcome – longtime residents, newcomers, visitors. The event is free and accessible.
“When we moved from Toronto to Meaford in 1956 I remember my Dad, who grew up in Markdale and Orangeville, emphasizing that Meaford had always been “a go-ahead place”. I have enjoyed living in Meaford ever since,” said Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner. “It is so appropriate that, as we undergo another period of rapid growth, we look back on all the ages and stages we have come through. We stand on the shoulders of a lot of pioneers and entrepreneurs who built Meaford into the great community it is today. 150 years ago, the Town of Meaford was incorporated. I believe it’s an occasion to look back on our storied history as well as to look ahead to vision the Meaford we want to bequeath to future generations. It’s also a time to celebrate and party! But it is only through the generous contributions of time and talent from dedicated volunteers (for which Meaford is so well known) that we can enjoy these special events. As your mayor, I want to especially recognize and thank those who have worked so hard to make our sesquicentennial another milestone in our growth.”
