Meaford’s 150th anniversary celebrations started with a bang on Sunday, March 10. In the morning, a Meaford Museum exhibit with 150 Years retrospective banners and the launch of the sesquicentennial cookbook was hosted at Meaford Hall. The banners feature decades of the former Town of Meaford’s history, and are on display until March 28. The Meaford Sesquicentennial Cookbook was also organized by the Museum, and sample recipes from the cookbook were offered. The cookbooks are available to purchase.
In the afternoon, it was standing room only in the community hall at the Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre, with hundreds of Meafordites coming out to contribute to the community spirit. Many volunteer groups and clubs were represented, with display tables of their contributions to this proud town, and many will be incorporating 150th celebration ideas into their events and meetings this year.
Verna Hindle and Mary Solomon co-chaired the committee which led the start of the 150th celebrations, and included members Susan Lake, Lynn Carbert, and Margaret Williams. Alex Ruff, MP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Rick Byers, MPP, and Mayor Ross Kentner extended greetings and best wishes for the year-long celebrations. The guest speaker was Meaford native and writer, producer, and podcaster Jeni Besworth, who spoke about her family’s history and connections with the Town.
Major celebrations are planned for June 15, including a parade, additional events such as a concert at Meaford Hall on June 29, and Canada Day celebrations on July 1 will also focus on highlighting the former Town’s anniversary. Many more events are also being planned.
Merchandise depicting the 150th logo designed by Jessica Kenyon was on sale, and will be available throughout the year at various locations, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Museum. In the summer months, items will also be available at the Apple.
Ringing of the bells ended the afternoon, celebrating Meaford’s previous 150 years as well as ringing in the next 150 years.
