Palmyra seeking volunteers for bicentennial celebration

PALMYRA – A small group of dedicated Palmyrians has been working for almost five years, planning for the town’s bicentennial celebration in 2007.

And now is the time for the community to become involved, they say.

“We really need some volunteers. Things are really going to get going now,” said committee chairman Pat White this week.

For the past five years, the committee has been selling ball caps, mugs, historical calendars, commemorative wooden nickels and reproductions of antique postcards to finance the ambitious plans.

The group also raffled off two handmade quilts. With the town also making an annual appropriation, there is $18,000 put aside.

Some of the activities to be funded include a parade, fireworks, carnival, queen and princess pageant, a variety show, a craft fair, historical displays, a public supper, and a dance.

The events will be held June 22-24, 2007.

A commemorative history is being written. “Some people have worked incredibly hard,” secretary Sally Withee said. “Ann and Nate Foss have listed every name on every gravestone in the town’s seven cemeteries. And they live in New Hampshire and are only here in the summer.”

Along with volunteers, the committee is seeking photographs of the town, veterans, the previous sesquicentennial celebration, or any other Palmyra location or event.

Volunteers can come to the group’s next meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 10, or contact the town office.