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Date: 7/5/2023
LUDLOW — The Ludlow 250th Celebration is hosting a fundraiser at the Lupa Zoo on Saturday, July 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The event was originally planned for June 24 but was postponed due to the weather.
The zoo is located at 62 Nash Hill Rd. and there will be a discounted ticket price of $25 for a family of four and $5 for an additional family member.
Guests can visit the Lupa Zoo to see the animals including Mary the Antelope. Beer by Vanished Valley Brewing Co. and items from food trucks will be available for purchase.
There will also be access to the new kids area that includes a new splash pad.
Pre-sale tickets are available through Venmo @Ludlow250 code 1901. You should also title the payment as Lupa Zoo Night.
Tickets will also be available the night of the event.
Committee Chair Linda Collette said that all presale tickets that were purchased for June 24 will be honored.
She added, “We are sorry for this unforeseen occurrence and inconvenience, but we are grateful that the Lupa Zoo has graciously agreed to hold off until a clear day for us to celebrate as a community.”
All the funds will be going to the 250th Celebration Committee to use for the events for next year.
“The Lupa Zoo is an absolute treasure, and we are so fortunate to have them right here in town. They are just great people, great family. They are graciously giving us the opportunity to raise funds for the 250th event,” Collette said.
She added that the event is not just for kids and hopes to see a big turnout.
The Ludlow 250th Celebration will also be hosting a free classic car show on Tuesday, July 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ludlow Elks Lodge 2448, 69 Chapin St.
Ludlow Elks hosts a car show every Tuesday night, but Collette said that specific Tuesday night will be for the 250th.
There is no admission to attend but the 250th Committee will be selling tickets for raffle prizes, where all proceeds will go back to the 250th Celebration.
The Elks Lodge will have food available for purchase, as they always do.
“It’s a fun night out. It’s a Tuesday night, not much goes on just come and have a burger and a brew and help support the 250th. You can bring the kids to see the classic cars. Come and enjoy the food and beverages. I encourage people to also bring some cash as there will be a basket raffle with wonderful prizes.”
The committee also encourage folks to bring their classic cars and/or motorcycles to show at this event, as there is no cost to show your car.
Collette said that the fundraising effort and support of the community has been helpful in the attempt to plan a perfect birthday celebration.
“We have been really working hard to raise funds so that we can put on some great events for people to enjoy,” Collette said.
For the 250th celebration next year, the committee is looking at a first night event in February 2024 and the parade, picnic and block party on June 15, 2024.
Ludlow signed its charter to become a town on Feb. 28, 1774.
The 250th Celebration Committee will also be hosting multiple events in the upcoming months including a River Hollow Family Golf Center fundraiser, a dine for a cause fundraiser at Villa Rose and a golf tournament at the Westover Municipal Golf Course.
You can visit ludlowma250.org for updates on future events.
Collette said, “We want to encourage people to come out with their families, friends and neighbors. Just come out together and have a great time. Enjoy this beautiful weather. We want to be able to put on a very wonderful, memorable event for people to cherish for a long time to come. Whatever the people are asking for we are trying to do.”
The fundraising goal for the committee is $250,000.