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Date: 1/9/2024
LUDLOW — With 2024 underway, the Ludlow 250th Celebration Committee has multiple events planned to commemorate the big year for Ludlow.
“We as the Ludlow 250th Semi-Quincentennial Committee would like to thank the subcommittees that are helping us plan the events for the upcoming celebratory year. We have been working with these subcommittees for over a year,” 250th Committee member Kathy Ouimette said.
The subcommittees include Parade Committee led by Bruce Durand, Picnic Committee led by Kathy Ouimette and Denise Zrakas, History Book Committee led by Brian Bylicki, and the Friends of the Ludlow 250th led by John Diotalevi.
The main Ludlow 250th Semi-Quincentennial Committee is chaired by Linda Collette.
Events planned are for the year kick off with First Night on Saturday, Feb. 24, with a snow-date of Sunday, Feb. 25. The event will be at the Ludlow High School from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“There will be many fun activities for all ages to enjoy including historical presentations, winter games, a visit from Elsa and Anna, ice carving demonstrations, wood carving demonstrations, Smooch the Pooch, s’mores, a kid’s craft corner with complementary crafts, vendors, food and beverages,” Ouimette said.
Music for the event will be provided by the Valley’s Classic Hits 97.7 and will end with a fireworks display.
The next event will be Incorporation Day on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Ludlow High School at 6 p.m. in the auditorium.
Former history teachers Brian Bylicki and Marty Fanning will read Ludlow’s original proclamation that was delivered the towns people on Feb. 28, 1774.
There will then be a cabin fever dinner dance fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, at the Gremio Lusitano Club, 385 Windsor St. at 6 p.m.
“Come join us for an evening of good food, drinks, great music, dancing, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle and much more,” Ouimette added.
Tickets are $50 per person.
On Saturday, May 18, the committee will be hosting a 250th golf tournament at the Westover Municipal Golf Course in Granby.
Ouimette added to save the date for this event as details are still being worked.
According to the committee, the Ludlow 250th Semi-Quincentennial Parade and Block Style Picnic will be the biggest event and takes place on Saturday, June 15. The day will begin with the parade starting at the Ludlow High School at 10 a.m.
The parade route will start at 500 Chapin Street, turn right onto East Street and then a right onto Winsor Street before ending at the corner of Winsor Street and Chestnut Street at the Memorial Park/Mack Donnelly Gazebo Park.
The following marching units have been secured: Polish American String Band and Aqua String Band, aka The Mummers, Great American Band, Hog River Dixie Land Band, Holyoke Caledonia Pipe Band, Ludlow Community Band, Ludlow High School Band, Baird Middle School Band, Melha Shriners and the Woodland String Band.
Those looking to sponsor a band, or any group, company, or organization that would like to be a part of this event can contact Durand at durand8998@aol.com or visit ludlowma250.org to register as applications are being accepted now.
The block style picnic will begin at 12:30 p.m. following the parade at Memorial Park and the Mack Donnelly Gazebo on the corner of Windsor, Chestnut and East streets.
There will be music all day provided by local bands and Manuel Amusements will set up a midway of rides. There will also be an old-time kid’s carnival area for families to enjoy.
“We will have a great array of food will be available from our local restaurants and food trucks. There will also be a beer garden featuring our local breweries. We hope everyone can also stop in and check out our wonderful local craft vendors,” Ouimette said.
Ouimette added the committee is still looking for craft vendors, civic groups, business partners and local restaurants to participate and more will be offered as this event is still in the planning stages.
“As you can see, we have many committees that are very busy. If you would like to help on some events, or need information, please send us an email at ludlowma250@gmail.com,” Ouimette said.
There are more events being planned so you can follow their Facebook page at Ludlow Mass 250th or their website at www.ludlowma250.org for the most updated information.