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Date: 1/3/2024
LUDLOW — 2024 does not only represent a brand new year to make resolutions, it also marks the 250th anniversary of Ludlow signing its charter.
The Ludlow 250th Celebration Committee has been a yearlong celebration for residents to learn about the history of its town while also enjoying fun events.
“First Night” will take place at the Ludlow High School on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a snow date of Sunday, Feb. 25.
“Come and spend the afternoon and evening with the Ludlow 250th Semi-Quincentennial Celebration Committee for First Night as we celebrate Ludlow’s Incorporation Day. The town [of] Ludlow was incorporated on February 28, 1774, when we broke away from Springfield. Therefore, the Celebration Committee chose to celebrate this first event of our 250th birthday year on the weekend so many towns’ people could attend,” 250th Celebration Committee Co-Chair Linda Collette said.
There will be a historical presentation in the high school auditorium hosted by Ludlow historians Brian Bylicki and Martin Fanning, both former LHS history teachers.
“It feels wonderful to be at the point where our committee gets to show our community what we’ve been working on for the past 2 plus years. You’ll also see a great collection of photographs printed from original glass plate negatives donated by WestMass of our mills, presented by the Hubbard Memorial Library. Stop into the auditorium and learn about our towns history,” Collette added.
There will also be food available such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, sausage grinders, chicken soup, bake potatoes, kettle corn, drinks, hot chocolate, coffee and s’mores.
Family activities will include a free Roaming Railroad train ride for families to enjoy, local artist Kodiak Carving will have a chain saw wood carving demonstration that will include a special surprise for Ludlow’s 250th birthday, according to Collette.
Collette added, “We’ll also showcase another demonstration by Michael Rondeau of Palmer, as he creates a magical ice sculpture for us.”
People can also stop by to see Elsa and Anna for a meet and greet, which will include an autograph and a photo opportunity.
There will be a kid’s craft corner for the children to enjoy with complimentary crafts and if there is snow, there will be a Snowman making challenge.
“This challenge would be a family or team event, so start saving items to make your specular snow sculpture. Prizes will be awarded for the best creation. If there’s no snow, there will be a toilet paper snowman challenge to wrap up your chosen snowperson. This is a timed challenged game for families and/or teams to enjoy. Prizes will be awarded, so get those family members or teams together and have some fun and a lot of laughs,” Collette said.
The Ludlow High School Band and the Ludlow High School Chorus will be on attendance to perform some patriotic music for all to enjoy and Ludlow Animal Control Officer Octavia Anderson will partner up with Smithland Pet Center and Paws 4 K-9’s to have some fun at the “Smooch the Pooch” photo booth.
Collette added, “This is your opportunity to meet our pet partners and take a fun picture with your pets.”
Ludlow 250th merchandise for sale at First Night including mugs, hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, knit hats, baseball hats, magnets and stickers.
Collette said, “Let’s begin our First night with a beautiful luminarias display all over town. You can pick up a paper luminaria at several locations in town to put outside your home and at this event to light up the town.”
The paper bag luminarias can be picked up at Town Hall, the Hubbard Memorial Library and at Outside the Box gift shop on 314 Sewall St.
“This Ludlow First Night event will have something for everyone so please mark your calendars for this fun filled day for all to enjoy and remember,” Collette said. “Our town celebrates milestones like this only once every 50 years. We really want to include everyone, all ages, all civic groups, churches, businesses, our amazing historical Library which is a wealth of information and everyone in town. We have worked really hard to get to where we are today, planning events that are family oriented with something for everyone.”
More events hosted by the 250th Celebration Committee will be happening throughout 2024. To stay connected visit www.ludlowma250.org.