Hamden's Bicentennial Celebration: A Vibrant Journey Through Time

The town of Hamden, nestled in the heart of Delaware County, New York, is gearing up to celebrate its bicentennial next year. The Hamden Bicentennial Committee has already begun to generate excitement and anticipation for this momentous occasion, with a series of events and activities planned to commemorate the town's rich history and vibrant community.

Unlocking the Past, Embracing the Future

Kickstarting the Celebration

The Hamden Bicentennial Committee is hosting a fundraising kickoff event on Saturday, July 13th, which promises to be a day filled with a diverse array of activities and attractions. Vintage baseball games, a craft and vendor fair, children's activities, an ice cream social, and demonstrations from local agencies will all be part of the festivities. This event serves as a prelude to the grand celebrations planned for the bicentennial weekend in July 2025.The committee's president, Kevin Wilbur, emphasizes the importance of this kickoff event in raising awareness about Hamden's upcoming 200th anniversary. "We want people to talk about it, and hopefully that leads to more people joining the committee and bringing new events or volunteering for the current events we have planned," Wilbur said.

A Tapestry of Celebrations

The Hamden Bicentennial Committee has been hard at work, planning a diverse array of events and activities to commemorate the town's rich history. The bicentennial weekend, scheduled for July 12th and 13th, 2025, will feature a parade, a 5K run, history tours, and a square dance, all designed to engage the community and celebrate Hamden's legacy.One event that Wilbur is particularly excited about is the 5K run during the bicentennial weekend. "Hopefully, we can coordinate with Delhi's and Downsville's 5K events and present something of a trilogy of covered bridge runs in Delaware County," he said, highlighting the opportunity to create a unique and interconnected celebration across the region.

A Day of Community Engagement

The July 13th kickoff event promises to be a day of community engagement and celebration. The majority of the activities will take place in the field behind the Hamden Town Hall on Covert Hollow Road, providing a picturesque setting for the festivities.The vendor fair, scheduled from noon to 5 p.m., will feature a diverse array of local vendors, offering a wide range of handmade goods, including jewelry, candles, honey, games, holiday crafts, beef, eggs, breads, and even henna, temporary tattoos, and face painting. This vibrant marketplace will provide an opportunity for the community to support local artisans and businesses.In addition to the vendor fair, the event will also feature a free ice cream social, starting at 3 p.m., and a variety of children's activities, such as arts and crafts, a selfie station, and interactive exhibits from the Hanford Mills Museum and the Dragon Wagon. These activities are designed to engage and delight the younger members of the community, ensuring that the bicentennial celebration is inclusive and family-friendly.

Preserving History, Celebrating the Future

The Hamden Bicentennial Committee is also using this kickoff event as an opportunity to engage the community in the planning process for next year's celebrations. Visitors are invited to visit the Hamden Bicentennial tent to learn more about the committee's plans, including how they can contribute to a commemorative cookbook and history book.The committee will also be hosting a bake sale and selling raffle baskets, with the proceeds going towards funding the bicentennial celebrations. This fundraising effort is crucial in ensuring that the town can deliver a truly memorable and impactful celebration for its residents and visitors.

Showcasing Community Partnerships

The kickoff event will also feature the participation of various county organizations, including the Office of the Aging, the senior council, and the Roxbury Arts Group. These partnerships demonstrate the town's commitment to collaborating with local entities to create a well-rounded and inclusive celebration.Additionally, the Delaware County Sheriff's Office will be on-site, with K9 demonstrations and the presence of Officer Bob Mantzouratos, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with local law enforcement and learn about their important work.

Honoring Hamden's Sporting Legacy

Baseball holds a special place in Hamden's history, and the bicentennial celebrations will pay tribute to this beloved sport. The kickoff event will feature a reenactment of a historic baseball game that took place in Hamden on July 13, 1825, with the Hamden 9 1825 challenge taking place at the town hall field.Furthermore, the event will showcase several vintage baseball teams, including the Hamden Polecats, Bovina Dairymen, Mountain Athletic Club, and the Elizabeth, New Jersey Resolutes, who will compete in a series of games at the Crawford Field on Launt Hollow Road. These exhibitions will not only entertain the crowd but also provide a glimpse into the town's rich sporting heritage.As the Hamden Bicentennial Committee continues to work tirelessly to plan and execute these celebrations, they are actively seeking new members to join their efforts. The committee meets at 6:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the Hamden Town Hall, and interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Hamden1825.org website or the committee's social media pages to learn more and get involved.The town of Hamden's bicentennial celebration promises to be a vibrant and engaging event that will bring the community together to honor its past, celebrate its present, and look forward to a future filled with continued growth and prosperity.