A full program of special events has been planned by a committee of Village residents and staff, headed by Village/Town historian Audrey Johnson. We'll be able to step back in time to 1827, as a committee of appropriately dressed nineteenth-century politicians will recreate a meeting from the time when the Village had a president rather than a mayor. The presentation will include a 19th Century-style Independence Day oration on the steps of the Village Hall.

Current Mayor Bob Corby and Audrey Johnson will lead walking tours of the Village, including "open house" at several key buildings. Other highlights of the celebration include special $5 boat rides along the canal on the "Sam Patch," the awarding of prizes for the best patriotically-decorated house and business and for the oldest tree, a time capsule, a chicken barbecue, and 19th Century games for the children.

Memorial bricks with donors' names inscribed will become a special part of the Schoen Place towpath walkway. The memorial bricks are being sold for $100 each, with proceeds going to the Village beautification project, a feature of the anniversary year.

Village residents helping plan the July 4 celebration include George and Diane Drechscler, Ed Maybeck, Jack Holzworth, Bob Corby, Paula Sherwood, Glenn Brown, Pat Robinson, Jody Melnyk, Shirley Joseph, Maria Powers, and Norm Johnson. Shirley Joseph represents the Village merchants, and special help is provided by Village staff.