Royalston Is Set To Celebrate Its 250th Birthday

Royalston Is Set To Celebrate Its 250th Birthday

Rebecca Leonard
News Correspondent

This story ran on Saturday, Sept. 5, indicating that the celebration was going to be held that weekend but the event will actually be on Sept. 11, 12 and 13.

ROYALSTON – Royalston is turning 250 and a celebration marking the monumental birthday of the town will be hosted on the common beginning on Sept. 11.

“I have given my soul to this celebration because it’s a way to give back to the community,” said Royalston 250th Celebration Com­mittee Chair Geoffrey Newton.

After five years of fundraising, the committee is able to host a three-day event in honor of the town, even allowing for residents to enjoy free amusement rides.

The celebration will kick off on Friday evening with an art show and a 5k walk and race.

The art show consists of 35 artists from town showcasing their work. Some of the pieces could be up for sale and can be negotiated with the artist.

“I didn’t know we had so many talented people throughout this town and I’m glad they can show off their work,” said Mr. Newton.

The 5k walk/race registration will begin at 5 p.m. and the race begins at 5:30 p.m. The cost to register is $8 and all proceeds will go to the American Diabetes Ass­ociation of Massachusetts.

Later in the evening there will be an “old-fashioned town pageant” complete with original skits performed by children, a film, song, memoir and poetry. Following the pageant will be a dance party on the common.

Both of these events are being hosted at no cost.

Over the span of Saturday and Sunday there will be many activities for residents to partake in.

Helicopter rides sponsored by C-R Helicopters out of Nashua, New Hampshire, will take riders on a tour of Royalston. Rides will be available for $30 per passenger.

“It’s just an amazing panoramic view. You get to see the hidden treasures that you don’t get to see from the road,” said Mr. Newton.

A two-day craft show will continue throughout both days beginning at 9 a.m. with 28 craft vendors and multiple tag sale vendors.

A parade is scheduled for Saturday afternoon and attendees can expect to see about 71 units marching, including local firefighters, Royalston selectmen and state Rep. Susannah Whipps Lee, R-Athol.

Residents should make sure to bring a blanket or a chair to sit on and watch a fireworks show, sponsored by Atlas Fireworks, that is “sure to excite the crowd.”

Sunday morning brings an Ecumenical church service under the entertainment tent and following the service, there will be a contest for local gardeners to display their vegetables and compete for bragging rights.

There will be several activities for the kids, including a bounce house, petting zoo and face painting – all, except for animal feed, are at no cost to residents.

Throughout the weekend there will be entertainment from local bands such as Richard Chase and Company, Maple’s Jazz Band, and Legacy.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers will be provided by the Royalston Fish and Game Club. There will be a taste of Korean cuisine by Sun Kim out of Amherst and the committee will provide fried dough and ice cream.

The event runs on Friday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Activities on Saturday, Sept. 12, run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In February, the committee also hosted a dinner dance which was attended by 260 people despite a snow storm and in June the town hosted a car show that was attended by many car enthusiasts. Participants brought their antique cars, trucks and restored tractors.

The Royalston Open Space and Recreation Committee in conjunction with the Athol Bird and Nature Club will continue to celebrate the beauty of the town with five walks this fall to different “outdoor gems,” including Royalston Falls and Eagle Reserve Recreation Area.