Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Chester to celebrate its 250th year

July 14-17 — CHESTER — The town of Chester will celebrate its 250th anniversary with a celebration providing guests with a historical perspective, while offering fun events and activities for the whole family. The celebration kicks off on Thursday, July 14 with a free concert at the Academy Building. Gypsy Reel will play acoustic tunes from Ireland, Scotland, and early Americana.

On Saturday, July 16 join the crowd at the Pinnacle (Lover’s Lane Road) for barbecue style food, non-alcoholic beverages, music, various games, activities and contests. One can also join in the softball tournament put on by Chester Recreation; horseshoes, swimming at the pool, traditional games—a variety of old-time games and demonstrations—watermelon seed spitting contest perhaps, and more. Also on hand will be Deep River Snacks, who will be sponsoring potato sack races, offering prizes and more.

Other activities,  all free of charge, will include: various churches open and available to view architecture and learn about history; walking tours (self-guided) of the main Village and the Stone Village; train station tours with a speaker; dedication of historic marker; and a vintage train.

At the Chester Festival Fairground (across from Heritage Bakery, Route 103 South) on display will be vintage motorcycles, snowmobiles, chainsaws, and tractors hosted by Chester Snowmobile Club. VAST will be offering pulled pork and chicken, pies, fixings, BWM, and others for a “ride-in” destination.

Saturday’s festivities will wrap up with a fireworks display beginning at dark, near the American Legion, Route 103 South. Parking will be available for the fireworks viewing.

On Sunday, July 17, start the day off with a community breakfast; visit one of the area churches that will be offering historical sermons; take a self-guided or guided walking tour of the Hearse House, Town Tomb and Cemetery with the Historical Society; or check out an encampment of 1766 re-enactors and demonstration out behind Historical Society) with storytelling in the evening.

For more information visit facebook.com/Chester250th.

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