Bicentennial Celebration!

Kent Area Chamber of Commerce - In business, for business

Committee Planning to Celebrate City of Kent’s Bicentennial

"Honoring Our Heritage, Shaping Our Future"

The City of Kent is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2006, the Bicentennial Committee, we want to share information with Kent residents about the committee, some events being considered for 2006, the bicentennial theme of "Honoring Our Heritage, Shaping Our Future," and most importantly how our citizens can become involved in this extraordinary milestone in Kent history.

As a grassroots effort, several Kent people began meeting in late August to discuss possible projects and events for this significant occasion. Our initial goals were these:

	· To reflect on our history and heritage, and pay respect to the people who came before us, especially our senior citizens;
	· To showcase our city by focusing attention on our people, our schools, our businesses and organizations;
	· To plan events that will appeal to a variety of interests and ages;
	· To bring the citizens of our community together through these events, enhancing existing relationships and building new ones;
	· To create a permanent, visible memorial or commemoration of the bicentennial that will serve as a legacy to future generations.

The grassroots group is now a Bicentennial Committee of 17 volunteers including co-chairpersons John Fender and Pat Morton, members Karen Barrett, Brian Boykin, Marc Crail, Roger DiPaolo, Doug Fuller, Margaret Garmon, Joe Giancola, Jeff Ingram, Jim Myers, Beth Oswitch, Guy Pernetti, Ramona Stamm, Dan Smith, Gene Wenninger, and Janet Wojnarowski. People on this committee represent the Kent City Schools, Kent Environmental Council, Kent Historical Society, Kent State University, Standing Rock Cultural Arts, the downtown businesses and the community at large. While the committee was formed to jump-start bicentennial activities, many more people are needed to help shape our yearlong celebration. A variety of specialized subcommittees are being formed to tackle specific events or projects.

The Bicentennial Committee looks forward to sharing information about proposed events and hearing from Kent residents about ideas for additional events or projects, especially ways to keep the theme of "Honoring Our Heritage, Shaping Our Future" alive beyond 2006. A permanent, commemorative piece of art such as a statue has been discussed. Ideas and input related to a possible bicentennial memorial, including where it might be located, are needed.

Kent's bicentennial events will officially begin with a kickoff party on Jan. 21. This event - open to the public - will feature some of Kent's notable and most interesting residents who will share stories and memories about our
community's history. Please mark the date on your calendar and join us at Pierson Hall of the Kent United Methodist Church for refreshments and an entertaining program.
Visitors may drop by between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to hear the ACES Choir of Theodore Roosevelt High School and other groups who will entertain with music or performances. A precise schedule of events will be announced in January.

Regular, weekly meetings of the Bicentennial Committee are held at 9:30 a.m. Mondays at the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, 138 E. Main Street. The meetings are open, and visitors are always welcomed.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED, PLEASE E-MAIL US AT:

2006BICENTENNIAL@KENTOHIO.ORG

Bicentennial Resources:

Bicentennial Fun Facts Explanation of Logo