By the time this town gets the party started in late January, the Phippsburg 200th Anniversary Celebration Committee will have been planning it for 2 1/2 years.
That’s how many ideas they’ve been tossing around.
It’s also indicative of the level of community involvement here.
“In order to do it right, we wanted to make sure we had the time to do what the people wanted,” said Chilloa Young, chairwoman of the committee. “We’ve got a ton of stuff in the pipeline. We believe it’s going to be a sizable event.”
So far, artist Bev Bevilacqua has created a logo for Phippsburg’s 200th. Flags will adorn the town.
“This is a celebration of the entire town — of all parts of it,” Young said.
Phippsburg was chartered on Jan. 26, 1814 — more than two centuries after colonists came to the short-lived settlement at Popham Beach in 1607. It had been a portion of Georgetown.
Even before it was incorporated, the community had its church, which was organized in 1765 and built in 1802. Located just off Route 209, it overlooks an inlet of the Kennebec River.
The 200th will feature many events, but three will stand out:
— The opening ceremony in late January at Phippsburg Elementary School. Students will do a re-enactment of the signing of the town charter. There will be speakers, and the awarding of the Boston Post Cane.
— A parade in conjunction with the Fireman’s Field Day in late July.
— The closing ceremony in November, which will include the time capsule.
A circus, historic markers at former shipyards on Parker Head, a maple syrup day, water tours of town, garden tours and an American Legion ceremony for veterans all are in the making.
“It’s just a ton of stuff going on,” Young said. “Everybody’s got an idea.”
The committee also is hoping to publish a book, encompassing articles in the old Phippsburg Observer.
“We’re in the process of retyping those,” Young said. “We’re incorporating art from the children of the town into that. We have a historical compilation from both the Phippsburg Historical Society and the Albert F. Totman Library has helped.”
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