GEORGETOWN

The year 2016 will be a special time for Georgetown as the town hits the 300-year mark.

Since May, fundraising efforts have been underway to raise money for the town’s big celebration, which is slated for July 23 next year.

The Georgetown Community Center will be hosting a shore dinner on Saturday to raise money for the celebration. The dinner mirrors a similar event that the town had put on for its 250th anniversary, according to Angela Mead, chairwoman of the tricentennial event.

Mead said the board hopes to raise about $40,000 for the July event, which will feature a professional fireworks show by Central Maine Pyrotechnics.

In addition to the hefty price tag on fireworks, Mead said the funds will also cover costs related to parking, shuttles, tent rentals and advertising, which makes the ordeal a “costly procedure.”

Mead said there would also be special events planned throughout next year to honor the celebration, including annual events that will have a focus on the tricentennial.

“Beginning in 2016, there will hopefully be lots of events to celebrate,” she said. “And we’re hoping that more groups will be planning different celebrations throughout the year.”

A master calendar will eventually be available on the town’s website to keep track of the events.

Mead added that other committee members from different community groups in town have joined together to help organize the celebration.

“None of us have ever done it before, but we’re doing all right,” she said recently. “I’m feeling confident we will raise our goal.”

This is Mead’s 14th year with the Community Center organization, which she has been involved with since she was “fresh out of college.” She also currently serves as the board’s secretary.

“It’s good, honest work I feel good about,” she said.

At least five generations of the Mead family have lived in Georgetown, and Mead’s father actually helped to organize the rebuilding of the center with other community members in 1998.

The building itself, which is more than 100 years old, has been open to a variety of community events over the years, including birthday parties, meetings and other gatherings.

The shore dinner will also take place at the center on Saturday at 5 p.m. The seafood dinner, which includes lobster, clams, corn, potatoes, dessert and a beverage, will cost $20 per person. Free, kid-friendly options will also be available for children under the age of 12.

T-shirts, tote bags and hats commemorating the 300th celebration will be available for purchase at the dinner as well. All proceeds will go toward the town’s celebration funds.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Mead said.

A SHORE DINNER will take place at the Georgetown Community Center on Saturday at 5 p.m. The seafood dinner, which includes lobster, clams, corn, potatoes, dessert and a beverage, will cost $20 per person. Free, kid-friendly options will also be available for children under the age of 12.

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