SANFORD — It took 16 years for the Massachusetts government — which governed the province of Maine in those days — to act on the petition, but on Feb. 27, 1768, Sanford, which had previously been known as Phillipstown, became incorporated as the 25th town in Maine.
Now, folks here are thinking about how to mark 2018, which will be the 250th anniversary of that incorporation.
It is expected there will be a formal ceremony on Feb. 27 marking the day, likely in Central Park. But those who put their heads together on Thursday at the Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce are exploring a host of ideas expected to mark the milestone all year long.
Artists and graphics aficionados — or anyone with some drawing talent and the interest — are encouraged to put their pens to paper to design a logo to market the 250th anniversary. The winner of the logo contest would receive a prize and bragging rights and could see their work on everything from banners to other commemorative material.
Ideas being explored to commemorate the 250th anniversary include a block party, car show, brew fest and food truck festival, and perhaps a kickoff breakfast. Those events would complement activities that happen annually, like the Independence Day activities, Great Pumpkin Festival and the Sanford International Film Festival. Organizers hope those annual events will be marketed with the 250th anniversary theme.
Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce President Richard Stanley said plans to host commemorative events will need the blessing of the chamber of commerce board, which meets in two weeks, and the city government.
“If they agree, we’ll take the lead,” Stanley said at a meeting at the chamber offices on Thursday.
Representatives from the Y Trafton Center, Goodall Library, Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council, City Council, municipal departments and the business community gathered to brainstorm ideas.
Trafton Center director Thea Murphy volunteered to head up the block party, while Stanley said he’s organize the car show. A team from the chamber is looking into the brew fest possibility, he said.
As to the logo, there is no limit on the number of submissions individuals can make. According to Stanley, submissions that are emailed to the chamber of commerce office at: ricks@metrocast.net should be submitted in Vector pdf format no larger than four inches square. Those who choose to mail submissions to the chamber office at 917 Main St., Suite B, Sanford 04073 may submit logos on paper. For more information on the logo contest, contact Stanley at the chamber. Deadline is Nov. 15.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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