The Sanford High School Chorus, singing the National Anthem, helped their community mark its 250th birthday on Tuesday, Feb. 27, during a celebration in Central Park. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

Muskets in position, a couple of Colonial re-enactors helped Sanford celebrate its 250th birthday in period style on Tuesday, Feb. 27. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

Karen Mitchell took home a reusable shopping bag with the Sanford 250th logo and there was other merchandise available at Sanford’s kickoff birthday celebration on Tuesday. Expect to see many commemorative items at a number of events throughout the year. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

Sanford Mayor Tom Cote, surrounded by members of the Sanford 250th Celebration Committee, a few elected officials and some children, cut the big red ribbon dedicating the new skating rink at Central Park, part of the municipality’s kick-off birthday celebration on Tuesday. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

Sanford skaters Paula Allaire and her father, Ray Charpentier delighted the crowd at the Sanford 250th birthday kick-off celebration in Central Park Tuesday night. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

Helping Sanford mark the 250th anniversary of incorporation on Tuesday evening were these Colonial re-enactors, including Cindy Normandeau, Blaine Porter, Barbara Hanson, Linwood Dall, Edward Hanson and Walter Hanson. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

Skating on the new ice rink at Central Park was a must on Sanford’s 250th kick-off celebration on Tuesday. As the evening wore on, the rink was filled with kids and adults taking advantage of the ice. The rink was provided to the people of Sanford through the William Oscar Emery Trust, H.A. Mapes, Garnsey Brothers Insurance, Townhouse Properties and SIS Bank. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune