The celebration’s goal was “to highlight the rich history and heritage of the Troy community,” Kegley said. “Many people throughout the past 200 hundred years have given so much to allow us to have the city we enjoy today.”
The celebration kicked off with a successful afternoon of events including historical displays and stories of events, places and people that shaped the community Jan. 4 at the former Hobart Corp. World Headquarters, now the ITW Food Equipment Group.
Troy did not have a 50th birthday celebration in 1864 during the Civil War and there wasn’t a centennial party in 1914, the year following 1913’s devastating flood, Tremblay said.
A sesquicentennial in 1964 was different, with a parade of more than 230 units and an array of activities.
A scrapbook from that celebration shares newspaper clippings and memorabilia, such as special wooden nickels and details of beard contests.
Tremblay said he remembers the 1964 sesquicentennial when, as a high school senior, he helped park cars at the golf tournament.
He said celebration planning began a year ago at the same time the city was “consumed” by the events surrounding the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of the Road stopover.
Among this year’s bicentennial souvenirs are a calendar, T-shirts with the celebration logo, a bicentennial coin and a DVD of the 1964 parade.
Jody Davis, chairman of the parade that steps out at 4:30 p.m., said the parade would have something for everyone. “Plus, it gives us a chance to honor our veterans,” he said.
A special invitation to participate has been extended to all who have provided military service. Veterans are asked to meet at 4 p.m. parade day in the area of Lincoln Avenue, south of Drury Lane.
Committee member Tom Kendall said the Saturday laser shows by Audio Visual Imagineering at the arena will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
“This a light and sound extravaganza suited for all ages to enjoy. In addition the Cincinnati Circus provides an up close and personal circus experience with acrobats, clowns, jugglers and more,” he said.
Tickets are needed for the light shows scheduled for 8:45 p.m., 10:15 p.m. and midnight.
More information on bicentennial activities and the tickets is available at www.troyohio.gov.
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