Published Friday, March 12, 1999 The Executive Committee of the Mercer County Bicentennial Commission was appointed by the Mercer County Commissioners on Nov. 13, 1997. Present members Include John G. "Jerry'' Johnson, chairperson; Kathryn Lima, vice chairperson; Catherine Mack, secretary; Robert Jazwinski, treasurer; James Cattron; James Feeney; Sue Moore; David F. Shaffer; John Q. Stranahan; Richard Werner; and Donna Winner. I also am a member and chair the Publicity Committee.
The Mercer County Commissioners, as well as the Bicentennial Commission, would like to strengthen a sense of community and have a bicentennial celebration that will provide an opportunity for our citizens to re-dedicate themselves to the values that have brought Mercer County to this vital point in our history. The purpose of the Mercer County Bicentennial is to celebrate two hundred years of our heritage and lay a foundation for a rich future.
The Bicentennial Commission has established several committees to do the work that is necessary for such a massive undertaking. There are several outstanding events scheduled in 2000.
On the evening of Dec. 31, 1999, a gala will be held in the Mercer County court house beginning at 9 p.m. Theo Karfas chairs the Gala Committee. The Joe Cann Orchestra will provide music and a short religious service will be included. It is also possible that a show choir will provide additional entertainment.
An excellent dinner is still being planned, as is an ice carving contest, which will possibly be conducted Dec. 30. The winning entries will be used as decorations at the Gala. Large screen televisions and sound systems will be placed strategically throughout the courthouse to tap into worldwide celebrations for the new millennium.
People are encouraged to attend the gala dressed in a costume from any era in Mercer County history, perhaps a 1800-vintage design, although this is not a requirement. A "best period specific costume" contest is being sponsored at the gala. The courthouse bell will be rung 20 times at midnight. The gala will truly be one of the hottest tickets in Mercer County for people who want to celebrate the millennium in style. Cost is yet to be determined.
The second big event of the Bicentennial will be a birthday party, scheduled to be held in the courthouse on March 12, 2000. Plans are still being developed, but some details are known. A short vespers ceremony will be held, and essay contest winners from senior citizen groups and Mercer County elementary schools will recite their winning entries. Birthday cake and beverages will be provided, and music will be performed.
A Bicentennial Banquet will be held April 30, 2000, in the Mercer County Courthouse. Donna Winner chairs this committee. The banquet will be one of the largest events of the Bicentennial; it will be an important fund raiser that will provide funds to finance the update of the book on Mercer County history.
So far, the plan is to offer a "food court" event versus a sit-down dinner. As much as possible, food that will be served at the banquet will be purchased from Mercer County producers. Music will be provided.
Gov. Tom Ridge has been invited to be keynote speaker, although he has not yet been confirmed. A commemorative bicentennial plate will be included in the cost of each ticket, which is not yet officially determined.
On Sunday, May 21, 2000, the Mercer County Bicentennial Interfaith Celebration will be held at Sharon High School Stadium; time is tentatively set for 3 p.m., and the celebration will last 1½ hours. Co-chairmen for this event are Father Frank Firko and Mike Ristvey.
Keynote speaker is Rev. Peter Marshall. An all-county honors choir will perform. The intention is to ask each church in Mercer County to supply four singers -- a soprano, alto, tenor and bass. A special reception after the service will be held for Rev. Marshall, members of the executive committee, county clergy persons and religious hierarchy, and guests. The Interfaith Celebration will be financed through donations and offerings; surplus from the collection will be provided to the Community Food Warehouse since it serves all major food pantries in Mercer County.
Organizations throughout Mercer County will be asked to include a bicentennial theme in their year 2000 events. The Calendar and Events Committee, chaired by Sue Moore, will be contacting groups to encourage them to support our bicentennial efforts in important ways.
For further information, contact Barry Nelson at Mercer County Cooperative Extension, 662-3141 or 662-2323; or Jerry Johnson at the bicentennial office at: 107 South Pitt St., Mercer. The phone is: 662-2227.
