This is the first in a series of five stories from the sesquicentennial committee that will highlight different aspects of the Bluffton Sesquicentennial.

Community Events During Bluffton Sesquicentennial Celebration: "150 Years of Progress" June 24-July 2, 2011 in Bluffton, Ohio.

Bluffton's sesquicentennial will consist of an entire week of displays, lectures, celebratory events and performances, an Indian Village and even some civil war era re-inactments.

Some of the highlight events of the Bluffton Sesquicentennial are:

Festival of Wheels Car Show will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 24.

Relay for Life will be held at Bluffton University Stadium starting at 4:00pm on Friday, June 24. Fireworks will follow at dark.

The Sesquicentennial Grand Opening will be held at 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 25.

The Grand Opening includes these events:

Town Hall Speakers are from 11:00am to 12:30pm.
Bluffton Merchant Band is at 12:30pm.
Harmonic Duo perform at 1:15pm.
Cloggers perform at 1:45pm.
"The Ballad of John Dillinger" is at 2:30pm.

In the evening in June 25 the public is invited to a historical costume ball at The Center at Bluffton. The ball features civil war era fiddle tunes by Bluffton's Sesquicentennial String Band, and dance teacher/caller Kate Power, from Columbus, Ohio.

The dance style will include Waltzes and traditional American contra dances such as the Virginia Reel. You do not have to have a partner to attend and all ages are welcome. Tickets are $10, which includes historically appropriate refreshments. Cash Bar.

For tickets contact The Center 419-358-8533.

The celebration continues with a community church service in the Presbyterian Church Yard at 9:00am on Sunday, June 26. Bring lawn chairs.

Local people and many out of town visitors will gather for the Old Settlers Potluck and meeting at Ebenezer Church at 12:30pm on Sunday, June 26. Bring a covered dish.

Organizer Kenneth Zimmerman says, "What began as me commenting on my Diller-Zimmerman family reunion soon expanded into, "why not invite all the early families". It seemed natural as I have discovered in researching my family that many/most of us long time (5th, 6th or more generations) are related.

Thus, as part of the community festivities the Pot Luck Lunch is an attempt to honor our ancestors in a manner familiar to most." Phil Kingsley and Charles Niswander are the featured speakers.

The Barbarettes will provide the entertainment and the Bluffton Richland Public Library will have a display. For more information contact Zimmerman at 520-483-9597. Following the potluck several local historic buildings will be open for public tours.

The Bluffton Merchant Band and the Barberettes, will give a concert at the Presbyterian Church Yard at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 29. Bring lawn chairs. This event is free.

"Shannon Service Club Street Fair and Flea Market" will be on Church Street between Main and Jackson 9:00am to 4:00pm on Friday, July 1.

For Kids: Fishing booth, face-painting, games, activities Lunch: Shredded chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. This event will include a "Kid's Art Alley" on both Thursday and Friday June 30th and July 1st from 10:00-2:00 in the alley located beside the quilt shop, Forever in Stitches.

For just a dollar, pin wheels, tin punch, carnation rings, 'buzz" saws, bubble blowing (pre-school and k) and face painting can be created by children in grades one through six. Many of these crafts reflect the art and games which children did nearly 150 years ago. It will a fun time for all children who will be able to create a souvenir for Bluffton's 150th sesquicentennial.

Sesquicentennial Awards Presentation will be held at Town Hall starting at 1:00pm on Friday, July 1.

Miss Sesquicentennial Winner to be announced at 1:00pm. Art Winner to be announced at 1:30pm. Quilt Showing at 1:45pm. Beard Contest winner, sponsored by Common Grounds Coffeehouse will be announced at 2:00pm.

"Bluffton's Brand of Broadway" will be held at Yoder Hall Bluffton University at 7:00pm on Friday and Saturday, July 1 and 2. It is free and is directed by Pat Rodabaugh.

The week of festivities ends with a bang at the Sesquicentennial Parade on Main Street at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 2.

Contact: Beverly Amstutz (419) 358-0334, Alice and Ron Lora (419) 358-1599, Dennis Morrison (419) 358-4950, Teri Mullenhour (419) 358-0458, Jeanette Reineke (419) 358-0527, or Wendy Chappell-Dick (419) 303-9769.