Happy 150th Birthday, Renovo
by Christopher Miller
RENOVO – Braving the almost endless onslaught of precipitation, crowds gathered to usher in the 150th year of the founding of Renovo.
Saturday morning saw the 9:00 A.M. kickoff of events at the Flaming Foliage lot with the arts and crafts, flea market and concessions sales. Giant inflatable obstacle courses were shown inflated in pictures on social media Friday afternoon, but we’re still yet to be set up by the afternoon.
Also happening in the morning was the Hometown Heroes celebration and introduction of new banners displayed throughout town. Much like that of Lock Haven, these banners celebrated the lives of the men who sacrificed it all for the good of our country. Also included are local police and firemen.
Announced late and not on the formal schedule of events was a play performed by students of Bucktail High School pertaining to the founding of Renovo May of 1866. This took place at the Renovo Fire Department and the Heritage Park Headquarters on Erie Avenue.
Some “all day” events that took place was an open house also at the Heritage Park Headquarters building. Visitors were able to learn more about Renovo through the displays of old pictures and by speaking with Heritage Park board members on hand throughout the day to answer any questions. As well, a self-guided historic walking tour of town was laid out by Heritage Park board members.
The parade, lantern launch and fireworks helped to end the busy Saturday in town. A couple hundred people lined Huron Avenue to observe the parade procession through town. One of the most popular floats of the parade was the Borough Hall birthday cake fully decorated in red, white and blue.
Sunday’s events will wrap-up the weekend celebration of Renovo’s birthday with the dedication of a Sesquicentennial Plaque at the borough hall, music from the Renovo Area Community Choir, speeches from invited guests and mayors, past and present and the sealing of a time capsule.
People may purchase the Renovo Sesquicentennial Souvenir book at many locations throughout town for $10 or a special commemorative wooden nickel for $1.
