One year from now, Parkesburg Borough will celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Plans are currently underway for a three-day community-wide celebration that will include a large parade, fireworks and activities in Minch Park, to be held on Friday to Sunday, May 20 to 22, 2022.

According to Parkesburg Borough manager Joseph Reali, chairperson of the Parkesburg Historic Commission, the idea to hold a celebration came from local historian Gerry Treadway, commission vice chairperson. "We can thank Mr. Treadway, who brought it to our attention that the anniversary was coming up in 2022. He is the driving force behind the sesquicentennial," said Reale.

The celebration will begin on May 20, which will be similar to the Parkesburg Action Committee's Final Friday program held on Main Street in the borough. "Our desire is that our (Main Street) area be decorated and well lit. We will have volunteers and interested people dress in period costumes of their choice that pertain to the history of the borough. Our area is rich in history," Reali noted. "We (also) plan on having live entertainment, presentations, food and vendors."

A celebration parade is planned for Saturday, May 21. Participants will include the Keystone Valley Fire Department (KVFD) and representatives from the Parkesburg VFW. "We are inviting any and all of our high school and school bands to participate, and we are also inviting color guards, floats, vendors, musicians, automobile (clubs), Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and dance organizations," said Reali. "We would like for our current and past Parkesburg council members to be in the parade (as well)."

The parade will travel through the south side of town with stops at the memorial located at the KVFD and at the VFW for a Memorial Day service. "Everyone in the parade will congregate in Minch Park. We plan on live music, historical presentations and shows and children's activities," explained Reali. "Our hope is to have a very large tent with tables for vendors who would like to set up."

The park's historic baseball field, where a professional baseball team once played, will also be highlighted. The day will conclude with a giant firework display set to music.

The tent in the park will also house a multi-denominational gathering of thanksgiving on May 22, which will conclude the celebration.

Volunteers from the community are encouraged to become involved in the planning of the celebration. "Because of the size of the three-day event, the Parkesburg Historic Commission and the volunteers for the sesquicentennial event would like for people of all ages to participate and bring their talents and take responsibility for certain aspects of the event. It's too large for a small group of people to handle," Reali noted. "We are open to all suggestions and ideas."

Sesquicentennial planning meetings are held every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Parkesburg Borough Hall, 315 W. First Ave., Parkesburg. The next scheduled meeting will be held on May 26. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, email parkesburgsesquicentennial@gmail.com.