WESTFIELD-As a survey deadline looms for the city’s 350th Celebration, city residents are encouraged to provide ideas by Jan. 31.
The official date of the City of Westfield’s incorporation is May 19, 1669, with a 2019 celebration planned, according to Amber Danahey, community outreach coordinator.
Danahey and Peter Miller, director, community development, are guiding a steering committee to explore the many ways in which to recognize this milestone.
The deadline is fast approaching to offer input for the city’s 350th celebration. Above is an iconic symbol of the city’s 300th birthday.
“City residents should take this survey to express their interest in what events they would most like to see occur during the city’s celebration year of 2019,” said Danahey. “There will only be one or two things the city will be able to focus on, so input is important.”
At press time, Danahey noted that approximately 500 responses have been received to date – either online or from a hard copy available at the Westfield Athenaeum.
Danahey said the survey only takes two to five minutes and includes questions asking residents how important it is to them to celebrate the city’s founding and what types of events would one be likely to attend. Examples of events suggested as part of the survey include a parade, community block parties, celebration ball, musical performances, visual arts shows, historic reenactments, a speaker series and events focused around youth.
Danahey and Miller are working closely with 18 committee members and expect that group to expand as subcommittees are formed and ideas are put into action.
“Residents are encouraged to take this survey so that many ideas and opinions may be coalesced to bring a little something for everyone in this celebration,” said Danahey.
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan echoed those sentiments.
“It would be nice to celebrate the 350th throughout the year in order to give the people a chance to participate in the festivities,” said Sullivan in a statement. “It will also give the committee a chance to highlight the many different parts of the city with long histories.”
