SOUTHWICK – In 2020, Southwick will be celebrating their 250th anniversary. On November 7, 1770, Southwick was officially incorporated as a separate district of Westfield.
In order to provide a proper 250th celebration, the Select Board has decided to form a Celebrate Southwick Days Committee. On February 26, the Select Board sent out a notice asking for residents to volunteer on the committee. All interested parties were required to send their letter of interest and resume to the board by March 13.
Southwick’s 250th Anniversary as a town is coming up in 2020. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Since then, the Select Board has been trying to get clarification from town counsel about the rules and regulations for the committee. According to Select Board Clerk Russ Fox, who is the designated member of the board to help organize the 250th anniversary, said that he’d like to have the committee working with a non-profit organization. After speaking with Westfield as they’re working on their 350th anniversary, they’ve had a non-profit handle the celebration and the city has a liaison to assist them. Southwick Civic Fund, who’s a non-profit in town, has already notified Fox that they’d work with the committee.
If town counsel confirms that including a non-profit is legal, Fox believes it would be beneficial for the celebration.
“We think that’s probably the smarter way to go,” said Fox.
Once the committee is formed, the ideas will come to fruition, but Fox sees a successful path for the event.
“We’d like it to be a year-long celebration,” said Fox.
It’s also important for the celebration to feature what’s made Southwick so special all these years.
“People can learn about the history of Southwick,” said Fox. “We have a lot to be proud of, we have a rich heritage, a rich history.”
Fox added that it’s not just the committee that will be involved, he’s encouraging all parts of the community to help, including non-profits, small businesses, churches, boy scouts, girl scouts, and more.
