Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.

Representatives of the city, local businesses and several community organizations met last week at the Spencer Municipal Building to begin planning for what is expected to be a series of events over the next several months.

“It was a great turnout,” Spencer mayor Terry Williams said. “I’m glad so many people have taken an interest in it. It’s very exciting.”

Williams said a committee was established that would seek to raise $20,000 in donations to help fund the celebrations. The city plans to devote $5,000 to the effort, and state funding will be sought as well.

The March 14 kickoff will come one day before Spencer’s official 150th anniversary. A copy of the minutes of the Virginia assembly that established the city in 1856 will be read at the opening ceremony, Williams said.

The rest of a tentative agenda includes historical readings, proclamations, dedication of a new city flag, photo displays, live musical entertainment and free hot dogs and birthday cake. The event is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until approximately 2 p.m. at both the municipal building and Heritage Park Community Building.

“We’ve got an awful lot on the burner,” Williams said.

A number of events are being considered during the spring and summer, culminating with the W.Va. Black Walnut Festival in October.

The possibilities include musical performances including a concert at the Spencer Middle School football field, softball and baseball tournaments, a Civil War re-enactment and promotional sales. An antique car cruise-in the downtown area has tentatively been scheduled for Saturday, July 12.

“The community needs events that can tie in to this,” Williams said. “It makes it much more festive when lots more people are involved. It’s another way for us to market ourselves.”

Some of the groups involved in the planning include Hill and Hollow Garden Club, Spencer High School Alumni Association, Roane Arts and Humanities Council, Roane Chamber of Commerce, WVU Extension Service, Roane General Hospital, Roane Committee on Aging and the Black Walnut Festival.

A second planning meeting has been scheduled for next week. Others interested in volunteering may call the mayor’s office at 927-1640.

Williams said it was fitting to celebrate the sesquicentennial with more than a single day of events.

“You don’t get an opportunity to celebrate your 150th birthday every often,” he said.