Town of Newstead 200th Anniversary
Bicentennial Celebration Program
(schedules subject to change, keep checking back)
Friday, June 30, 2023:
Officials Opening Ceremony-7:00pm- Russell Park gazebo- a brief history of the town and opening of time capsule from 1998 sesquicentennial followed by the Akron Community Band 100th Anniversary concert at 8:00pm. Announcement at Concert of the week-long Scavenger Hunt
Get your Scavenger Hunt booklet here
"History of Main St" storyboards in store windows along Main St all week long
Sat., July 1, 2023:
"Snippets of History Bicentennial displays" at Cultural Center, 33 Main St: 10:00am-2:00pm
Native American programs in Russell Park and historical displays at the Tonawanda Community Building on the Tonawanda Reservation: 11:00am-3:00pm
Youth Day Passport program 11:00am-3:00pm in Russell Park, Newstead Library, Limerick Hall, Maple Lawn Cemetery, Tonawanda Indian Community House, Akron Fire Co., and Rich-Twinn Octagon House. There will be an interactive passport program, petting & animal displays, face painting, games, musical activities, the Tonawanda Smoke Dancers, and the Erie County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol, and food in the shelter at Russell Park.
Food Truck Rodeo starting at 4:30pm and the Strictly Hip Concert starting at 6:00pm at Newstead Veteran’s Park.
Sun., July 2, 2023:
Farm History Show at Veteran’s Park 10:00am-4:00pm will include tractor and farm displays, the West Shore Market, a basket raffle and food by First United Methodist Church, a farm scavanger hunt for kids throughout the show, the Erie County Sheriff's helicopter, and animal displays. Food trucks will be there with your favorite offerings! An old fashioned Cowboy Church service will take place from 8:30am-9:15am.
Garden Walk 2:00-5:00pm and 7:00-10:00pm- We have eleven gardens that will be on display throughout the village and town. Maps will be available at Bedford's Greenhouse, Town Hall, Market on Main, Pixley's and at the Farm Show or Click here for a brochure. Click here for a Garden Walk Seek & Find game.
Octagon House & Knight Sutton Museum open from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Mon., July 3, 2023:
Antique Doll & Historical Society Bell collections on display at 63 Main St: 1:00pm-3:00pm
"Snippets of History Bicentennial displays" at the Cultural Center, 33 Main St: 12:00pm-4:00pm.
Fireworks display at dusk at Veteran’s Park, food stands open at 5:00pm
Tues., July 4, 2023:
Knight Sutton House open 10:00am-4:00pm with the annual pie sale and quilt raffle
Kids Big Wheel Races-10:00am & Soap Box Derby Races-11:00am on Main St
Russell Park food stands, wildlife exhibits, face painting & activities 11:00am-12:30pm
Octagon House open 12:00pm-4:00pm
Ice Cream eating contest 12:30pm at Russell Park
Smoke Dancers in Russell Park gazebo 1:00-3:00pm
A beard growing contest and period costume contest will be judged in the Russell Park gazebo at 3:00pm! Get beard growing permits from M.R. Middaugh's barbershop today!
Kiddie Parade 4:15pm on Main St- theme "Teddy Bear Picnic"
Celebration Committee parade on Main Street at 4:30pm. Theme for floats will be "Our Town, Past & Present".
Alexander Band plays in Russell Park gazebo following parade
Craig Wilkins plays in Russell Park gazebo from 6:00-8:00pm
Wed., July 5, 2023:
Antique Doll & Historical Society Bell collections on display at 63 Main St: 10:00am-12:00pm
"Snippets of History Bicentennial displays" at the Cultural Center, 33 Main St: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Food Truck Rodeo & Business Bazaar at 4:30pm at Veteran's Park followed by...
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concert in Veteran's Park at 7:00pm. If you would like more info on the business bazaar click here!
Thurs., July 6, 2023:
Chamber of Commerce weekly Car Show/Cruise Night on Main Street 5:00pm
Antique Doll & Historical Society Bell collections on display at 63 Main St: 5:00pm-7:00pm
American Legion Dinner Specials $18.23 specials menu!
Fri., July 7, 2023:
Closing ceremonies 7:00pm in Russell Park -filling of new time capsule with items donated/collected followed by the Akron Community Band concert at 8:00pm
Sunday, July 9, 2023:
Scavenger Hunt finale for participants who completed the hunt at the Octagon House at 1:00pm-3:00pm