Sesquicentennial Update
by Maryann Miller

The planning committee for Winnsboro's Sesquicentennial celebration which launches October 25, 2003 sponsored a Media Day on the grounds of the historic Oaklea Mansion on October 25. Members of the press, which included television, radio and print, received information about the year-long celebration and some of the history of Winnsboro.

Mayor Carolyn Jones opened the event with a brief statement about the various people who have been part of the planning for the sesquicentennial since 1997 and the effort everyone has made, especially in the last year, to pull ideas and resources together to make it all happen. "We want to celebrate the birthday of our city in a very special way and the local citizens and organizations have worked extremely hard."

Anita Williams, of Imagination Works gave a power point presentation that highlighted some of the important historic events and dates in Winnsboro, and then outlined the calendar of events for the next year.

Special attractions for the day included a visit by the notorious Bonnie and Clyde, portrayed by Heather Messimer and Jerrett Walters. John Burke provided a 1930 Ford Roadster - he didn't have a 1934 in his garage - and people could have their picture taken with the pair of bandits. (The real bandits stopped to eat in Winnsboro on various occasions on their way East from Dallas. This was, of course, before Interstate travel and Highway 11 was a major road for points East.)

A Taste of Winnsboro was the theme for the luncheon and food was provided by many area businesses and restaurants: Ivy Garden, K'S Fried Chicken & Grill. KC's Smokehouse & Grill, Lou's Country Inn, Outpost, Ozarka, Pizza Inn, Presbyterian Hospital, Subway, T & M Meat Market, Tino V's, Winnsboro Bakery, and Brookshire's.

The Sesquicentennial Celebration officially begins the weekend of October 25th, 2003 with a kick off that starts at 10:00 A.M. It will run until 1:30 in the afternoon. Special features will be a preview of the Community of Churches Easter Pageant and the Grand Opening of the Historical Museum at the Depot. Other attractions will include clowns, free popcorn, and postcards and note cards for sale that depict historic buildings in and around Winnsboro.

Throughout the year, regular events such as the Christmas Parade, Spring Trails, the Rodeo, Picnic in the Park, and Autumn Trails will have an historic theme in honor of the Sesquicentennial. In addition, plans are underway for a real cattle drive through downtown and an old-fashioned garden party on the grounds of the Oaklea Mansion, where women will dress in period costumes and cook from historic recipes. Then, of course, there is the 150th Birthday Party scheduled for April 24th during Spring Trails.
Perhaps the biggest event - in terms of scope - is the Community Churches Easter Pageant. This is a joint effort by most of the churches in the Winnsboro that area coming together to depict the story of Salvation. This production of drama, song, and dance will be presented April 2, 3, and 4, 2004 in the football stadium of Winnsboro High School.
It takes a tremendous amount of volunteer hours to make each event come to fruition, and it is never too late to participate. If you would like to take an active part in the Birthday Celebration, call:
Carolyn Jones at 903-342-6471 or Georgia Lange at 903-365-7268.

Be sure to check back with us periodically for details of events.