AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE SESQUICENTENNIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

Sesquicentennial Funding: Where does it come from?

The Sesquicentennial Planning Team and other volunteers have been diligently working to make the 150th Birthday Party for Winnsboro very special. The clubs and organizations of the city have come forth with plans to incorporate already existing events with the celebration. These annual events are self-supporting and do not use taxpayer money.

It is only natural that questions arise about funding for city-implemented events. So far, no major expense has occurred and there are no plans for any major expenses. However, money from the 4B Economic Development Sales Tax has been approved to pay for banners to replace the existing banners. The original banners were bought with 4B Economic Development Sales Tax monies. The new banners are being chosen very carefully and with longevity in mind.

Hotel/motel tax money has been approved for publishing and distributing 45,000 brochures. This money can be used only to attract tourists. More tourists mean more business for our local merchants.

Plans are underway to have items for sale during the Sesquicentennial. These items should generate enough income to pay for their printing, as all of the items will revolve around Winnsboro, such as, note cards and post cards with pictures of historic buildings.

The First United Methodist Church Quilters have produced a beautiful quilt with the adopted city colors of cream, green, and burgundy. A quilted square that can be used for a wall hanging accompanies the quilt. These generous ladies donated their time and the only expense was for the materials, which was less than $60.00. All proceeds will help pay for Sesquicentennial expenses.

A mural is being produced depicting the 150-year history of Winnsboro. The Winnsboro League of Arts and Foxworth Galbraith donated the money and materials for supplies. Local artists are volunteering their time and talent. The Winnsboro League of Arts also made a nice contribution to the celebration efforts. Members of the League will help choose attractive and long lasting banners for the new look of the city. The purpose of having a Sesquicentennial is to celebrate the 150th anniversary. The means to do so has been through the efforts of many volunteers who have given hundreds of hours of their time.

(If, during public notices, we overlook any donor to this endeavor, we would like to be notified and to correct the omission).

We do encourage everyone to help by cleaning and painting their property, if needed. It is important for the city to be well groomed and present a pleasant atmosphere for our guests.

This is an important event which will bring additional tourism to Winnsboro and enhance our state tax refund and the prosperity of our local businesses. The celebration will serve to remind us of our heritage and how fortunate we are to have a nice community in which we can work, live, and worship.

As you can tell, volunteers will make this event a success - these volunteers have been most generous with their time and money. We are very grateful for the enthusiasm of those involved and we trust that many more will become involved.

Thank you for your support and Happy Birthday Winnsboro.

Sue Hamm, Bob Hibbard, Carolyn Jones,
Ronny Knight, Georgia Lange, Denise Miranda

The Sesquicentennial Planning Team