Letter to the Editor from Mike Tritten, Sesquicentennial Co-Chair, Mayor of Union Star

As one of the co-chairs of the Union Star Sesquicentennial Committee and on behalf of my fellow members, I would like to take this opportunity to pique the public’s awareness regarding the magnitude of the events that we have planned for June 2, 3 and 4. Many people may not know or remember that at our one-day Centennial in 1956 we entertained well over 7,000 people. For our 150th birthday we have planned a party that spans three days and has some attractions that we think will lure a crowd to rival that of 50 years ago. I will list only the highlights.

Friday night’s main attractions will be the Little Mr. and Miss Union Star, Princes, Junior Miss and Sesquicentennial Queen contests. The “Krazy Kats” will perform in the park at 8 p.m. and later in the evening a street dance is planned for the youth featuring the band “Exit 47.”

On Saturday the food and craft booths will be open by 9 a.m. and what promises to be a lengthy parade commences at 10 a.m. It will begin in the west parking lot at USHS, wind throughout the town and terminate at the entrance to the park. At approximately 11:30 there will be a fly-over by the National Guard and a salute to our veterans by the King City American Legion Post.

The afternoon’s activities include performances by the “Delmar Hatcher Band,” the “Mike Duley Band” and magician Monte Stratton. There will be a quilt show in the USHS commons and at 1:30 a birthday cake to serve 1,000 will be served in the gymnasium. A car and antique tractor show will be held during most of the day and a baby show will occur late in the afternoon. The annual “Ride for Ryan” will also be traveling through Union Star that day. The evening features the legendary Tommy Horton and fireworks after dark.

Sunday morning will begin with a Community Church Service at 10 a.m. in the park with homilies by several local and Union Star-bred pastors. The Garlock Family and other local talent will provide gospel music. There are numerous rides and games for children planned throughout the three days and we encourage all who would to enter the costume, beard and bonnet contests.

A complete schedule of events will be available at he hospitality booth during the Sesquicentennial. I have not listed everything here, but we have spent nearly two years preparing for this event and would love to have many of your readers as our guests in June. We are eager to host all who would like to help us celebrate this milestone.

Sincerely,

Mike Tritten, Sesquicentennial Co-Chair, Mayor of Union Star