A weekend of celebrations for Chester’s 250th

In celebration of the town of Chester’s 250th anniversary of the New York Charter, a committee of residents has planned a series of events for the coming weekend to mark the occasion. Many other organizations — including churches and businesses — have also stepped up to celebrate. Please check out The Telegraph Calendar of Events for more details about each event, including links.

THURSDAY, July 14

• 4 p.m. – Whiting Library, 117 Main St. Rick Bates, a member of SoVerA — The Southern Vermont Astronomy Group — will speak about the knowledge of astronomy at the time of Chester’s settlement.
• from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Gypsy Reel will perform acoustic tunes from early Americana, Ireland and Scotland in front of the Academy Building, across from the Green on Main Street. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and refreshments. This is also part of the annual Chester Music Series sponsored by the Chester Rotary and many other donors.

FRIDAY, July 15

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a free family event with music, hot dogs, drinks and chips, sponsored by Grounded4Life. Grounded will play at this outdoor event. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Held at the Chester Baptist Church, 162 Main St.
• 7 to 10 p.m. at Town Hall, 556 Elm St. Presentation takes a look at the Green Mountain Railroad via photography, video, spoken word and concentrating on the Chester area. Snack food and water will be provided.

SATURDAY, July 16

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bonnie’s Bundles Dolls shares its history in timeline, pictures, stories, documents and special doll exhibits. This 48 year old local operation has sold more than 14,000 dolls. Refreshments available. 250 North St. in Chester’s Stone Village.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Games and Children’s activities begin. Pinnacle Recreation Area, Lover’s Lane.
• 10 a.m. Dedication of Chester Disc Golf Course. Pinnacle Recreation Area, Lover’s Lane.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Newly restored Hearse House and Public Tomb open to the public.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Open House. Docents will share church history. There will be photo displays and refreshments. A family Scavenger Hunt will be held Saturday. 313 Main St.
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chester 250 Barbeque. Lunch is served! Including: burgers, snack foods, and soft drinks. Pinnacle Recreation Area, Lover’s Lane.
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. BBQ brisket, chicken, snacks and soft drinks.  Enjoy food and look at vintage snowmobiles, motorcycles, chainsaws, tractors and more. Chester Festival Fairgrounds at Sewer Plant Road on Route 103 South.
• noon – 4 p.m. Roundtrip train rides on the Green Mountain Flyer! Departing from Chester at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. $10/person.  Vermont Rail System’s Niki Wulfson will make a presentation on the history of the railroad. Chester Train Station, 563 Depot St.
• 2 to 4 p.m. Southern Pie Company hosts a bake off. On The Green, 201 Main St.
• 3 p.m. Dedication of state historical marker. Chester Train Station, 563 Depot St.
• At dark: Fireworks. McKenzie Field, 569 Rt. 103 South

SUNDAY, July 17

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bonnie’s Bundles Dolls shares its history in timeline, pictures, stories, documents and special doll exhibits. This 48 year old local operation has sold more than 14,000 dolls. Refreshments available. 250 North St. in Chester’s Stone Village.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Newly restored Hearse House and Public Tomb open to the public.
• noon to 2 p.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Open House. Docents will share church history. There will be photo displays and refreshments. 313 Main St.
• 1 to 2 p.m. Green Mountain Union High students present a program on Stone Village architecture. Followed by a walking tour of the Stone Village. First Universalist Church, The Stone Church, 211 North St.
• 3 to 4 p.m. Tour Brookside Cemetery and learn about Chester’s early settlers and Revolutionary War participants. Brookside Cemetery, Main Street.