HILLSDALE—Residents celebrating the borough’s 125th anniversary have more townwide events upcoming this summer and fall, capped by a celebratory dinner gala at a popular catering hall in November.
Committee co-chair Gerry Beatty told Pascack Press on June 26 that volunteers are hard at work on a 125th anniversary event in mid-or-late August at Demarest Farms. She said more details would be settled soon.
So far in 2023, she said, thousands of residents of all ages have attended prior anniversary events including local history lectures, a square dance, a Hillsdale’s Got Talent & Birthday Party celebration in March, and a “Bagels With The Bunny” Easter gathering at Beechwood Park.
She said the committee would offer a local history speaker at an upcoming senior luncheon.
In addition to a community event at Demarest Farms, Beatty said the committee will participate in the recreation department’s Fall Festival Sept. 23 at Beechwood Park. She said the committee will offer merchandise, a borough birthday cake, and a local historian, who can answer questions about borough history.
“These events are really helping to connect and bring people together,” said Beatty, noting residents have an opportunity to find out more about the town they live in. “We have a lot more to do this year,” she said, urging residents to attend one of the upcoming events.
She said the committee was planning to present a car show, probably in early October, at the borough’s west parking lot, and would seek borough permission soon to hold it there.
Beatty said that the anniversary committee was still offering free family photos at the historic train station on Sundays by appointment. Families can sign up on the 125th Anniversary Committee website at hillsdale125thanniversary.com. She said these photos may be added to a borough time capsule that the committee hopes to bury in November.
Moreover, Beatty said that 95 anniversary lawn signs had been sold, at $25 apiece, and the group is still taking orders on its website.
In addition to upcoming events, the committee is selling tickets to its 125th Anniversary Gala, Nov. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m., at Seasons Catering, Washington Township. Price is $150 apiece, and includes full-course dinner, open bar, and music by DJ Willie Nelson.
Beatty said the borough was helping to publicize the Anniversary Gala dinner by posting information about it in announcements to residents. She said approximately two dozen tickets were sold so far and the committee was hoping to have about 150 tickets sold by the end of summer.
If possible, to beat last-minute demand, she said residents and business community members should purchase tickets by Sept. 9.
Beatty noted that residents and businesses interested in sponsoring upcoming events and the committee’s work should look into various levels of sponsorship offered on its website.
Sponsorship levels range from $250 up to $10,000, and include gala dinner tickets, full page recognition/advertising in the upcoming Anniversary Journal, T-shirts, and acknowledgment on event signage.
The police department is listed as a gold sponsor, and Mark Madaio Esq., (also borough attorney), is listed as a silver sponsor.
Residents interested in upcoming events or merchandise should visit the anniversary website, Beatty said. Beatty often provides event updates to the council at regularly scheduled meetings.