Barbi Lare Photo
Holiday shopping will begin to move into high gear and Isledegrande.com has an inexpensive gift suggestion. Available in the e-New office at 1871 Whitehaven Road are Grand Island Sesquicentennial Program Books at $10. The program book includes over 65 photographs depicting the Island and its history since becoming a township in 1852. For more information, stop by or call 773-6789, extension 116.
Rehearsal Schedule for Sesquicentennial Pageant
Monday, Sept. 23 - 7 p.m. p. 1-8 ----- 8:15 p.m. p. 9-16
Wednesday, Sept. 25 - 7 p.m. p. 16-26 ----- 8:15 p.m. p. 26-31
Friday, Sept. 27 - 7 p.m. p. 1-8 ----- 8:15 p.m. p. 9-16
Thursday, Oct. 3 - 7 p.m. p. 16-26 ----- 8:15 p.m. p. 26-31
Friday, Oct. 4 - 7 p.m. complete
Monday, Oct. 7 - 7 p.m. complete
Tuesday, Oct. 8 - 7 p.m. complete
Wednesday, Oct. 9 - 7 p.m. complete
Friday, Oct. 11 - 7 p.m. complete
Tuesday, October 15 - 5 p.m. - dress rehearsal
Friday, October 18 - 6 p.m. - final rehearsal
Sat., Oct. 19 - 5 p.m. performance
Sun., Oct. 20 - 12 noon performance
Tickets For Historic Pageant October 19-20, 2002
Tickets are now available at the Isledegrande.com office, 1871 Whitehaven Road. Cost of the tickets is $2 or $5 per family. They must be purchased for either the Saturday or Sunday performances. For further information on tickets, which are also available at the deSignet Jewelry Store, 1869 Whitehaven, call Pattie Frentzel, 773-1381.
A cast of about 50 enthusiastic actors and actresses, some with a lot of experience and some with very little, are rehearsing nightly at the Huth Road School for the Sesquicentennial historic pageant. The Pageant, Grand Island, A Grand Place To Live, will give those attending a good idea of how the Island evolved in the first hundred years as a township and also a touch of nostalgia for those who remember some of the happy times taking place here including and since the Centennial celebration of 1952.
Directing the play will be longtime Isle resident Elizabeth Beach who has been involved with theater for over 50 years.
"The pageant is a musical and historical play sponsored by Terri Eberl in honor and remembrance of her husband, David E Eberl."
Burying of Time Capsule October 19, 2002 POSTPONED
The burying of a Time Capsule, scheduled for October 19, 2002, has been postponed so as to add scenes from the historic pageant (Oct. 19-20) and the Historic Fashion Show (Oct. 19) to a video being made for the time capsule and distribution. The announcement of the exact date for the burying of the Time Capsule should be made next week.
Historic Pageant October 19-20, 2002
A cast of about 50 enthusiastic actors and actresses, some with a lot of experience and some with very little, are rehearsing nightly at the Huth Road School for the Sesquicentennial historic pageant. The Pageant, Grand Island, A Grand Place To Live, will give those attending a good idea of how the Island evolved in the first hundred years as a township and also a touch of nostalgia for those who remember some of the happy times taking place here including and since the Centennial celebration of 1952.
Directing the play will be longtime Isle resident Elizabeth Beach who has been involved with theater for over 50 years. Tickets ($2 or $5/family) for the two performances 7 p.m. Saturday, October 19 and 2 p.m. Sunday, October 20 are now available at the Isledegrande.com office, 1871 Whitehaven and at the deSignet Jewelry Store, 1869 Whitehaven.
"The pageant is a musical and historical play sponsored by Terri Eberl in honor and remembrance of her husband, David E Eberl."
More (259) Grand Prix Re-inactment Photos
Representatives of WNYCarClubs.com attended the Sesquicentennial Grand Prix Re-inactment and Car Show and have posted 259 photos taken at the event (July 27, 2002). Click WNYCarClubs.com for the direct link.
Sesqui T-Shirts, Historic Program Books Still Available At Isledegrande
Click photo for a larger view
Sesquicentennial T-Shirts, made available through the Disabled American Veterans of Grand Island, continue to be for sale at the Isledegrande.com office, 1871 Whitehaven Road. The DAV made a financial donation to the Sesquicentennial Committee over a year ago to provide the shirts to create financial backing for all Sesqui events throughout the year 2002. The shirts, now available in sizes adult small, medium and double X Large, are $10. The Sesquicentennial historic program book, complete with Island history and pictures, is also available at $10.
Chamber Offers Grand Ball Ticket Information
Tickets for the Sesquicentennial Ball (Saturday, September 28, 2002) are on sale at the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Office and may be paid for by check or credit card. Seating is limited. The $75/person ticket includes the following:
Call the Chamber (773-3651); hours: 8-4pm daily, or leave a message.
Details below on Grand Lady Cruise and Pyramid Dance Band
The Grand Lady To Launch Legendary Event
Sesquicentennial Grand Ball September 28, 2002
Grand Lady Cruises Inc. will play a special role in the exciting events planned for the Sesquicentennial Grand Ball to be held September 28 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. This memorable evening, celebrating Grand Island's 150th birthday, will begin with a complimentary cruise aboard The Grand Lady. The 80' long yacht-style luxury cruise vessel will depart at 5 p.m. and deliver its passengers back to the Riverview Room for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m.
Reservations are required as seats are limited. To be among the passenger list, make your reservation when purchasing your Grand Ball tickets.
Tickets for the Grand Ball are available at the Chamber of Commerce office located at 1980 Whitehaven Road. The evening includes cocktails in the Riverview Room while a jazz trio entertains, a formal five-course dinner with wine, and dancing all night to the music of The Pyramid Dance Band for only $75 per person. An all-inclusive overnight package, which offers a morning breakfast cruise aboard The Grand Lady, is also available. For more information, call the chamber office at 773-3651.
The Grand Lady, Western New York's luxury cruise vessel, is entering its fifth season of operation. Captain Rick Deegan credits its success on the continued relationship with the Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center.
The Grand Lady's unique features include wrap around windows, hardwood paneling, and a luxurious décor. Accommodations are available on two levels with the capacity of 90 for dining and 115 for receptions.
New to the schedule this year are lunch cruises with live entertainment. In addition, the captain is certified to perform legal wedding ceremonies.
The vessel is docked at and departs from the Holiday Inn Grand Island, located at the foot of Whitehaven Road.
Pyramid Dance Band To Headline At Grand Ball
Click photo for a larger view
As a grand finale to the many festivities planned in celebration of Grand Island’s 150th birthday, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting a formal dinner dance on September 28, 2002 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Guests will enjoy dancing, listening and swinging to their favorite "big band" sounds as the Pyramid Dance Band plays everything from the Big Band Era right through to today's Rock n' Roll and contemporary hits.
The Pyramid Dance and Swing Bands are professional ensembles that have performed regularly in the Northeastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada since 1993. They specialize in dance music of all varieties for all occasions utilizing the traditional "Big Band Format." Their repertoire of nearly two thousand songs covers an eighty-year span and allows The Pyramid Band to bring Big Band Favorites, 50's, 60's & 70's Rock, and Contemporary Hits to all their listeners. The Pyramid Band library contains everything from ballads to be-bop, rock n 'roll to rumbas, blues, cha-chas, disco, ethnic, fox-trots, jazz, polkas, swing, tangos and waltzes.
They perform memorable songs from Armstrong, Basie, Dorsey, Ellington, Goodman, Miller, Prima, Sinatra, along with rock n' roll and the contemporary sounds from artists including Celine Dion, Lou Bega, Ricky Martin, Brian Setzer.
The Pyramid Band big band sounds have been enjoyed by audiences at their annual "A Big Band Christmas" and Miss Buffalo Cruise, Curtain Up, Gulley's Nightclub, ECMEA Jazz Music Festival with Doc Severinsen, the Buffalo Science Museum Galaxy Gala Fundraiser, Jacobi's Restaurant and Niteclub, The Kootsie Ball, Taste of Buffalo, and numerous parties and weddings including the wedding of retired Buffalo Bill's Quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, and Empire Sports Anchor Josh Mora and his wife, Allison, just to name a few.
Tickets for the Grand Ball are available at the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce office, 1980 Whitehaven Road. A limited number of all-inclusive packages are also available. Included in the $269 couple package are two Grand Ball tickets, overnight stay at the Grand Island Holiday Inn, and a morning breakfast cruise aboard the Grand Lady. Individual Grand Ball tickets are available at $75 a person. Reserve early, as seats are limited.
For more information, call the chamber office at (716) 773-3651. For further details on the Sesquicentennial Ball, click Grand Ball.
Sesquicentennial Days 2002 at Fantasy Island
Martin's Fantasy Island offers Sesquicentennial Days for all Island residents on Saturday, September 7, 2002 and Sunday, September 8. Call 773-7591 for details.
1952 Centennial Grand Prix Re-enactment Webpage
2002 Sesqui Motor Events and the 2002 Classic Car Show
WNY British Car Club Website.
More Tractor Pull Photos
Photos by Dan Drexelius - click for a larger view. Story below.
Tractor Pull & Show Photos
The Sesquicentennial Tractor Pull this past weekend attracted all sizes,
designs and capabilities of tractor. The "work horse" of the collection was the coal fired Case Steam Engine owned by Edwin Winter of North Collins. Ed gave engine demonstrations during both days of the event. The original price tag was $2,300. Other details listed were the fact that it is 80 H.P., bore is 11 inches, and stroke is 11 inches. This unit chugged up its power (including black smoke) and
operated a saw which in turn, turned out lumber planks from tree trunks.
Sunday, another sunny, warm day, provided perfect conditions for the Tractor
Pull for classic tractors, i.e., more than 50 years old. Several local
drivers and machines competed. They included David Williams (with a 1953 Ferguson TE20), David Fischer
(with a 1951 Ford 8N), Ed Bognar (with a 1927 Fordson), Jim Carlson (with a
1959 Oliver 550), George DeGlopper (with a 1951 C. Farin) and Ray DeGlopper
(with a McCormick Deering 10-20 and a 1952 Allis Chalmers). The tractors were much larger than the previous day's offering, and they
had to pull a much larger sled of weights as the tractors had much larger
rear wheels.
Thanks to Chairman George DeGlopper and co-chair Jim Carlson for providing this unique Sesquicentennial event which was a wonderful reminder of farming and tractors on Grand Island many years ago.
Jodi Dodd Photos below. Click photos for larger view.
Photo below submitted by Peggy McNulty. Click for larger view.
Barbi Lare Photos below. Click photos for larger view.
Tractor Show Attendees Date Back Generations on Island
Photos below submitted by Peggy McNulty.
Families dating back many generations were well represented at the Tractor Pull chaired by George DeGlopper, who is still farming the Island's soil. Shown from left are Ray DeGlopper, Peter Dinsmore, Eugene and Jim Dinsmore, Lyle Dinsmore and Don Burrows.
Sesqui Pictorial Cancellation Update
More Grand Prix Re-enactment Photos
The following Grand Prix re-enactment photos of July 27, 2002 were taken by Michael Linenfelser and posted here on August 26, 2002. The white 1948 MG TC shown in two photos was raced in the original 1952 event. Owner and longtime Harvey Road resident Lyn Laman is most visible in the second MG TC picture. Be sure to click the photos for a larger version.
Grand Prix Re-enactment and Car Show 2002 Photos
(Right) Lyn Laman in goggles and original race cap; (left) Dunlop Tire, major Grand Prix sponsor
Aggie Denler Photos Above
Alfred R. Rowswell Photos Below
John C. Bidell Jr. Parade Cruise Photos below
Fred Claus Photos below
Barbi Lare Photo below
The European Car Show held Saturday, July 27, 2002 at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club and hosted by the Club, sported a field full of European Cars,
the envy of all show visitors. A Grand Island Sesquicentennial event, the Show's major sponsor was Dunlop.
Story By Jay Lockrow - President British Car Club, WNY, car enthusiast and historian
One thing is definite and that is the weather for this event was HOT!
For years I have been to events in the summer weather but this one out
there on the skeet and trap field was one of the warmest that I have
ever attended. Fifty years ago the weather was warm but not with the
high humidity. It was warm enough that when the race was over we went to
a friend of my dad's house on the river and went swimming. It was
better than fighting the traffic as there was only one bridge in those
days.
The re-enactment was a fun event. The cars were outstanding and it was
great to see real sports cars with numbers on them running on public
roads the way it used to be. It was great fun to have several of the
original cars and drivers from the original race in 1952. It would have
been wonderful to have had the Bill Spear and Jim Kimberly Ferraris
back. Both of these cars have been for sale in the past few years and
you probably would have to sell Grand Island to get them. Vintage
Ferraris bring big dollars.
In the car department, we should first mention Gary Dryer of
Williamsville who is fortunate enough to own two cars that were raced at
Grand Island. The first car he bought was a 1952 Allard K2 powered with
a Lincoln engine. Gary bought this car in a wrecked form and rebuilt it.
It was wrecked by the original owners in the late 1960s and went
through several owners before Gary acquired it. Gary has rebuilt the car
to first class condition and it has won many trophies. His other car is
the ex Tom Hoan 1949 MG TC that Tom drove to a class win in the 1952 race.
Tom graced us with his appearance for the event and Gary let him drive
his old TC around the course. He was not timed but I doubt if he beat
his original time! This car has a long racing history and at least four
owners since Tom had it including my dad and of course Gary.
Another car that raced at the '52 event is the 1948 MG TC of Lyn Laman
who not only lives on the Island but on the original course. Her car was
originally owned by Fred Woodmanse of Tonawanda.
Jim Ottman, who drove a Singer
in the original race, winning his class, came from Elba, NY for the re-enactment. Jim says he still has part of
the trophy that he won at Grand Island.
Jack Archibald of East Aurora was the technical inspector at the
original race only because he had flipped his MG TC at Bridgehampton
earlier in the season. He had the car at Grand Island this time however
having owned the same car 53 of its 54 years.
The car show was well attended and drew a lot of interesting
machinery. The most unusual and very choice was the 1946 Alfa Romeo
coupe brought down from Canada. Unfortunately the owner had a problem
with the car and he put it back on the trailer and went back to Toronto.
This was a fascinating car with huge alfin drum brakes and a twin cam
six cylinder engine. This was basically a pre war car but one of the
first built after the war. Beautifully restored, it was a shame it had
problems. There was an interesting '52 Cooper and a Jaguar D type
replica. There were several very pretty Porsches but in particular a
lovely 365 coupe in absolute pristine condition. Bobby Deull had his '52
Aston Martin there along with his Panhard junior. There was truly a
wonderful assortment. There were plenty of MGs, Triumphs, Jaguars and
people. The happiest had to be the drivers in the re-enactment and as
someone said to me, "The whole effort was worth it seeing the smiling
faces on the drivers as they returned." It was a lot of work and many
thanks to all who helped. Now if we could get some of those old
unlimited hydroplanes back for the antique boat show!!!
Lyn Laman's MG TC won best of show. Complete results next week!
Classic Car Show Photos
Barbi Lare Photos
Click photos for larger view
John Gennamore Photos
More Photos From Grand Prix - July 27, 2002 - Grand Island, NY
Lyn Laman Photos
Click photos for larger view
Corvette Show Photos
Fred Claus Photos
The All Corvette Show, originally scheduled to be held at the new Fuccillo Chevrolet dealership located at 2000 Alvin Rd., Grand Island NY, took place at the Whitehaven Road location on Saturday, July 27, 2002.
Bikes, Blues and Parade Cruise Photos
Click photos for larger view
Fred Claus Photos Above
Alfred Rowswell Photo Above
Bikes, Blues and Parade Cruise, a RAD-3D & Doran Fest held at Grand Island Super Gas/Sunoco was sponsored by Dunlop, Harley-Davidson, and V-Twin Cycles. First and second prizes were awarded for each of the 20 classes and trophies for overall best bike and best paint. The Peoples Choice Winner for best bike was Virginia Snyder of Irving, NY and Peoples Choice for best paint was Bob Sylvestri of Buffalo.
Sesqui Pictorial Envelopes Available For Cancellation
Artwork by Bob Kopf
A limited number of Sesquicentennial pictorial envelopes are for sale at the GIECOM.net office, 1871 Whitehaven Road, the Island Dispatch and the Chamber of Commerce offices. Envelopes are available in color at $5 and black and white at $2.50 and once purchased, may be taken to the Grnd Island Post Office where patrons may choose a stamp and a choice of cancellations. Residents who are interested in these keepsakes should make their purchases immediately. Time is running out. Extra envelopes may be purchased after business hours by contacting Peggy McNulty at 774-8916.
Shown above is the program cover for the Centennial Grand Prix of Grand Island, August 30, 1952. It lists the following Officials:
Pictorial Cancellations Available at Post Office
The above pictorial cancellations, in celebration of the town's Sesquicentennial, are available at the Grand Island Post Office throughout the month and also at the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club on Saturday, July 27, 2002 during the motor events. For more information, stop at the Post Office.
Below (click the photo) is a reproduction of an envelope, just one of a combination of envelopes and pictorial cancellations available.
Beard Contest Has Six Winners
George Rowe, Joe Lukasiewicz and Jack Burns, Don Tranter, Granson Geis
Jack and Marion Burns
George Rowe, Joe Lukasiewicz and Jack Burns
The Sesquicentennial Beard Growing Contest, held at the Town Commons, Tuesday, July 1, 2002 during the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas concert, drew a good representation of the men of Grand Island. The judges, Rev. Earle King, Councilman Mary Cooke and Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro, proclaimed the following as official winners of the contest: Salt N Pepper - George Rowe; Best Goatee - Don Tranter; 2nd Best Goatee - Granson Geis; Fullest - Joe "Luke" Lukasiewicz; Best Sideburns - Peter Kuszczak; Whitest Sideburns - Jack Burns.
Jazz on the River Brings Out Area's Best
Jazz on the River at the Niagara Sailing Club on the afternoon of July 7, 2002 drew a nice crowd and could certainly turn into an annual event. Chaired by Niagara Sailing Club member Bruce Kaiser, Jazz on the River came about as an idea for just one more Sesquicentennial event. Those who provided the jazz and blues music were the Blueprint Jazz Ensemble led by Steve Parisi, leader, arranger and sax player Andy Weinzler who has played with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and currently plays with Gap Mangione and his brother Chuck Mangione, and trumpet played Nelson Starr who has played with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Both Andy Weinzler and Nelson Starr also played with Doc Severenson. Drummer Ray Bennett who has played with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Aretha Franklin and other to numerous to list, and lead vocalalist Kristen Parisi also entertained. Closing out the evening with some great blues music was the group, Ron Nickerson Project.
Brock Yates Guest Speaker at Sesqui Automotive Dinner
Brock Yates will be the guest speaker at the Saturday, July 27, 2002 banquet in the Holiday Inn where all participants of the Sesquicentennial automotive events will gather beginning at 6:30 p.m. For a complete story, click Brock Yates.
More July 4, 2002 - Parade Photos
Photos by Marianne Lehane Ward
1. Golden Age Club Float, "Then and Now"
2. Councilman Dan Robillard, Supervisor Pete McMahon, Erie County Sheriff Patrick Gallivan, Councilman Dick Crawford and Councilwoman Mary Cooke.
3. VFW Post 9249 Float - VFW Trustee Joe Synakowski walking at side of float.
4. Grand Island Historical Society members carried signs with the names of oldest Island families.
July 4, 2002 - Race and Parade Photos
This year's Independence Day/Sesquicentennial Parade drew over 65 entries, including many floats with historic themes representing Island history - 1852-2002. The parade was under the direction of Town Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro and her committee.
Click photos for larger view.
Pictures above are the Kids Race, the Dick Bessel race, The VFW #9249, VFW float, the Grand Island Fire Company's vintage pumper, the Grand Island Fire Company's rookie firefighters with the antique hose cart, Miss Cathy's (Thomas) Dance Academy, Teddy's Islettes Reunion Unit, Boy Scout Float, Girl Scouts of Grand Island's "American Women In History" float, Sidway School Reunion float, Grand Island Historical Society banner, Grand Island Historical Society marchers, River Lea Quilters Guild float, Erie County Pepsi Cola All Star Band, Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, Gordon Highlanders Pipe Band, Chamber of Commerce Birthday Cake float, Class of '82 float, American School of Karate, Calidonia Pipes & Drums, Grand Island Rotary Float.
Fred Claus Photos
Grand Island Fire Company, Moose Lodge Youth Club's Old Town Hall float, Grand Island Fire Company apparatus, Calidonia Pipes & Drums, Historical Society members Marcia Traun and Lyn Laman, Kids Race winners.
Barbi Lare Photos
Miss Cathy's Dance Academy, Uncle Sam (George Rowe), Golden Age Center float, Honorary Parade Marshalls Jerry and Amelia Funk, Honorary Parade Marshall Former Supervisor Raymond P. Griffin (1964-79), Grand Island, Nebraska Mayor Ken Gnadt
July 4, 2002 - Valerie Armenia Birkart
Peggy McNulty Photo - Click for larger view
Former resident Valerie Armenia Birkart is shown with her daughter Nina Birkart who were in town from Florida for the July 4, 2002 parade.
Kid Biz 2002 Photos
Click photos for larger view
KidBiz 2002 Event Chair Sue Hillock (left) poses with Legislator Chuck Swanick, Jim Sharpe and son Eric and Supervisor Pete McMahon. KidBiz 2002 participants Katie Arida, Emily, Connor and Casey Bolles, Nicole Brady, Katie Cobello, Jay Corrao, Aaron D'Angelo, Megan DenBeste, Meghan Dollard, Sean Donovan, Kearney Erhard, Andrea Gollhardt, Catie Hilliard, Katie Hillock, Zachary Hughes, Brandon Imerese, Lauren Kissel, Ashley Koerntgen, Charlie Lavallee, Allison Leszczak, Morgan Majewski, Lauren McGowan, Corey Meer, Rebecca & Rachel Meyer, Danielle & Nichole Nash, Alex Prine, Lauren Quattrini, Katie Rustowicz, Jon & Michael Seaman, Nicholas Sexton, Michael Sharon, Eric Sharpe, Maggie Shonitsky, Benjamin Smith, Amber & Jessica Spiesz, Erica & Rachel Surdi, Joshua Tixier, and Kristin Toellner line up in the Pritchard & Kennedy parking lot with KidBiz Trainer Mike Heftka and Chamber of Commerce President Jim Sharpe.
Whitehaven Road Baptist Church Old-Fashioned Tent Meeting
WNY Festival Chorus: "Let Freedom Ring."
Message from former Pastor Steve Turner: "Freedom - Is It Just Another Word?"
Free punch & famous 'Heritage Christian Home cookies'
Chiavetta's Chicken Barbecue - $7 adults, $3.50 children, $1 hot dogs for kids
"Whitehaven's Ladies Desserts"
Paul Zittel Family Country Band
Former Pastor Steve Turner
Family Life Ministries - W.C.O.U. (89.3 PM)
Children's Program & Balloon Sculpture
Free Anderson's Custards
Grand Island Teen Nite
Choice Team & Worship Band
Free pizza & pop
Worship & Praise - Pastors Abram Dueck, Steve Lamarco, Steve Turner
Kids Kreative Korner Photos
Click photos for larger view.
By Lee Tetkowski
If you attended the big Sesquicentennial Craft Show at Town Commons on the weekend before the Fourth of July 2002, did you see the Kids Kreative Korner nearby? Sue Novits, director of the GIFTS Program and Lee Tetkowski offered several fun projects for kids of all ages. Littlest ones were happily stringing bright colored shapes of macaroni and walking proudly away wearing their new necklaces. Older ones were adding sequins and glitter and even lentils and split peas to natural slices of wood, thanks to the generosity of Jim Tomkins. The most popular craft for slightly older girls and boys was creating "imaginary sandals," a way to decorate bare feet (or hands) with gold elastic and pony beads and imagination! Some of the kind folks who helped Sue and Lee direct the children on that Saturday and Sunday were Desmond Carswell, Ela Orlowski, Lynn Henschell, Kim Auger, Erin Koprevich, Lisa Kline, Nora Kline, Mark Fenz and Harry Carter. Joan Droit shared erly American toys lent from the Amherst Museum with everyone interested on Sunday. Though she wasn't able to attend these events on that weekend, Nancy Bolles was very instrumental in the planning and preparation. Thanks to all who gave many of our young Grand Islanders their own corner!
More Kids Kreative Korner Photos
Click photos for larger view. See above for story and more photos.
Sheep To Shawl Photos
Click photos for larger view.
By Lee Tetkowski
Two little live lambs gave more authenticity to the understanding of where woolen fabric comes from on Saturday, June 30, 2002 at the Town Commons. Mary Cooke and her children provided care for them. If you were there you saw the fleece spread out on the grass, and a group of carders and spinners. Since Islanders Marge Egan and Lee Tetkowski are active members of The Buffalo Weavers Guild, many other members volunteered to help them celebrate the Sesquicentennial with a Sheep-To-Shawl event. Nancy Foss had a tripod and kettle over a wood fire, using natural dyes from plants, to dye skeins of wool. Joyce Stoorza, Marge Alabran, Cathy Peterson Steffan, Joyce Rose, Kris Kolber as well as Marge Egan demonstrated on a variety of spinning wheels. Meanwhile Lee Tetkowski worked away weaving the luxurious hand-spun shawl, which was being auctioned off by Cathy's husband to raise money to donate a Heifer to a needy country. At the end of the demonstration the winning name was picked: Audra Wynne. As promised, Lee had completed the weaving and finished the fringes by the Fourth of July, when Audra happily received it.
Remote Airplane Show
See calendar of Sesqui events - Sunday, July 7, 2002
Jazz On The River
St. Stephen's Lawn Fete Makes Memories
Barbi Lare photos
St. Stephen's Church yard was end to end with carnival rides, food booths, games, a dunk tank, and scheduled musical events. Shown in the photos are Barbara and Richard Brzyski leading a group of enthusiastic line dancers; line dancers in motion; kids enjoying one of many rides; Kristen Koch and Dave Brand playing the "I Got It" game with one of the Gworek boys on the right; and a scene at the picnic in front of the "Who Let The Dogs Out" game. Thanks for the memories, St. Stephen's!
Sesquicentennial Craft Show, Kid Biz Fun For All
Barbi Lare Photos
Sesquicentennial Craft Show organizer and chairman, Robin Swedish is shown right with co-chair Kathy Smith at the June 29-30, 2002 event held at the Town Commons where crafters lined the sidewalks and other areas in the park. Spinners Joyce Jones and Marge Egan played a major role in the Sheep to Shawl demonstrations. Kidbiz, organized by Sue Hillock, drew a record crowd of children who set up shop in the front parking lot of Att. Bud Pritchard's building and along the Whitehaven Road sidewalk where the road was closed to traffic. Food vendors and live, upbeat music rounded out the successful weekend, community event.
Art Show 2002
Barbi Lare photo
An art show was held in the town hall on Saturday, June 29-30, 2002 as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration and sponsored by the Grand Island Art Society. Link and Barb Nutting are shown facing the camera.
St. Stephen's Mammoth
Lawn Fete This Weekend
Tomorrow (June 28, 2002) is the opening of the three-day St. Stephen's Church Lawn Fete. Games, food, rides, dancing and much, much more are being provided by the generous parishioners of St. Stephen's Church who are giving of their time and energy to provide Grand Island with an old fashioned carnival to celebrate the 150th birthday of our town. For a more complete story, click St. Stephen's Lawn Fete.
Grand Island Sesquicentennial Outdoor Craft Show
Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 2002
The Town Commons on Baseline Road is the site of this weekend's Grand Island Sesquicentennial Outdoor Craft Show. Bands will play music all day and an outdoor food court will also be featured. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All information on the show may be found at Isledegrande.com by clicking Craft Show.
Parade Lineup
All Entries (Groups, Floats, Organizations) Listed
Grand Island's July 4th parade lineup is a click away. See you at the parade.
July 4th 2002 Activities
This year's Independence Day Parade is billed as the biggest and the best in its 34-year history. The parade immediately follows the annual 2.3 mile Dick Bessel Independence Day Race (8:30 a.m.) (click for July 4th Race Map) and the Kids Run" on Grand Island Blvd. Runners are to pick up their numbers at the Town Hall lower lobby starting at 7:00 a.m. July 4. No day of race entries taken.
The VFW Post #9249's annual community picnic begins after the parade (noon) at the Post on Grand Island Blvd. Jack and Mary West of Jackson Music will host a concert at 6 p.m. featuring "The Heat," "no charge" and alcohol free. A gigantic fireworks display begins at dusk at Martin's Fantasy Island.
The Grand Island Sesquicentennial Program Book is available at $10 + $3 shipping and handling and additional books at $10 + $2 (ship/handling). To order, send a money order made out to Grand Island Sesquicentennial along with your name and mailing address to Sesqui Program Book, c/o GIECOM.net, 1871 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Books and shirts will also be available at the Tractor Pull and Show on August 17-18, 2002.
