Banners celebrating East Palestine’s sesquicentennial line North Market Street in the village. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

EAST PALESTINE — It’s a celebration 150 years in the making. East Palestine — originally platted just east of the Pennsylvania state line as Mechanicsburg in 1828, later renamed East Palestine in 1833 and incorporated in 1875 — will celebrate its sesquicentennial this Saturday with full day (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) of festivities – including a morning parade, family fun, local art, historical exhibits, and an Oldies Music Show to close out the night.

“The Village of East Palestine is proud to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a full day of community-wide festivities on Saturday,” the village said. “This milestone event honors the people, progress, and history that have shaped East Palestine since its founding in 1875.”

Planning for the celebration began months ago with the representatives from the Village of East Palestine, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, East Palestine Community Foundation, School District/Alumni Association, Historical Society, Fireman’s Association, Police Association, Community Improvement Corporation, Park Board, Eagles 1506, Town & Country Garden Club, East Palestine Memorial Public Library and the Masonic Lodge 417 putting their collective heads together to come up with an event worthy enough to mark the monumental milestone.

The idea behind the celebration was simple – to honor the blue-collar grit that built the village and 150 years later remains the foundation on which the town still stands.

“For a century and a half, East Palestine has been a place where ideas take shape and craftsmanship flourishes,” the village said. “From manufacturing and production to goods that have reached every corner of the globe, our village has consistently exceeded expectations. This rich tradition of making and exporting is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of our people.”

The village’s rich clay pits supported a booming potter industry. The village was also known for its tire production and orcharding. Other industries included steel tank production, foundry work, and various factories producing electrical wiring devices, wooden ventilators, fireproofing material and lumber.

The celebration is also to honor the people – both past and present – who have called and continue to call the village nestled in green hills home. It’s also meant to honor the village’s future.

“Our strong work ethic, coupled with a commitment to innovation, positions us to build momentum for the years ahead,” the village added. “By embracing new opportunities in areas like sustainable energy, infrastructure improvement and small business growth, we are laying the foundation for a future as vibrant and industrious as our past.”

According to the village, the day will begin with a community parade at 10 a.m. featuring local marching bands, classic cars, community organizations, and a special appearance from East Palestine alumni. Families can enjoy a variety of attractions throughout the day including an art walk showcasing student work in downtown storefronts, a special “150 Years & 150 Facts” exhibit at the East Palestine Memorial Library, and historical displays and redevelopment concepts at the Historic Train Depot. The Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum will be open with memorabilia on display and commemorative items for sale. Children and families will find plenty to enjoy, with bounce houses, horse-drawn carriage rides, old-fashioned games, a dunk tank with local personalities, and more. A variety of food trucks and local eateries will be available throughout the day, offering everything from tacos and burgers to soda mixing and sweet treats. The day will conclude with a free Oldies Music Show at the high school auditorium from 6-8 p.m.

While the celebration is set to kickoff at 9 a.m. on Saturday, the festivities get underway unofficially on Friday with a “Sizzle and Sing” at the former PNC lot located on North Market across from the municipal building.

Billed as a community karaoke night, the “Sizzle and Sing” will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees are asked to “bring your chair, your blanket, and your best singing voice or just come to cheer on the brave souls who do.” All ages are welcome and the event is free to attend.

A complete schedule of the weekend’s events can be found at facebook.com/villageofepohio.