Kennett Collaborative will mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a special edition of Third Thursday at State and Union streets on June 18 in downtown Kennett Square, featuring a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a red, white, and blue mushroom drop, live music, family activities, and outdoor dining.
The event, called “250 in Kennett,” is intended to recognize both the country’s founding and Kennett Square’s local ties to the American Revolution. Organizers said the program will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Lynn Sinclair, founder and chair of the Kennett Heritage Center, said Kennett Square has a direct connection to the document. Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, Congress ordered public readings of it, and one was held at the Unicorn Inn, which stood at the corner of State and Union streets, Sinclair said.
A featured part of the evening will be “Dare to Declare,” a public reading of the Declaration of Independence presented by the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society and community partners. The Lenape Brass Band is also scheduled to perform patriotic music along State Street.
Kennett Square’s signature “Midnight in the Square” mushroom will be decorated in red, white and blue and is scheduled to be lowered twice during the evening, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Organizers said the illuminated mushroom will hang near the clock tower in collaboration with the Midnight in the Square Committee and Bob’s Crane Service.
Melissa Blittersdorf, who helped decorate the display, said she was excited to contribute stars and tinsel for the America250 celebration and the Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade.
Rich Nichols, owner of Bob’s Crane Service, said the mushroom drop has become a recognizable part of local celebrations and that the company was pleased to support the June 18 event.
Organizers said parking in the garage on East Linden Street will be free during the event. Street closures are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. from Broad Street to Center Street.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
