from staff reports
CNHI
MERIDIAN — Sesquicentennial is a big word, but what it means is simple — A sesquicentennial is a 150th anniversary.
2010 is Meridian's sesquicentennial, and the celebrations here will begin this week and go on for the rest of the year.
Wednesday will mark 150 years since the ink began to dry on the city charter and Meridian was officially incorporated as a municipality. To give our city's 150th year a proper welcome, the city is holding a celebration at Dumont Plaza Wednesday morning to cut a cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to Meridian.
The sesquicentennial celebration will feature third graders from Poplar Springs Elementary who will be dressed in period costumes from throughout Meridian's history as they lead the crowd in song.
Local writer and entertainer Richelle Putnam will sing "Ballad of Meridian," a song she wrote especially for Meridian's 150th anniversary.
Mayor Cheri Barry will also speak as part the ceremony.
Wednesday's brief ceremony will mark the beginning of a year's worth of events that will focus on Meridian's growth and development during the 150 years of its history.
Many of the events that happen every year in Meridian will take on a sesquicentennial theme, including the Threefoot Arts Festival, the Meridian Arts Council Art for Meridian auction and dinner, and the city's 4th of July celebration.
Along with the fireworks and concert the city puts on every 4th of July at Bonita Lakes Mall, Cultural Affairs Director Connie Royal said there will also be a city party and "a lot of fun tie-ins" to celebrate the city's sesquicentennial.
Royal said these are just a few of the many sesquicentennial events planned for throughout the year.
