Ligonier, PA – A celebration of Ligonier’s rich heritage, history and beauty will take place throughout 2008. “Ligonier 250 – The Fort – The Town – The Valley” is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to discover and commemorate the town’s beginnings, its important place in history, and everything that has happened since. Ligonier’s roots date back to the stirring days of young Colonel George Washington, General John Forbes, the encounters of the British and Americans against the French & Indians and the historic events that took place here in 1758.

Chaired by Mr. Charles A. Fagan, III, the Ligonier 250 Committee will oversee and promote this year-long celebration. Signature events in 2008 include:

• May 10 – August 30 – Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in the Ligonier Valley: “Portraits of the Eastern Frontier,” featuring Robert Griffing, John Buxton and Chas Fagan.

• June 27-28 – Ligonier 250 Kick Off Weekend, featuring the “American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania” Bike Race, which will traverse the Commonwealth from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. Race-related activities will take place in Ligonier on the morning of Saturday, June 28 as the tour departs for Pittsburgh, the final leg of the week-long race.
  
  
• August 16-17 – Fort Ligonier: National Encampment of the Brigade of the American Revolution

• October 10-12 – 48th Annual Fort Ligonier Days

• September/October/November – Fall Lecture Series

Community organizations are encouraged to utilize the “250” theme in special events, activities and programs. An example of this community-wide “250 spirit” was evident at the recent Ligonier Ice Festival. Other organizations and businesses currently planning themed events include the “Weeders and Seeders” Annual Flower Show in July, titled “Ligonier 1758,” and a special performance at Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown, “The Road to Washington – The Making of a Man. The Making of a President,” September 17-28.  Ligonier Goldsmith, John Clark is creating a gold medallion, tie tacks, charms, money clips, pendants and key chains to commemorate this historic event. These items will be available for sale at his Main Street store. A limited edition, commemorative poster has been created by artist J. A. Cooper (shown at left) and is available at several locations including the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce office in Town Hall.   

A commemorative book, “The Fort, The Town, The Valley,” written and edited by Ralph Kinney Bennett, is in the works and will be published and available for sale this summer. This high quality publication will serve as an enduring souvenir of the celebration. The committee is also working in partnership with the Ligonier Valley School District on educational programming and coordinating an exciting lecture series to premier in the fall. 

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