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KEVIN GUTTING

Like some others, Sterling and Maryelise Lamet, center left and right, came dressed as historical figures. In this case, 19th century Shutesbury denizens Nathaniel Dickinson Adams, a lumber merchant, and Lois Rays Briggs, a palm leaf hat braider.

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KEVIN GUTTING

Barry and Martha Field of Shutesbury dance to the music of the band by Dad Come Home.

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KEVIN GUTTING

Nearly 200 people turned out for 250th Anniversary Moonlight Ball in Shutesbury Saturday Night at Lake Wyola.

SHUTESBURY - Some nine months ago or so, in the throes of winter, the Select Board gathered around the calender and tried to pick what would be a special night for the town's 250th anniversary year ball. They chose Sept. 10 because a full moon was expected, and on Saturday, over 170 people were awash in moonlight as they danced and feasted outdoors at Lake Wyola State Park.

"It was fabulous," said Town Administrator Becky Torres. The night was perfect, the weather held, the moon was out. It transformed the park and people said it was above their expectations."

In particular she cited the work of the decorating committee, made up of Cathy Burbank, Bezie Riley and April Stein, and the music provided by "Dad Come Home," a local band, for making the event a success.

Select Board chair Elaine Puleo, who served as the event's master of ceremonies, called the evening "a great celebration of the town itself."

"You rarely have those times where you come together and enjoy the company of all your neighbors," she said. "I looked around and saw some of all our oldest citizens down to our young adults. ... There were people there in old period garb all the way to people in tuxedoes with bathing suit bottoms. It was great."

Town officials are hoping that ticket proceeds will cover the cost of the gala. Still, Puleo said the town would do some additional fundraising at Celebrate Shutesbury, the annual fall festival to be held Sept. 24. if necessary.

"It was well worth being able to put this on," Puleo said. "I mean how many times do you have a 250th anniversary. You couldn't have picked a more amazing night."