HOLYOKE — Fifty years from now when Holyoke residents gather to celebrate the city’s bicentennial, the year 2023 will likely play a prominent role.

That’s because organizers of the city’s 150th anniversary, currently being celebrated throughout 2023, will bequeath them a host of commemorative items to be stored in a time capsule that, when dedicated later this year, will be kept in the City Hall ballroom and opened in 50 years at the 200th anniversary of Holyoke’s incorporation as a city.

The time capsule will be filled with memorabilia from 1973, when Holyoke celebrated its 100th anniversary, a program from Holyoke’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a total of 150 commemorative items, and a program from the Hazen Paper Super Bowl. To view the ongoing list of items, visit https://www.exploreholyoke.com/celebrating-150-years/ and add suggestions.

“We encourage you to submit suggestions for items that represent the spirit of Holyoke and its diverse community,” the committee writes on its website. “Whether it’s a personal memento, a photograph, a written message, or an artifact that holds significance to you, each contribution will play a vital role in painting a vivid picture of our city’s past.”

The committee encourages submission of items that showcase the cultural heritage of Holyoke, highlighting the achievements of individuals, organizations, and businesses that have contributed to the city’s growth and development. This may include photographs of iconic landmarks, local artwork, letters sharing personal experiences, or historical documents that offer insights into Holyoke’s history.

As well as creating a time capsule, the 150th committee is working on a 150th Commemorative Book to celebrate Holyoke’s 150th year. The book will depict all of the special events of the year as well as include Holyoke’s history as a city. These books will be available as of January 2024, and are currently available for pre-sale at the 150th webpage : https://www.exploreholyoke.com/celebrating-150-years/

Other upcoming events to celebrate Holyoke’s history, present, and future include a Greek Orthodox Festival set for the end of August, Holyoke Day at the Big E on September 19th, Paper City Food Fest on Oct. 14, and the closing of the time capsule on Dec. 7.

Holyoke’s 150th Gala

A Masquerade Costume Ball will be held on Oct. 28 at the Grand Ballroom of City Hall. This event will be hosted by the Friends of City Hall and will mark the beginning of a year’s worth of festivities. There will be a buffet, dancing and a silent auction.

All proceeds from the Gala will go toward the restoration of the stained glass windows in the Grand Ballroom. Ticket information, costume suggestions, and more information about this memorable event will be available soon.

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