Sullivan County to celebrate 200 years

Matching grants available for bicentennial events

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — From the Woodstock Music and Art Fair to the nation’s largest Boy Scout camp, Sullivan County has no shortage of notable events, compelling places, famous and infamous characters and interesting lore and legend. All of it is cause for celebration as the county prepares for its 200th birthday.

In anticipation of the event, the 2009 Sullivan County Bicentennial Committee is offering matching grant opportunities to organizations and municipalities to seek “Bicentennial Sealed” status for their 2009 community events that embody the spirit of the Bicentennial celebration.

A Bicentennial Sealed event will be an existing or specially planned event undertaken by a community group, neighborhood or organization.

All events must meet the following requirements: foster the spirit of the Bicentennial in one or more of the following areas: education, arts, history, nature, government, people, commerce; incorporate historic, contemporary and/or future elements; be open to the public; offer free admission or fair price for value (proceeds should benefit a not-for-profit organization, local commerce organization or other philanthropic goal); and be held between Friday, May 15, 2009 and Sunday, September 13, 2009.

Under consideration are an opening ceremony featuring a reenactment of the original signing of the county charter and debut of the county’s Bicentennial seal, a Bicentennial Ball, a county-wide picnic day, theater and culinary events, a parade and more.

Special consideration will be given to events that promote historical accuracy and integrity, promote multi-cultural themes and images, advance the educational and commemorative goals of the Bicentennial Celebration and/or demonstrate the potential for lasting legacies, offer proper facilities for attendees and are well-planned and organized.

All Bicentennial Sealed events will be included in the Bicentennial Calendar and featured on the Bicentennial Website and in all promotional materials as deemed appropriate by the committee.

There is no limit to the number of events per community that can receive Bicentennial Sealed status. However, only one event per village or hamlet, but no more than three events per township, will also have the opportunity to apply for up to $1,000 in matching grant funds for their event.

Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3. The results of the approval process will be announced by October 17, 2008.

The application can be downloaded from the county website ( www.scgnet.us ) by clicking on the Legislature’s homepage and then on the “Bicentennial Steering Committee” link, or by contacting Alexis Eggleton, legislative aide, at 845/794-3000, ext. 3305 or via e-mail at alexis.eggleton@scgnet.us.