LACONIA, N.H. – Celebrate Laconia, a group of local citizen volunteers, unveiled plans last week to mark Laconia’s 125th anniversary celebration in 2018, unveiled its branding and introduced the group’s board of directors. The organization will carry out plans for a parade, a festival, fireworks and other events to take place over more than a year.
The news came March 16 at the Taylor Community, where Celebrate Laconia President Pamela Clark – who helped organize Laconia’s 75th and 100th anniversary celebrations -- introduced board members planning the celebration to honor the traditions, heritage and culture that have made Laconia special. The anniversary celebrations will begin Aug. 19, 2017 with a recognition of the 125th anniversary of the Laconia Passenger Station’s construction.
Clark, President of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society, introduced board members Vice President Samantha Jewett, an Attorney with Haughey, Philpot & Laurent, PA; Treasurer/Finance Director Alexandra MacDonald, Senior Bank Service Representative at Bank of New Hampshire; Secretary Beth San Soucie, Program Manager at Stay Work Play New Hampshire; Parades Director Chester Cilley, who has worked on many city events, including Fourth of July festivities; Publicity Director Jared Guilmett, Architectural Staff Designer at Misiaszek Turpin PLLC; Entertainment Director Becky Guyer, owner of BG Costumes; and Historical Director Brenda Kean, Director of Resident Life at the Taylor Community.
Board members also discussed the group’s branding and logo, designed by JMG Marketing of Laconia, which depicts in blue on a white background local landmarks, such as the Laconia Public Library, the Belknap Mill, and the Congregational Church of Laconia. The line of iconic structures, flanked by the Weirs Beach sign above the words “Celebrate Laconia,” aims to evoke and promote vitality and a sense of civic pride. The group plans to partner with public officials and members of civic and nonprofit organizations to continue this work beyond 2018.
In addition to a parade, a festival, and fireworks, the group is planning many other activities, including publishing a book on Laconia’s history and a booklet promoting citywide celebratory events and hosting a birthday celebration March 24, 2018 – the date of Laconia’s incorporation in 1893. There will also be a July celebration that will occur the weekend after Independence Day, on July 7-8, and other activities to be announced.