Published: June 25, 2009 02:29 pm      

Charlestown set for annual Founders Day celebration

City’s ninth-annual event kicks off today; ends with fireworks finale Saturday

Charlestown will hold its ninth-annual Founders Day celebration today through Saturday.

The celebration commemorates the city’s founding — named for Charles Biggs — on June 29, 1808. The weekend is funded by corporate and private sponsorships, with additional money going back to the Charlestown Beautification Committee, the event’s organizer. The committee uses the additional funds to support programs throughout the year, as well as general beautification efforts in the city, said Donna Coomer, co-chair of the committee.

Greenway Park will host the majority of the events and the city’s administration has gotten more involved in making improvements at the park, said Ted Little, co-chair of the committee.

As part of the city being more involved, Mayor Bob Hall will be on hand — as well as other members of his administration and city officials — to present and answer questions on programs and initiatives that are under way.

“We are trying to be as open as possible and let everyone know what is going on,” Hall said.

Video presentations and question-and-answer sessions will cover programs such as the one-to-one computer initiative, digital connectors and the neighborhood block watch program, among others. The purpose is to educate the public on the progress being made on city plans, Hall said.

Although city officials will be on hand to inform the public, it is not what the weekend is primarily about.

“This is about providing entertainment for children and families,” Little said. “People look forward to it every year.”

The bulk of the festivities will be hosted this weekend, but some events have already been held.

“We continued from last year, in having some events early,” Little said.

A hot-air-balloon glow and race were held last weekend as a precursor to this weekend’s celebration.

Today through Saturday, the festivities include: numerous country, rock and blues bands; an arts and crafts and flea market; food booths; carnival rides; a 5K walk/run; three-on-three basketball tournament; the Founders Day Parade; a watermelon-eating contest; and a hula hoop contest. Concessions and entertainment will be located at the Greenway Park. Additional amusements, carnival rides and concessions will be located near Jonathan Jennings Elementary School.

“It makes people excited they don’t have to drive across the state to go to an event like this,” Coomer said.

The three-day celebration will close out with a fireworks display paid for by the city at 10 p.m. Saturday in Greenway Park.