PC: menasha150.com
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) — It’s a year-long party in Menasha to celebrate the city’s sesquicentennial anniversary.
Menasha turns 150 on March 5, but events are happening all throughout the year.
“This is a special showcase for Menasha; to let the other neighbors in the Fox Valley know who we are, and the interesting things they can find and discover here,” said Walt Ulbricht with the Menasha Sesquicentennial Committee.
Already underway is The Great Button Hunt. Menasha residents can collect buttons from participating businesses and add them to their lanyard. The participant with the highest number of unique Menasha150 buttons will receive a gift basket with a gift card. The winner will be determined after buttons are no longer available, or December 31, whichever comes first.
On January 19, the Menasha History Trivia Challenge is happening at the Elisha D. Smith Menasha Library beginning at 7:30 p.m. Participants will explore notable City of Menasha events, people and businesses – and test their local knowledge.
So far, the biggest event is expected to be “Celebrate Menasha!”, which runs June 21-22.
“There will be music, family events, kayak races and contests on the Fox River,” said Ulbricht. “We’re also planning a special Model T motorcade and antique car show.”
Menasha officially turns 150 on March 5, and a birthday celebration will be held at City Hall beginning at noon. Troy Wittmann, a history teacher at Menasha’s Maplewood Middle School, will transform into Menasha’s first Mayor, O.J. Hall, and hop back in time to share what it was like to live in Menasha 150 years ago and discuss more of Menasha’s history.
Menasha will spend $100,000 on the series of celebrations; with $10,000 coming from the City of Menasha and another $10,000 coming from Menasha Utilities. The remaining $80,000 will come from gifts and donations.
Currently, events are planned through July. More events will be scheduled through the end of the year. To learn more about the sesquicentennial celebration, click here.
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