Eastonites were determined to celebrate the town’s 175th anniversary with pride despite a deadly pandemic. An Easton 175th Committee was set up and partnered with various organizations to offer activities celebrating the town’s founding.
Bob Lessler, a longtime selectman and Easton resident, chairs the ongoing committee. It welcomes the participation of residents and local organizations.
“Light Up Easton” asked households in town to decorate their home for the holidays. There was a walk through the 252-year-old historic Gilbertown Cemetery hosted by a local historian. A virtual 5k or 10K walk or run, sponsored by the Park and Recreation Department and Easton 175th Committee, was one of many activities that honored the milestone while encouraging residents to stay fit and active.
The Easton Arts Council put together a 2021 calendar of 12 beautiful photographs of Easton. T-shirts were made. Citizens for Easton produced a compendium of treasured recipes featuring locally sourced products from Easton’s farms.
The festivities kicked off with a logo contest and drive-in screening of ET at Samuel Staples Elementary School. Activities followed throughout the summer, including a family trivia night.
The Oral History Project, sponsored by the 175th Committee and the Easton Public Library, is an ongoing 175th-anniversary celebration highlight.
A socially distanced town party hosted by the Ashler-Aspetuck Masonic Lodge No. 142, complete with a fireworks display presented by the Easton Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, capped off a whirlwind of celebrations.
A virtual photography show highlighting Easton, sponsored by the Easton Arts Council and supported by the Easton Public Library, followed.
The 175th celebration will continue with more festive events planned in 2021.
Light Up Easton
Easton Cookbook Heating Up
