Founders Day 2002

The Worthington Bicentennial Celebration is officially underway! The Founders Day Festival, October 19, 2002, kicked-off the festivities with a memorable day full of fun for the entire family.

Despite the rain, a large crowd gathered on the Village Green to join in the celebration. Opening Ceremonies honored Worthington’s heritage with special recognition for descendants of our founding families and the communities from where our founders came. John Flint, a representative from Granby, Connecticut, presented City Council President and Bicentennial Steering Committee Co-chair Lou Goorey with a resolution of congratulations to Worthington from Granby, Connecticut. In addition to a gift of the Worthington flag from the City, Granby Elementary school children presented Flint with a framed photo of their school.

The community was treated to the debut of the Official Bicentennial Songs, The Bells of Worthington and On the Village Green, written and performed by composer and Worthington native Eric Gnezda. Gnezda was joined on stage by violinist Arkadiy Gips, and a giant chorus made up of dozens of Worthington school children, the Bicentennial Chorus and other community members. The songs are included on the Sounds of Worthington CD, which can be purchased at the Worthington Municipal Building.

The Worthington Arts Council partnered with the City to coordinate the festival, which brought period entertainment, arts and crafts and a variety of displays and interactive demonstrations to the Village Green.

Thanks to the Worthington Schools Outdoor Education Department, the northeast quadrant of the Village Green was transformed into scene right out of Worthington 1803. The living history recreated what home life was like for Worthington’s settlers. Demonstrators showed children how pioneers made their clothes, their homes and what games were popular in the early 1800’s.