Apr 21, 2016 2 min read

The 200th anniversary of Bentleyville’s founding will be observed June 30 through July 3, but enthusiasts will get a taste of what’s to come April 29 when the contents of a 50-year-old time capsule are revealed.

“We don’t really know (what’s in there.) There’s probably 200 items in envelopes,” said Lisa Stout-Bashioum, president of the Bentleyville Bicentennial Committee.

The event organizer was just 5 years old when the vessel was placed in the ground at the American Legion Honor Roll on Main Street in 1966 during the community’s sesquicentennial celebration. She is hoping this year’s event mimics the community feeling of that celebration.

“The whole town turned out. I lived on Main Street at the time. Every family was there – at least, it seemed like it to me,” said Stout-Bashioum. “I hope our town is going to turn out for it in a big way.”

At the free information session at 6:30 p.m. April 29 in Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department social hall, details will be given about the planned historic activities, including a kick-off banquet, open houses, 5K run, veterans tribute, concerts, food, games, parade, fireworks and nondenominational church service. Event tickets will be available for purchase and orders will be taken for a commemorative book, top hats, bonnets and bunting.

Event planners have been working for three years to mark the 1816 founding of Bentleyville Borough by Sheshbazzar Bentley Jr.

“Like a lot of Mon Valley towns, we’ve had our ups and downs,” Stout-Bashioum said. “Hopefully, this can springboard us into a new phase.”

For information, visit www.bentleyvillebicentennial.com.