The Rowlesburg Sesquicentennial Committee invites you to help celebrate Rowlesburg's
birthday by participating in the many fun and exciting activities and events
planned throughout the year 2008.

 

Town of Rowlesburg
Sesquicentennial Committee
P.O. Box 458, Rowlesburg, WV 26425
304 454-2441 or 304 454-9232
 
Katie Wolfe-Orescanin, Chairman
Barbara Banister, Mayor
 
 
 
 
 
Rowlesburg from Cannon Hill
Rowlesburg: The Old and the New

Many fun and exciting events are planned for the celebration of the town's 150th birthday. We invite all of our friends and neighbors to help us commemorate this special occasion and join us for any or all festivities.

Old Rowlesburg has enjoyed a very rich history, from pioneer days through to the present, including the eras of the Civil War, industrialization, and the heydays of B & O railroading, lumber industry, and the Manheim cement plant.

The town has also seen times of distress brought on by the devastating floods of 1888, 1954, and 1985. With the downsizing and exodus of industry from the area, Rowlesburg has seen severe economic depression. But she and the townspeople always manage to survive and rebuild an even better town.

The New Rowlesburg is being touted as a destination for people anxious to see and learn about the many attractions and resources found in the Cheat River Valley.

Many town and civic organizations have worked hard to bring about the metamorphosis of Rowlesburg from a dirty, depressed, little burg to a clean, lovely landscaped, and attractive village with much to offer.

So, please come join us for
Rowlesburg's 150th Birthday Party!

 March 1, 2008
150th Birthday Gala

  • 6:00 PM in old high school gym
    Pre-dinner wine and beer
    Catered dinner
    Time capsule ceremony
    After dinner musical entertainment
    1850's Dress or Smart-Casual Attire

March, 2008
Easter Egg Hunt
Presented by
Greater Downtown Rowlesburg

May 3-4, 2008
History in Review/
Old-Time Hoe-Down
Presented by
Sesquicentennial Committee and
Rowlesburg Area Historical Society

  • Civil War Reenactment
    Sutler Booths
    Quilt Exhibit
    Civil War Museum
    Tea for Ladies
    Depot & Historical Society Museum Displays
    Cannon Hill Tours
    Cloggers, Dancers, Musicians
    Buggy Rides
    Wild Game Dinner
    Old-fashioned Hoe-Down
    Food Concessions
    Period Dress (optional)

May 4, 2008
May Day
Crowning of King and Queen
presented by
Park/Ambulance/Festivals

May 23-24-25 Memorial Day Weekend
Rivercity Festival
presented by
Sesquicentennial Committee

  • "The Hill" - a play by Orville Anderson
    Dancers, Vocalists, Music groups
    Clowns, stilt walkers, unicycle riders
    Arts & Crafts vendors
    Cannon Hill Tours
    Food Concessions
    Heritage displays
    Parade
    Karaoke and Street Dancing

June 28 - 29, 2008
Living History Weekend
presented by
The Greatest Generation Society

  • World War II Reenactment
    Greatest Generation Museum
    Big Band Dance with Bobby Menear
    Victory Garden
    "World at War" documentary videos
    Parade
    Food concessions

     

 August 30 - September 1, 2008
Ox Roast & Labor Day Festival
presented by
Town of Rowlesburg

Pit Roasted Beef Dinners
Railroad Day
Pedal Day - Bike Tour
Duck Race
Entertainment
Antique Car Show
Cannon Hill Tours
RRC, Inc. Alumni Tent
Fireworks

October 12, 2008
Chestnut Festival
presented by
Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee

  • Roasted Chestnuts
    Bonfire
    Karaoke and Street Dancing

December 13, 2008
Christmas in the Park
presented by
Park/Ambulance/Festivals

Arrival of Santa Claus

December 31, 2008
Sesquicentennial Wrap-Up Ceremony
Sealing of Time Capsule
to be opened in 2058

 Sponsors:

Alternatives to Wood
Browning Funeral Home
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Garrett Electric Company
Hansford Insurance Agency
Lowell Larew
Wesbanco - Kingwood
Wood Products - Oakland
Appalachian Wild Waters

Participating Organizations:

Rowlesburg Sesquicentennial Committee
Christ United Methodist Church
Greater Downtown Rowlesburg
Greatest Generation Society
Park/Ambulance/Festivals
Rowlesburg Area Historical Society
Rowlesburg Lions Club
Rowlesburg Parent Teacher Organization
Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Inc.
Rowlesburg Tourism Commission
Southern Baptist Church
Town of Rowlesburg
Veterans of Foreign Wars

     

Click here to download Sesquicentennial Brochure (PDF)