This banner, placed along a building on Marvin Street in downtown Wilcox reminds locals of the upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration.

By Heidi Zemach
Special to The Record

WILCOX – The villagers of Wilcox, of whom there are only about 400, are trimming their lawns, sprucing up front porches, hanging out flags and are generally very, very excited as they expect to play host to thousands on July 18-20 as the town celebrates its sesquicentennial – the 150th anniversary of its settlement.

A small group comprised of seven dedicated individuals have been working for 2 1/2 years, and two more joined them six months ago to make this event the greatest party in, well, at least 50 years.

The level of enthusiasm is high and people are excited, according to Laurie Storrar, one of the committee members organizing the event.

“We have people coming home from Florida, Alaska, Virginia, Georgia. I’ve heard from people in Arizona, California, Storrar said. “There are a lot of family reunions this weekend.”

    The Wilcox Centennial Queen, Betty Lou Roberts of Indiana is returning to her home town to crown the new king and queen, who will ride in a horse and wagon at the front of the parade Saturday. The Centennial Princess, Sherry Parks Wantuck of Brockway will be there to crown the prince and princess. Mary DeChano Johnson of Ridgway was named Mrs. Wilcox of 1942 will also be in attendance.  

    Sen.Joe Scarnati and State representative Dan Surra will attend the opening ceremonies tonight. Elvis impersonator Bobby Calla will perform afterwards in the Wilcox Garage lot. The evening will also offer “Battle of the Beach Ball” at the ball park, a duck race in the Clarion Rive; and a street dance for youth with music by Self-Defined.

    Saturday features a pancake breakfast and many will dress in attire that was popular when Wilcox was founded. There will also be a bicycle decorating contest as warmups to the main event – the big parade.

The parade will start along Route 321 and head towards Route 219, where it will double back along Route 219, which becomes Wilcox’s main street.

Dave Parana of Kane organized a flyover by the U.S. Air Force at 12:05 p.m. as one of its large air carriers en-route from Ohio to Tampa, Fla. flies over the parade.

Local organizers say the residents are “pretty jazzed” about the Steel City Ambassador Alumni Drum and Bugle Corp show on Saturday afternoon.

Twenty-three food and craft vendors will be stationed throughout the village all weekend. Typical carnival food will be available at Cameron Diversified Products, and high school cheerleaders will sell snow cones and popcorn at the ballpark. All three days a Kiddie Carnival will be held at the ball park, with things to bounce on and small rides for children up to age 12.

Sunday’s events kick off with a race the Jones Township Recreation Board have put much time and effort into — the Elk County Striders 5K Run/2K walk which will proceed up Horner Road, beginning at the ball field, Storrar said.

Kenny Shaffer is chairing a car show with nine different classes of cars at Cameron Diversified. For those interested in local history, Mike Schultz, an expert on the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s will give a presentation at the Community Building at noon.  Local lumberjacks, of which Storrar assures us there are still many, will pit their skills against one another in the lumberjack competition at the ballpark.

    “We’ve been working really hard and it’s been very enjoyable,” said organizer Bev Halquist. Now the fun part begins.