Members of the Summit Hill Historical Society discussed final plans and the schedule for the upcoming celebration next weekend highlighted by the rededication of Ludlow Memorial Park at 11 a.m. Saturday.

"We have several events scheduled to both raise funds to pay for the renovations performed in the park as well as to celebrate the rededication," President Louis Vermillion said.The society has been instrumental in spearheading the renovation efforts, planning and coordinating borough groups and volunteers in the project, which included installing pavers on the walkways and new tables and benches throughout the community park.Vermillion said not only is the park 100 years old, but the borough itself is 125 years old this year.The ground was secured from the coal company in 1912 to erect a flagpole for the local Grand Army of the Republic Conner Post 17.The post worked with the borough to erect a soldier's monument in the park, but as the time for the dedication of it grew near in 1914, the post felt its interests were not being considered anymore and they pulled out of the dedication.The July 4, 1914, dedication attracted 5,000 people to the park for the unveiling of the soldier's monument.The pillar, or middle section, was not ready for that event, and a second dedication was done a few months later in September of the completed monument. Since then, several organizations through the years have erected monuments as memorials to veterans of all the wars since the borough was founded.At 7 tonight, a free program of Civil War music will be held at the Summit Hill Heritage Center by scholar and musician Tom Jolin. This program is sponsored by the Summit Hill GAR Cemetery. Friday evening will be the return of the Mule Driver's Ball which was last held in early 1900s. This event is also held at the Summit Hill Heritage Center starting at 7 p.m. with appetizers served throughout the ball. It is a "Black and Blue" dress event, meaning you can wear everything from tuxedos to jeans. Music will be provided by the oldies group "The Bees Knees."At 11 a.m. Saturday, the Summit Hill Historical Society will be hosting the rededication of Ludlow Memorial Park. Several dignitaries, including Mayor Paul McArdle, the Summit Hill Borough Council and state Rep. Jerry Knowles have been invited to attend with featured speaker Tom Dombroski of the 81st regiment of the Civil War reenactors, who will also be attending.Finally, on Sunday, the annual Summit Hill Hootenanny will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. featuring vendors, crafters, food and great music. A bonus event is a 5K run/walk that is being coordinated by Joe Mogilski on Saturday to help pay for park renovations.For more information on the dedication, call Lou at 570-645-9772. For information about the Mule Driver's Ball or the Civil War Program, please call Debra at 570-645-9133.