Plans for the upcoming 250th Anniversary Celebration of Chestnuthill Township to be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 are moving right along. All four townships in the Pleasant Valley School District will be participating.

The 250th anniversary celebration is of the original formation of Chestnuthill Township. Eldred, Ross and Polk townships were broken off from the original Chestnuthill over the years.There will be a parade, to begin at 10 a.m. Roads to be closed for the parade are Fairgrounds Road and US209 at the American Legion Post and at the intersection with the Effort-Gilbert Road, and County Park Road at the intersection with Stagecoach Road.The three divisions of the parade include walkers, (which includes bands,) equestrian and floats.Two people volunteered to carry the banner at the front of the parade.Attempts are being made to try and minimize impacting normal traffic flow in the area, though some roads will be closed. The West End and Polk fire police will be helping with traffic.The Monroe County commissioners donated money and the sheriff's department and constables will provide security.Norman Burger, anniversary committee chair, said township supervisors plan to be in the parade and/or participate in the presentations. At noon there will be presentations of proclamations from the Monroe County Commissioners and the state Senate.At the last committee meeting, members learned that an art group was the latest to sign up to participate. The art group wants to have both a nonprofit and a commercial table. Other new people are expected to apply.Everyone who contributed $100 or more will receive a certificate with the anniversary logo on it.The Jonas bake oven will not be operational because the doors were late to arrive. The concrete would not be sufficiently dry to take the heat.Freedom Gymnastics will bring mats and perform on the grass at 3 p.m. with three performances.The Riverside Rhythm Swing Band will play on the Main Stage and alternate with The Hawks in the bandstand.Games such as sack races, egg on a spoon and watermelon eating will be run by a Boy Scout Troop.There will be nonprofit and commercial displays. There is no charge for the nonprofits because one reason for the celebration is to have people learn what is available in the community, said Burger.The West End Fair museum will be open during the anniversary event. Available will be anniversary shirts, caps, coffee cups, jar openers, Frisbees, bag clamps and more.A Memorial Chestnut Tree or two will be planted at the fairgrounds and the committee is looking for other sites such as the parks and open space.Burger will be taking his daughter to Penn State and will try and talk to members of the American Chestnut Foundation which is located in Harrisburg. It asks for some nuts to be returned for evaluation.The county archivist will offer information about what is available to the public. Included are patent books for early land ownership, which became land warrants and finally deeds.Sponsors will be listed on the website and on a banner that is being printed.A double-sided, wind-resistant banner will be hung over Route 209 in Brodheadsville to announce the celebrationThe rain date is for Sunday, Sept. 8, which will be given on radio and television. In case of a major storm predicted, there will be 24-hours notice.