Our town turns 375 years old in 2019, and from May 31 – June 15 expect Reading to be buzzing with excitement, energy, and tons of fun events. Reading 375 Steering Committee Chair Phil Rushworth says, “A lot of people have been working really hard over the past year to pull off a massive celebration. We hope everyone comes out to enjoy it.”
Planned Reading 375 Events Include
Friday, May 31
Opening Ceremonies on the Common
Saturday, June 1
A Concert for Reading featuring the Reading Symphony Orchestra and Reading Community Singers
Friday, June 7
Tavern at the Tavern Period music and libations at the Parker Tavern
Saturday, June 8
Our Town, Your Story at the Reading Public Library
PorchFest – Music on porches and yards all across town
Vintage Baseball – 19th-century baseball at Washington Park
Clubhouse at the Tavern – Family friendly baseball refreshments and entertainment at the Parker Tavern
Revelry at the Tavern – An evening of cocktails, music, and entertainment
Wednesday, June 12
Reading Rotary Taste of Metro North
Saturday, June 15 – Reading Day!
Reading Lions Club Friends and Family Day
Reading 375 Dog Parade
Reading Recreation/YMCA activities
Food Trucks
Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus
Reading Community Concert Band
Fireworks sponsored by FORR
In addition to all these events, there are several special activities that will be happening throughout the two-week celebration period, including:
Paint the Town – Town-wide Art Show
If This House Could Talk – Every dwelling has a story. See what makes Reading homes and businesses unique, and tell us what’s special about yours.
Reading Public Library Turns 150
Reading Scavenger Hunt – App-driven game sponsored by the Reading Cooperative Bank
In coordination with the celebration, local historians Ginny and Everett Blodgett have published a new book: Images of America: Reading. A book launch party will be held on May 13 at 7:00 pm at RCTV Studios.
Select Board Chair Andy Friedmann is looking forward to the celebration. “I applaud the work done by so many local volunteers to create a fantastic two-week celebration of our town. I’m looking forward to the entire community coming together to celebrate.”
All residents are invited to show their Reading pride by sporting a commemorative Reading 375 t-shirt, which are available at Reading Trophy and Shirt and RCTV Studios for $20. Limited edition Reading 375 pins are available at Whitelam Books, Reading Cooperative Bank, and RCTV Studios for $3.75. Proceeds will go to support the celebration.
Reading residents are encouraged to follow Reading 375 on Facebook for updates on events and celebrations. For a full list of events, check out reading375.com.