Schenectady County is kicking off its year-long bicentennial celebration with a gala at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia Saturday, March 7.
On March 7, 1809, we officially broke away from Albany County, so we booked this date with the Glen Sanders Mansion four years ago, said Wendy Voelker, Schenectady County special events coordinator. `We’re very lucky because it’s on a Saturday night. We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to have a big gala celebration.`
The gala will feature a cocktail hour, a full sit-down dinner and entertainment.
`It’s a cash bar, then for after-dinner entertainment, we’re going to be doing some storytelling with local humorist Bob Cudmore,` said Voelker. `He’ll be telling some stories about Schenectady County. After dinner and after Bob Cudmore, there will be dancing.`
There will be plenty of patriotic goodies served throughout the evening, including a mystery dessert and the debut of the Schenectady County Bicentennial cocktail.
`[It’s called] The Bicentini. The bar manager at the Glen Sanders Mansion is creating it. It’s going to be blue with an orange slice in it in honor of the bicentennial flag,` Voelker said.
Voelker is excited about the decorations for the gala, which were inspired by the bicentennials’ light bulb logo and are being done by Experience and Creative Design.
`It’s going to be spectacular. I don’t want to give too many details away, but they’re going to be honoring our electrical heritage,` said Voelker.
Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents the 21st district of New York State, is expected to make an appearance. In addition, all of the municipalities in the county will be honored through images that will be shown at the gala.
`People can be proud of the communities in which they live,` said Voelker.
`It’s going to be so much fun,` she said. `I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun planning an event.`
Tickets are $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10. For $200 per ticket, patrons can join an honorary committee called the Bicentennial Society and have their names included on a souvenir gala program and a memorial plaque outside of Schenectady County’s legislative chambers, as well as on the county’s bicentennial Web site.
Donations are tax deductible and any contribution above the cost of the dinner, which is $59.50, is tax deductible, Voelker said. All of the proceeds will benefit the bicentennial projects and the Schenectady County Historical Society.
This is the first event that will be held in the mansion’s newly renovated space.
`We’re closing down right after Valentine’s Day so we can get ready for it,` said Angelo Mazzone, owner of Glen Sanders Mansion. `We’re putting up a whole new ceiling in the ballroom, new rugs, chandeliers, tiles, a new AV system, flat screen TVs in the room so we can videotape stuff as they’re doing it.`
He said he’s happy to be part of the bicentennial.
`We think it’s an honor that we’ll be opening our room the same night as that event,` Mazzone said.
Everyone is invited. There is room for about 350 people, so space is limited. Guests are asked to RSVP no later than Friday, Feb. 20. For information on the gala or other bicentennial events or to RSVP, visit http://www.schenectadycounty2009.com or http://www.schenectadycounty.com.
`This is an exciting year for Schenectady County as we celebrate our Bicentennial,` Susan Savage, D-Niskayuna, chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, said in a statement. `I am proud to be part of a community with such a rich past and bright future. I invite you to join our celebration and participate in all of the exciting events planned throughout the year as we recognize all those who have made Schenectady County a great place to work, live and raise a family.`
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