The Town of Charlton has been around since 1792, but in all those years, it really hasn’t changed much.
There are no big changes. We’ve been pretty much a residential, agricultural town. We don’t see a lot o f changes as far as what you see out there now, said Supervisor Alan Grattidge. `We’re surrounded by these fast growing towns like Clifton Park and Malta, but Charlton has remained pretty much the way we’ve been.`
The town is proud of its history and present culture, so for 43 years it’s celebrated that link to the past with Charlton Founders Weekend. This year’s event will begin Saturday, June 4, with the Charlton Heritage 5K Run and Walk and conclude on Sunday, June 5, with the Charlton Historical Society’s 43rd Annual Founders Day parade.
`We were one of the earliest established towns in Saratoga County this weekend marks the founding of the town and the rich history that we’ve had through the years,` said Grattidge. `We’re celebrating the history, agriculture, the people, the veterans. It’s a slice of Americana, if you will.`
The race is a relatively new feature but has quickly gained popularity, drawing more than 400 participants and benefiting the Charlton Historical Society. The other `recent` event added 13 years ago is the Party in the Park on Saturday, sponsored by the town. Residents can enjoy food, a climbing wall, a magic show, a juggler, live classic rock music by The Rogues and a fireworks show once night falls.
`We always have a great turnout for the Party in the Park,` said Grattidge. `We see it as a way for neighbors to get out and see each other who maybe wouldn’t be able to see each other during the year.`
A free ice cream social will take place after the parade in honor of June being Dairy Month.
One thing that’s remained a fixture for all 43 years of the celebration is the parade.
`The parade has always had a lot of people on Main Street and down by the museum,` said Grattidge. `The longest running theme has been the parade, it’s been a constant theme since the very beginning.`
A tradition that fizzled out was a community dance.
`For awhile, they were doing a street dance the night before, a square dance, that sort of dropped by the wayside,` said Grattidge. `We’re looking to add whatever we can to the weekend to make it a special weekend.`
The celebratory weekend mirrors what the Town of Charlton stands for, said Grattidge.
`When people think of Charlton, they think of the history, the farming community, nice landscapes those are the hallmarks of Charlton,` said Grattidge. `It’s a beautiful town to live in and drive through; the historic district that we have right on Main Street with all the historic homes and a lot of people think of Charlton Tavern as a place to gather and meet.`
Grattidge said the town maintains its distinctive atmosphere through the Farmland Protection Plan and strong zoning laws.
The Charlton Historical Society’s museum is open all weekend and houses the Community Art Exhibit featuring local artists. On Sunday, there will be hotdogs, hamburgers and a bake sale at the Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church and the Charlton Garden club will hold the annual plant sale.
The Charlton Heritage 5K Run and Walk steps off at 10 a.m. on Maple Avenue on Saturday, June 4. On Sunday, June 5, the Founders Day Parade begins at 2 p.m.
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