07/15/2022
What an incredible weekend celebrating Lewiston’s 200th birthday! Nearly five years ago, the Bicentennial Committee formed at the request of the Town of Lewiston - New York and we began our planning of what we wanted to be a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration. Thank you to everyone who helped with preparation, sponsoring, volunteering and promoting this milestone event.
Thank you to the entire Bicentennial Committee, especially Vice-Chair Tom Collister Honorary Vice-Chair Ken Slaugenhoupt and Secretary Donna Garfinkel. I am so thankful for the friendships we have formed. Thank you as well to every committee member who brought their unique strengths to this event. Treasurer Louise Maggard, Peter Coppins, Matt Duffy, Claire Gee, Eva Nicklas, Jennifer Pauly, Bryan Plunkett, Vince Schiffert, Esther Slaugenhoupt, Justin Tedesco, and Matt Villnave. We couldn’t have done it without all of your support.
Thank you as well to our Village and Town liaisons, Trustee Claudia Marasco and Councilmen Bill Geiben, John Jacoby and Rob Morreale. Many thanks to Supervisor Steve Broderick for your support, commitment to our fireworks show and many volunteer hours at our fundraising events. A special thank you for the support we received from the Village Clerk staff who were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, Shannon Fundis, Stephanie Longwell and Donna Vasquez. Thank you, Mayor Anne Welch and the Village Board, for allowing us the use of Academy Park for our weekend of events and for your support of the bandshell dedication.
Our individual, family and business sponsors are the ones that made this event possible by donating time and money to the Bicentennial fundraisers. A heartfelt thank you to Anthony Dimino and DiMino's Lewiston Tops for his generous gift of bringing the BPO to our community. What an event! Thank you to the Town of Lewiston for their incredible donation that allowed us have the most spectacular firework show on the 4th. Thank you to Jesse Printup and Green Dino Dispensary for sponsoring our Sunday night concert line-up and fireworks show. Thank you to Hibbards Original Custard for your generous donation towards our firework display. Thank you to Niagara Frontier Publications and The Sentinel for being our official media sponsor and highlighting our 200-Year Old Home articles this past year. Joshua Maloni, thank you for all your hard work promoting our celebration. Multiple thanks to Modern Disposal Services for your generous donations for our event.
Thank you to our additional sponsors Equitable Advisors/Bryan Plunkett, Niagara County including Chairwoman Becky Wydysh and Legislator Irene Myers, Fittante Architecture P.C., Apple Granny Restaurant, Hardison Funeral Home, Sanborn Historical Societ and Farm Museum, Niagara University, Vince Schiffert, St. Peter R.C. School, and Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.
A special thank you to Thomas Deal and Deal Realty, Inc. for being our premier parade sponsor. Your generosity is appreciated. Thank you, Bill Geiben for your incredible commitment to organizing the parade and The Lewiston Kiwanis, Marty Pauly, Jennifer Pauly and Jerry Wolfgang for sharing your parade expertise and volunteer man-hours.
Thank you to the Lewiston Police Department and the Lewiston Fire Companies (Including Lewiston Fire Company No. 1), both who serve and protect our wonderful community. We are grateful for your assistance in keeping us all safe and healthy during the holiday weekend.
Much gratitude to VFW Downriver Post 7487 and Commander Gordon Spencer, Former Commander Bill Justyk and Quartermaster Vince Canosa for your participation and donation to our patriotic parade and BPO concert.
Thank you to our Business Sponsors, Hana Center Martial Arts and Yoga, Extreme Auto Detailing, John P. Comerford Esq., Lower Niagara Moose Lodge 584, Rotary Club of Lewiston and NOTL, Artpark, The Village Bake Shoppe, The Environmental Service Group, Rhoney Funeral Home, Inc., and Rich's Expert Door Service.
Thank you to the Historical Association of Lewiston and Museum and Board for all of your behind-the-scenes assistance and many volunteer hours. Glenn Wienke, thank you so much for donating your incredible baskets to be sold at our fundraising events.
We truly appreciate Paul Mitro and Frontier Production Company for making all of our bands sound incredible all weekend long. Thank you Brandy Scrufari for being our talented emcee at the Bicentennial Parade. Thank you as well to LCTV for filming and broadcasting the parade.
Thank you to Matt Shaw and Steve Heinz of Skylighters of New York, for the amazing firework show. Attendees are still talking about it! Kevin Cobello of K&D Action Photo and Aerial Imaging, thank you for your incredible photos and video of the fireworks display.
Sunday was a meaningful day for our celebration. I would like to thank The First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston for being a business sponsor and for hosting our Community Sunday Service and Community Picnic. A special thank you to Village Historian Russ Piper for his work in securing and dedicating the Potter’s Field Monument. Thank you to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for hosting a Community Ice Cream Social and to the Lewiston Choraleers for their patriotic concert.
To our friends at Brickyard Brewing Company, thank you. Ken and Tom especially, you guys are the best and Lewiston Lager is amazing!
Lewiston Council on the Arts, thank you for donating your signature summer events, the Summer of ’69 and LeeRon Zydeco’s Blue Monday concert, to our holiday weekend celebration. It was fantastic to have both of these shows as part of our line-up.
Thank you as well to Assistant Conductor Jaman E. Dunn and The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, The Tower, Reflector and Nerds Gone Wild, each of which put on amazing shows.
Thank you, Marianne Gitterman, Lewiston Garden Club, Lewiston Beautification and Village of Lewiston DPW, for creating the beautiful landscape for our Center Street parade and Academy Park events.
Thank you, Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce for your support and use of your office.
Phil Mastantuono of Allstate Insurance, Brett Nadeau of Falls Tent & Awning, Dave Perreault of Bison Logo, Gene Bondi of Bondi Electric, and Yard Love Niagara, thank you all for your support. We are grateful for Cub and Boy Scout Troop 855, and the support they provided. Thank you to the Artisan Farmers Market for joining us in the fun.
Lewiston Digital created our gorgeous website at Lewiston200.org. Maureen Kellick designed our amazing bicentennial logo. Lisa Mies Designs crafted our many graphic designs for the event. Thank you all for your creativity and generosity.
They say it takes a village… but in our case a town, to come together to celebrate such a monumental milestone. It was my privilege to be a part of this event. I love my hometown and the community we have created together. Cheers and happy birthday, Lewiston!
Leandra Collesano
Chairperson
Lewiston Bicentennial Committee
