Gaylord centennial celebration Aug. 13 to feature parade, art exhibit, farmers market

GAYLORD — "It's a good time think about our community, the history and the lessons we have learned. We want to honor our history to prepare for our future," said Erika, Peters, the city's human resources director who is coordinating Gaylord's centennial celebration.

The official celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gaylord becoming a city will culminate in a series of events on Saturday, Aug. 13. Starting at noon, a parade will leave the county dog park and head down Illinois Avenue to Main Street where it will end at city hall.

At city hall, 305 E. Main St., Gaylord Mayor Todd Sharrard will deliver remarks and several activities will begin, including an art exhibit sponsored by the Gaylord Area Arts Council.

Light food and refreshments will be served and vehicles from the police department and department of public works will be on display.

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There will also be a dunk tank as those with an accurate arm will be able to take a shot at dunking Sharrard, city treasurer Travis Hewitt and several police officers.

"We will charge $5 for three balls and all proceeds from dunk tank will go toward the upkeep of the Gaylord Car," said Peters.

Over 100 years ago, a group of people in Otsego County pooled their money to create the Gaylord Motor Car Company. The company's Gaylord Car was featured at the New York Automobile Show in 1911. After three years of production, the Gaylord Car Company went bankrupt in 1913. Only one Gaylord Car is known to exist and it is on display at the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center at 319 W. Main St.

In addition to the city hall events there will be sidewalk sales and the farmers market in the downtown business sector.

The centennial celebration will certainly attract city residents, but Peters said that anyone is welcome to attend and become a part of the beginning of Gaylord's second century as a city.

"A lot of people have formed a connection to Gaylord through the years. There should be something for everyone from locals to visitors to enjoy that day," Peters said.

In conjunction with Gaylord's official centennial celebration, a time capsule has been set up to accept letters, pictures and other commemorative items about the size of a deck of cards.

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Peters said the time capsule, which will be opened in 2072, represents a chance for everyone to share their thoughts with residents and visitors in 50 years.

"If you don't have a connection to Gaylord, placing something in the time capsule will give you one. Not only have we been trying to honor Gaylord's history, we have been living through history recently," she said in an acknowledgment of the May 20 tornado.