'Celebrate Somers Day' for Town's 225th Birthday

The town of Somers is celebrating its 225th birthday this year. To commemorate the milestone, members of the Somers Chamber of Commerce are inviting residents to celebrate at the inaugural 'Celebrate Somers Day' on Saturday, Sept. 28. 

The day, which has scheduled activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will kick off with a dedication ceremony of a 19th century water trough at Bailey Park.

"We felt that there were many businesses and organizations in Somers that the community could benefit from," Somers Chamber of Commerce President Karen Merritt said. "We felt this is the perfect venue to get town organizations, local businesses and community to get to know each other."

Family-friendly activities that day will include face painting, food from local restaurants and delicatessens, free bouncy house, popcorn, cotton candy, a stilt walker, clown, DJ and more. 

In addition, health professionals will be on hand to answer questions, while volunteers from local community organizations and hospitals perform blood pressure checks.

During the inaugural 'Celebrate Somers Day,' residents will have the opportunity to learn more about Somers' rich history.

The town is known as the "cradle of the American circus" after local cattleman Hachaliah Bailey bought an elephant, which he named Old Bet. The Monumental Mysteries on the Travel Channel recently featured the Elephant Hotel –  a monument to the first circus elephant.

"As time progresses and technology takes over, we do want the community to remember all the great things that have occurred in Somers history," Merritt said. 

The Somers Chamber of Commerce was established in 1957 and every year, members strive to support the community through scholarships, contributions to the Independence Day celebration, Halloween parade and other town events.

The road running through the Somerstown Shopping Center, where thousands of residents are expected to enjoy the festival celebrating the town, will be closed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The event is free to attend, but there is a cost if a business owner wishes to reserve a space for a tent or table. To download a Space Reservation form, visit somerschamber.com.