The City of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services (BPRYCS) department is inviting all community members to the Centennial Celebration of the Boulevard on Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m..

“The Parks Dept., along with the Bristol Historical Society, and the Bristol Veterans Council are hosting an afternoon exploring the Boulevard’s history, learning about future plans and how the Boulevard shaped the last 100 years of Bristol’s history,” said Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, who chairs the Parks Commission. “The day’s events will include an opening and closing ceremony, music, historical stations, cars from the 1920’s, presentations at the various monuments, as well as period games and food truck options.”

Following the welcoming remarks and musical performances by Bristol Public Schools at 1p.m., attendees can explore the stations which will feature local stories, preserved relics, and Bristol Veterans. Some stations will showcase historical re-enactments.

The Bristol Brass and Wind Ensemble will provide musical entertainment throughout the event. A closing ceremony beginning at 4:00 pm will wrap up the Anniversary event.

Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services Dr. Josh Medeiros noted, “The 100th anniversary of the Veterans Memorial Boulevard Park is a significant milestone. The planning of this event has been in the works for over 18 months. We are proud of the event and we look forward to the community coming out to join us in this celebration!”

Over the past 100 years, Veterans Memorial Boulevard has been home to thousands of community events, added over 10 monuments to its grounds, and acted as a welcoming gateway to all cars entering Bristol’s Downtown.

Community Engagement Coordinator Erica Benoit noted that the next 100 years are just as promising. “One of the walking stations will be about looking to the future; featuring ongoing projects, community members’ hopes for the next century, and a time capsule to be opened in 2121.”

In an effort to share the rich history and artifacts of the Centennial Celebration with the community, the BPRYCS department will be capturing the day’s historic events on video to be shared with the community and archived locally.

The Centennial Celebration is sponsored in part by the Barnes Group Foundation, Covanta Bristol, Inc., QA+M Architecture, and the Bristol Housing Authority. Additional Centennial information about the event can be found at www.BristolRec.com.