Merchantville celebrates its 150th anniversary on May 18 and 19. To mark the occasion, Borough leaders and a host of volunteers have orchestrated an incredible program of events to note the history, accomplishments, and future of the town. Led by Mayor Ted Brennan, the effort began over a year before the anniversary and included a number of signature events to drum up excitement for the town’s sesquicentennial.
The anniversary weekend includes a parade and a traditional birthday celebration. Residents and surrounding communities are invited to take part in the celebration. The parade includes local marching bands, mummers and a caravan of creative floats designed by Merchantville’s clubs and organizations.
Previous generations marked the Borough’s milestone years with their own spins. In 1924, a parade traveled down Maple Ave., calling attention to riders on horseback and military men who donned the uniforms worn proudly during World War I. In 1974, the Borough’s centennial was marked with an homage to simpler times. A beard growing contest was held and Merchantville residents held an “Old Fashioned Day,” where they dressed the part and reverted to slang from decades gone by.
Schedule Of Events
Borough Beautiful Parade – Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. Celebrate the Borough Beautiful and all its history with a sesquicentennial parade marching down Maple Ave. to Park Ave. and Centre St. Marching bands, floats, mummers, dance troupes, and more lead the caravan through Merchantville’s downtown to mark the momentous occasion.
Merchantville’s 150th Birthday at Wellwood Park – Sunday, May 19, noon to 4:00 p.m. We’re celebrating Merchantville’s big day in a big way! Bring the family for an old-fashioned Merchantville birthday party! Enjoy a picnic in the park, relay races, cupcake eating contests and other fun games. The day also includes inflatables, face painting and a petting zoo. Bring a blanket or chairs and we’ll provide the snacks! Sign up for kickball and wiffle ball with Merchantville’s police and fire departments.
For more details on Merchantville’s 150th Anniversary Celebration, visit “Borough of Merchantville” on Facebook or go online to MerchantvilleNJ.gov.
