Westmont celebrating 100th anniversary with Nov. 10 celebration
The Village of Westmont is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Wednesday, Nov. 10, with an unveiling of the historical mural, 100th Anniversary Legacy Awards, a 2121 Time Capsule Ceremony, and fireworks.
"We want to thank everyone for being patient while we finalized details for our 100th anniversary celebration," said Mayor Ron Gunter. "Event planning was greatly impacted by the pandemic, but we are now moving forward with our event on Nov. 10, 2021 in front of village hall to celebrate our 100th anniversary of incorporation.
There will be a large tent in front of the village hall at 31 W. Quincy St. where all activities will take place. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase at the event.
Whiskey Hill and Dolce will each have products that will commemorate the village's 100th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920s-era costumes. This time of year, the sun sets early and temperatures may be chilly, so everyone is reminded to dress weather-appropriate.
The evening will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a social hour that will include various historical displays, meet & greet with the author of the new Westmont Historical Book written by Maggie South, a chance for residents to meet and take their picture with "Garrett," the Westmont 100th Anniversary mascot, "Westmont History Trivia" with a chance to win 100th Anniversary collectibles including "Westy" and "Monty" Beanie Babies, commemorative ceramic plates, anniversary coins, and more.
Mayor Ron Gunter will officially welcome everyone at 5:30 p.m., which will be followed by the unveiling of the "Future of Westmont" mural.
"When we started thinking about the 100th anniversary celebration several years ago, we decided to create a set of murals that depicted Westmont's history over the years," said Larry McIntyre, 100th Anniversary Committee co-chair. "Each mural represented a different era of Westmont history, but the final mural will feature thoughts and ideas from the community regarding Westmont's future. All of the murals have been amazing and we can't wait to see the final installment."
Mayor Gunter will present the 100th Anniversary Legacy Awards at 6 p.m.
"Our committee came up with the idea of celebrating some of Westmont's most influential families and people," said Mayor Gunter. "Westmont has had numerous people who have made a dramatic impact in our community over the years. We chose a small group of families and one grouping of elected officials who stood out over the years for their many decades of dedicated community service and contributions to Westmont."
The recipients will be announced prior to the event. There will also be a presentation by the Westmont Chamber of Commerce regarding 100th Anniversary Legacy Businesses including a presentation to Westmont's longest-existing business. The Legacy Awards will conclude with a 100th Anniversary Poem by Westmont's very own poet laureate Gerry Szymski.
"The Addington family will be honored during the legacy awards presentation, but unfortunately, with construction ongoing, we will not be ready for the official dedication of Addington Plaza as we had originally planned," added Mayor Gunter. "However, we will have some displays showing the progress of the Addington Plaza project. As soon as it's ready, we will announce the official dedication and ribbon cutting."
At 7 p.m., the evening will conclude with a 100th Anniversary Time Capsule Ceremony in which representatives from various public agencies and organizations will be providing artifacts that will then be buried for 100 year to be opened during the village's 200th anniversary.
"After the 2121 Time Capsule Ceremony, we will have a short fireworks program to conclude the event," said Gunter. "We hope that the entire community comes out to partake in this important celebration."
"I want to thank our 100th Anniversary Committee and staff for all of their effort to put this together," the mayor continued. "We hope that the entire community joins us for this exciting moment in our history."