Published: August 15, 2008 11:50 am      

Lodge joining in for Westernport's sesquicentennial

WESTERNPORT - Although they celebrated their 150th anniversary two years ago, the members of Hiram Lodge No. 103, AF&AM are excited about joining the town of Westernport for its sesquicentennial celebration.

Founded in 1858, Westernport is marking its 150th anniversary with a townwide celebration Saturday featuring vendors, food, games and entertainment at Creekside Park.

Chartered two years before Westernport became a town, Hiram Lodge is opening its doors to anyone who would like to stop by as part of the celebration.

Historical artifacts from the lodge's early days in the Westernport Union Hall up until today will be on display at the lodge, located at 72 Main St., beside the post office.

According to Worshipful Master Bob Wiltison, the lodge will offer ham sandwiches, funnel cakes, strawberry and peach shortcake, various baked goods and cold drinks for sale.

Proceeds will be used for the lodge's charitable causes, including the local fire and rescue units and a scholarship for a graduating senior at Mountain Ridge High School.

The lodge will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chair lifts are available to the second-floor facility.

Hiram Lodge was chartered May 14, 1856, with 16 members. Construction on the present building began in 1971 and the first meeting held there in 1974 was possible in large part to the free labor of many of the members.

The town celebration will include more than 25 vendors of arts and crafts and/or home parties, along with at least eight food booths, from noon until 6 p.m.

The town's concession booth will offer "food at old-fashioned prices" from noon until 2 p.m., according to event chairwoman Becky Donnellan.

Entertainment scheduled throughout the day includes DJ Bob Lupton; singer Nick Cummings of Keyser; singer Jean Marple of Bloomington; Loretta Hummel, who wrote a song about the memorial wall at the foot of Backbone Mountain; and Hayley Hanlin, fourth runner-up for Miss American Co-Ed.

Hay rides will be available along with a hot dog eating contest, a pie-baking contest, a vegetable-eating contest and more.

"We're having a Little Miss and Mister Sesquicentennial contest, and anyone wishing to vote can come in the City Building and put money in their jars," Donnellan said.

A historical display by resident John Deniker will be set up in the storefront between Kenny's Market and Fox's Pizza.

Parking will be available in designated lots around the town, and a shuttle bus will travel from the Assembly of God Church on Maryland Avenue to Creekside Park.

For more information, call Donnellan at (301) 359-3641 or (301) 707-4123.

Contact Liz Beavers at lbeavers@times-news.com.