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J durhamrerjion.com A CLARINGTON COMMUNITY THE CANADIAN STATESi.W ' - 5,2006 ♦ Page A7 /I weekly in-depth look kit the communities that shape Clahngton Newcastle turns 150; grand time had by all attending Three-day event a celebration of heritage BY JULIE CASHIN-OSTER Special to the Statesman , NEWCASTLE - The rain held back Thursday'evening as the Semicentennial Semicentennial celebrations began with an amazing amazing concert performed by the Uganda's 'Watoto 'Children's choir in the IGA parking lot followed by a dedication ceremony of the newly restored Massey building.. The theme of Newcastle's 150 birthday birthday bash was a time to honor the past and celebrate the future. The dedication of the Massey building was an appropriate appropriate way to kick off, the weekend. From 1849-1879 the building at the corner of King and Beaver was the home to one of the largest largest manufacturers of heavy farm machinery, Massey- Ferguson. Then, in 1916, J. Anderson Smith Company revived'the vacant building., operating a box factory until the early 90s. , :■ Today an important piece of Newcastle's Newcastle's history is still standing and one of Newcastle's famous families" contributions recognized. The opening ceremonies continued at the Town Hall complete with music and a sold out reception. Newcastle's history begins in 1796 when the Bates and Lovekin families arrived near Wilmot Creek. Then, in 1798, Robert Baldwin's family arrived in Bond Head. These .original settlers were honored with a plaque dedication on Friday morning at Bond Head. The highlight of Friday was the parade, taking the same route as 50 years ago with many of the same participants - a little older and accompanied by grandchildren, grandchildren, The marching bands entertained entertained as did the beard-growing contestants. contestants. Miss Universe delighted everyone and the day wrapped with a Tattoo and fireworks display at Memorial Park. Saturday was the big day: Newcastle's official birthday. The day was filed with events to keep every child busy. Split between Walbridge Park and Newcastle For more pictures of the event, visit (êiSphotcmdurliamregion.com Public School, 500 kids played soccer in an all day tournament: The IGA was also busy all day with kid's games, barbecue and a live performance performance by Common Ground. During the afternoon the film Fighting Words - The Social Crusades of Joseph E. Atkinson Atkinson showed in the Box Factory. Born in Newcastle, Joseph Atkinson is best known for founding the Toronto Star and establishing the Atkinson Foundation. Foundation. : All day in the Gazebo at the Community Community Hall young musicians played music through the ages. Performers included local .high school students who worked very hard and earned their community service hours., "Each year I have a recital in my backyard backyard to showcase my students' musical musical abilities," explained Bev Jeeves, local music teacher and event volunteer. "Last year I was approached to bring the recital to the town hall for the Heritage Show. The planning for this • , event has taken a good part of the past year. When the youth were first approached with -- -- the event and told to choose pieces from the past 150 years, it did not go over well. As the year progressed and the students were introduced to "oldies" music, a . new appreciation was formed," In the afternoon birthday guests were entertained with Brimstone and Bylaws: Bylaws: "The First Newcastle Council Meeting, 1856", a dramatization by Gregory Ward. All day in the Community Community Hall historical families were on hand to recount Newcastle's history and walking tours of historical homes began at 11 a.m. and continued until 4 p.m.. The costume contested added to the excitement, seeing people in period costumes was an added touch with the final judging taking place at the Gazebo at 5 p.m.. The evening ended with a street dance at the Community Hall and firewofks over the lake at the Port of . Newcastle marina, Sunday the day began .with a team challenge, kids' games and a visit from .Sparky the Dog at the IGA. All day the Car and Tractor Show delighted the crowd as did the Country. Music Concert Concert at the Gazebo in the afternoon. The weekend long party finished with a Gala Dinner and closing ceremonies. Photos by Walter Passarella/ ' Mike Pochwat • From top: Kathleen Ewart and Valentine Lovekin uncover the new plaque dedicated to the founding families of Newcastle down at the Bondhead Parkette. Middle: Helen Simpson was dressed to impress the judges, as she was partaking partaking in the Costume contest. contest. Ron Locke, right, the greeter at the Community , Hall, snaps a shot of Ms. Simpson. Left: Kaelynn Yaworski, Jacob McDonald, McDonald, Joshua McDonald, Marilyn and Bryan Cry- dernian take a look at First Nations artifacts collected in the area, at the Heritage Show in the Community Hall.