GERRY - It was a party 200 years in the making as Gerry celebrated its bicentennial on Saturday afternoon.
Gerry, which was settled in 1810 and officially incorporated as a town in 1812, was named after Elbridge Gerry, the fifth vice president of the United States.
Saturday afternoon saw crowds lining the streets for the celebration, which kicked off with a parade. Many area officials were in attendance including state Sen. Cathy Young, state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed and Judge John Ward.
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Chadwick Bay Buccaneers perform at the Gerry bicentennial celebration Saturday.
Once the parade concluded, the festivities moved to the Larson Memorial Park on Route 60.
"I'm glad to be able to celebrate 200 years with the people of Gerry," said Reed, "and here's to another 200 after this."
Attendees were also treated to Larry Barmore, a local businessman, doing his best impression of Elbridge Gerry. He even gave a speech reminiscent of what the townspeople of Gerry would have heard in 1812, at the peak of the second conflict that the United States had with the British.
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The Chadwick Bay Buccaneers drum and bugle corps from Fredonia entertains the crowd at Gerry’s bicentennial celebration Saturday.
P-J photo by Ryan Atkins
Despite the threatening clouds overhead, the crowds that turned out for the celebration were in good spirits. Following the speeches, guests were invited to get to know their fellow townspeople and enjoy the games and music that were scheduled for the afternoon. A pig roast was open to any visitors and The Mountain Railroad performed later, providing a soundtrack for the event.
For more information about Gerry, visit gerryny.us.