Newspaper photo of two women, Joan and Mary Holancin, crouched in front of a sign reading "Bradford: The Heart of Canada's Vegetable Industry" with a second sign below it reading "Centennial - Celebrating 100 Years of Progress 1857 - 1957." Part of the centennial festivities was the opening of the district community centre for which residents contributed close to $100,000. The most popular sport in village community at the time was hockey, and the village acquired a new team that year.

Bradford's Centennial Parade. Banner on float on right reads "Birthday Greetings to Bradford from United Farms."

Bradford's Centennial Parade. Shops that line Holland St. W. include Kilkenny Furniture, Evans Bakery, and Bradford 5 Cents to $1.00 Store. The tow truck at the far right of the picture is from Monarch Ford. Behind it, two girls carry a banner which reads: "Centennial Congratulations from Ray Hodgson, Imperial Oil Dealer, and Joe Wintercorn, Imperial Oil Farm Trade Agent." Behind them is an old Imperial Oil gasoline tank wagon.

A poster for the celebrations occuring to mark the 125th anniversary of the town of Bradford.

"On May 27th, 1857, the Town of Bradford was incorporated. Next Sunday, May 27th, Bradford will launch a year of Sesquicentennial celebrations, with a Re-enactment, Proclamation and Sesquicentennial Flag-raising, 3 p.m. outside the Bradford West Gwillimbury Council Chambers on Holland St. East.
There will be a proclamation by the Mayor, greetings from the County, Province and Federal government - and a brief (and humorous) re-enactment of the incorporation, by the award-winning Bradford District High School Drama Club.
Then watch as the flag is raised, and enjoy a slice of Sesquicentennial cake.
Organizers are looking for participants for a Sesquicentennial Parade to take place at 3 p.m. on August 19th, following the same route as the Santa Claus Parade. The theme: 'Bradford Through the Ages'.
Anyone with antique farm equipment, classic or antique cars; representatives of Minor League sports, and hockey alumni of Bradford's historic teams (The Blues, Vasey Jrs., etc); choirs and bands - in fact, any community group, business or organization is invited to participate in this historic event.
The Town is looking for nominations for Parade Marshal; residents can nominate anyone for the honorary position. There will also be a contest for Junior Marshal."

"The countdown has begun for Bradford's main 150th Anniversary celebration - the August 17th to 25th Homecoming Week, which will include a Midway, Carrotfest Street Party on August 18th, Sesquicentennial Parade on August 19th, Music in Rotary Park every evening from Aug. 20-24, a Euchre Party at the Happy Sixties Seniors' Club, and more. This weekend, the Scotch Settlement Historical Society is hosting a Special Memorial Service at the Auld Kirk on Sunday, July 29th at 3p.m." ...

Description : "Bradford's Centennial Anniversary was celebrated in 1957, and the 125th Anniversary was celebrated in 1982. By extension, it would follow that Bradford's Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary be celebrated in 2007. If we were to consult the history books, we would learn Bradford was in the company of many other municipalities incorporated in 1857. They included Newmarket, Waterloo, Milton, Oakville and Owen Sound, all of whom will be celebrating this year. Furthermore, some organizations, like the Masons were instituted in Bradford in 1857; some Bradford residents were married in 1957. These people mark their special events in conjunction with the Town's anniversary. What happens to these traditions, if we arbitrarily say that we do not have enough time to prepare for the festivities? We, as a town, have so many annual events currently in place, which have been nurtured over the years to become Bradford's tourist attractions. We would only need to add a 150th component to them in this special year. Think of Canada Day, Carrot Fest and the Santa Claus Parade with a 150th Anniversary theme! Our residents are ingenious and inventive community, with at least 3 winter months to plan for an exciting spring, summer, and autumn slate of events. Let us not tamper with tradition and change the dates of Bradford's proud history."

Poster for the 2012 Carrotfest event on Saturday, August 18th, 2012

Poster for the 2013 Carrotfest event on Saturday, August 17th, 2013