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"Plans for Bradford's 150th Anniversary are well underway.
The deadline for groups and organizations to register their special Sesquicentennial events for inclusion in the Official calendar is April 1st, and the launch of over a year of celebration takes place May 27th at 3 p.m., with greetings from the Province, a declaration by the Mayor, Birthday cake, raising of the Sesquicentennial Flag, and a tongue-in-cheek skit bu the BDHS Drama Club, re-enacting the incorporation of the Town.
And organizers are already looking for participants for a Sesquicentennial parade, to take place on the afternoon of 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 nominate anyone - a local celebrity, sports volunteer, Minister, educator, or former Mayor - for the honorary position. There will also be a contest for Junior Marshal, details to be announced.
Parade application forms are now in the works, and should be available shortly. For more information, to get involved as a Sesquicentennial volunteer or committee member, or to register an official event, contact Joe Lotto at the Recreation Dept."

"When the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury announced that it would mark Bradford's 150th Anniversary with a series of special events starting Dec. 31st, 2007 and culminating with the Canada Day celebration on July 1, 2008, there were protests: The incorporation of the village of Bradford took place on May 27, 1857 - and although the inaugural meeting of the Council was held January 1st, 1858, the sesquicentennial year is clearly 2007..."

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."

Article about the success of the 2002 Carrotfest. It outlines the food, entertainment and events that made up Carrotfest for that year.

Article containing the winning poem in the children's category for the library's poem contest. The contest was related to Carrotfest and the poem was written by Jaclyn Hodsdon.

Article containing the winning poem in the adult category for the library's poem contest. The contest was related to Carrotfest and the poem was written by Brenda Walker.

Article containing the winning poem by the "Carrotfest King," Larry Horowitz.

Article outlining the contest winners from the 2001 Carrotfest. There was a poster contest, baby Gwilly look-alike contest, Carrotfest ambassador competition and many other carrot themed competitions.

Article about the incorporation of Bradford Downtown Revitalization Committee's "Super Saturday" street party into Carrotfest weekend.

"On September 14th, Simcoe South District Women's Institute celebrated its 100th Anniversary, at an Open House and Tea held in Cookstown.
The district received its charter on May 5th, 1902, in Thornton. At one time, the District had 11 branches, including Beeton, Gilford and Bradford, Now, there are only 6 remaining - Bond Head, Churchill, Cookstown, Fishers Corners, Tec-We-Gwill (Newton Robinson) and Tottenham.
At the Anniversary Open House, there was a focus on past achievements, which have included the establishment of a library in Alliston, installation of traffic lights in Bond Head, and work on health and safety issues - but there was also a focus on the future, and the continuing relevance of W.I.
Member of Parliament Aileen Carroll noted that Women's Institutes were founded in the early years of this century, "to work against the isolation (in rural Ontario), to countermand that isolation by bringing together the women... to build cohesion in the community."
Carroll pointed out that the areas of interest of Women's Institute - education and culture, citizenship, international affairs, industry - coincide with the interests of parliamentary committees, and urged W.I. members to stay involved, and to provide their views and input, to "seize the day, continue with these very important initiatives." "