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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.

Description : Bats in the tower, a bottle of wine tucked in behind the dated cornerstone, mould and dry rot in the rafters... that's what the Priestly Demolition crews found, as they demolished the old St. John's Presbyterian Church on John St. West in Bradford last weekend. The church came down more quickly than expected. When crews removed the windows in the east wall, it bowed outwards, creating safety concerns. And when part of the roof was removed, to lessen the possibility of unexpected collapse, a portion of the brickwork on the east wall fell. Structural safety was one of the key concerns that led the Presbyterian Church to sell the 112 year old building. Bulging walls, rotting rafters - estimates suggested that over $500,000 in repairs were needed, simply to preserve the structure. The cost did not include expansion, or the provision of handicapped access or washrooms. The Presbyterian Church instead has built a new St. John's Presbyterian, on Middletown Sideroad - a "House of God" that is completely handicapped accessible, large enough to accommodate the congregation, with a gymnasium and room for community outreach, filled with light and air, and free of hazardous mould. It is a vibrant expression of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The John St. property was sold to the neighbouring Trinity Anglican Church. Although the land will be used as a parking lot in the short term, the Anglican Church is fundraising to someday raise a new "House of God" on the site.