While the rest of the world debates whether the New Millennium started on January 1, 2000 or will begin on January 1, 2001, Cumberland County is celebrating — the whole year. In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the county, a five-hour-long parade marched through downtown Carlisle, setting off the festivities in grand style. Everyone loves a parade! But there’s much more to come.

Merri Lou Schaumann, Director of the 250th Celebration, is the whirlwind who has stirred up the energy for these events. Her offices are at Headquarters, 1 North Hanover St, Carlisle, right next to the County Courthouse (look for the bunting), and can provide further information on all happenings listed below; check any specific contacts first.

May 26 – 28: Powwow 2000. This event is perhaps the most historically significant of the Anniversary. On Memorial Day weekend, for the first time since the closing of the Carlisle Indian School, Native Americans will visit the school. There will be a wide array of Native demonstrations and speakers, including Pulitzer Prize winning writer M. Scott Momaday. Vendors will be onsite with traditional crafts. Visit the website: Members.xoom.com/carlisle2000/welcome.html.

June 3: Foundry Day, Boiling Springs, hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This annual event features juried arts and crafts, lots of great food and performances, this year focused on the 250th Anniversary. Always a great time, this is a "don’t miss" event! For more information, call 258-3156.

June 11 and June 18: Cemetery tours. June 11, visit the Ashland Cemetery on Rte. 74 next to the Commerce Bank; June 18, visit the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church. Each event explores the lives of those buried in these old graveyards. Tours will take place on the half-hour from 1:00
to 3:00 p.m.

July 3 – 8:The Appalachian Wagon Train will traverse Cumberland County from the Susquehanna River to Roxbury, the Franklin County line. Welcoming festivities will take place at each of the various stops throughout the county. The wagon train includes more than 100 wagons and several hundred horses, stretching almost a quarter of a mile. Don’t worry; they aren’t taking Rt.81. Westward HO!!! (cumberlink.comm/250/train030/99.html)

July 4: Harris Ferry-Kelso Ferry Crossing Reenactment. An eighteenth century ferry will be reconstructed and dozens of horses, wagons and willing public will be ferried across the river in the same fashion as our ancestors 250 years ago. Being rebuilt under the auspices of Mike Trephan of the Harrisburg Riverboat Fame, this should be an unforgettable experience. Just don’t go overboard. More info: 240-6522.

August 11: Cumberland County Arts Gala. At the Mechanicsburg Art Center, there will be art by local artists on display. More info: Jeannine Swartz at 697-2072.

August 18-19: Aviation Days. Hunt out the elusive Carlisle Airport for displays and demonstrations. Airplane Parade is Friday night from 6:00 – 8:00p.m. More info: Roger Morgenthal at 249-6333.

August 20: Cemetery Tour: Tour the graveyard at Historic Peace Church on the half-hour from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

September 2: McClain Highland Festival. Music, food, original crafts and bagpipes as the Festival honors the Scotch Irish roots of Cumberland County. From 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Two Mile House on Walnut Bottom Rd.

September 10: Cemetery Tour of the Union African American Cemetery off Franklin and "G" streets in Carlisle at 1:00 p.m.

September 22-24: Reenactment of the French and Indian War. Friday, at 7:00 p.m., Benjamin Franklin will negotiate a treaty with the Indians on the square in Carlisle. On Saturday at Dickinson Field (corner of Rt.11 and Post Road in Carlisle) a quick trip through the 16th Century will include the 1756 Indian Raid on Fort McCord (10:30 a.m.), and a mustering of the troops and launching of the 1758 Forbes Expedition (1:30 p.m.). Throughout the day, re-enactors will recite first person accounts of events. On Sunday, again at Dickinson Field, at 10:30 a.m., there will be a Drumhead church service (very military, very moving) followed by the Return of the White Captives at 1:30 p.m. This should be a stunning event, written from period records. Call Chris Houston at 241-5970 for more information.

October 7: Historic Road Rally. Need I say more? This is a tour of the county with prizes and a picnic at the end of the day. For more information, check out the website:

cumberlink.com/250/250events/html or call the 250th Anniversary Headquarters at 240-6522 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.