WURTSBORO  — The D&H Canal Bicentennial Committee is gearing up for excitement in the middle of June.

Co-Chair of the Committee Janet Lybolt announced that on July 13th they will be celebrating the 200th anniversary  of the first shovelful that the D&H Canal had put into the ground.

“We’ve been working as a committee for over a year to bring different events on that day. It is the day, unfortunately, after Founder’s Day,” explained Lybolt. “At 12:00 with cannon fire and the church bells ringing we will have a Parade starting on Pine Street and going up to Fourth [Street] and ending at 85 Sullivan Street.”

This will be the house across the street from Pasta D’oro (90 Sullivan St, Wurtsboro) and will be “approximately where the first shovelful at Dr. Morrison’s House occurred.”

Lybolt encouraged community members to come out and watch the Parade. If community wants to participate in said Parade, they must let the D&H Bicentennial Committee know.

The fun doesn’t stop after the Parade in which there will be speeches, including one of Phillip Hone’s, the first President of the Canal.

The yard of 85 Sullivan Street will feature different activity tables set up for grownups and children.

In addition, there will feature music from the 1800s playing, as well as an 1800s Fashion Show.

Anyone fancy a (Costume) Ball?

Speaking of fashion, as part of the day’s festvities, the Wurtsboro Firehouse will also be holding a Costume Ball from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The Firehouse holds 100 to 110 people so it’s important that we do these ticket sales ahead of time,” explained Lybolt. “I encourage anybody who would like to come. Costumes are optional, but you can dress up in 1800s clothing.”

Where would you find such clothing? Lybolt noted of a costume place in Port Jervis called Marlu Costumes [590 Mullock Road].

Keeping things active at the Ball will be a caller who will be calling the old-fashioned dances as well as light refreshments to keep attendees fueled up.

If anybody would like to come, they are urged to go on the Wurtsboro Board of Trade’s website and get the information.

In addition, Lybolt encourages calls to her to arrange getting tickets for those interest in attending.