Fiddler's Green

TERRYVILLE - Saturday's Bicentennial events, encompassing the parade and testimonial dinner, were brought off so well and gave so much enjoyment to so many I feel a pat on the back and thank you most appropriate to those who made the day possible.

The parade, as many know, lasted about an hour and a half, and viewers saw numerous entertainers and attractions, some far different than the regular marches of other towns. From the young girls tossing batons in the air, to a wee imp obviously walking with her mother, the customs added to the spectacular. The floats were done very well, with many original themes such as the Junior Women's Club portrayals of important women to another by the town's clergy with its riding pastors singing boisterously for the Bicentennial.

I saw the enthusiasm children feel during parades while my own son squirmed with anticipations while the colorful vehicles, clowns and waving celebrities went by. His excitement was also heightened by the vendors with their cans of soda, popcorn, balloons and trinkets. The parade was not exclusive of a child's delight, though, for I felt the same pride and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

The dinner for Ted Knight, a man who gave four days to make the celebration as eventful as it was, came off superbly. The Women's Guild of St. Casimir's. especially Helen Grabowski, Regina Murawski, and Tillie Dziobek, along with their committee, set beautiful tables and worked hard bringing together more than 500 persons in a home­spun atmosphere to honor a returning success. Loren McDonough's organ music throughout the meal added to the warmth of the night.

Literally hundreds of Plymouth people joined together to make the day possible and a whopping success. To name them all would take more space than I have, but those I personally had contact with during the pre­publicity included J. Francis Ryan, chairman of the Bicentennial Committee, Edwin Chmieleski, Parade chairman, Miss Grabowski, chairlady of the dinner, testimonial toastmaster Henry Kornacki, and Police Chief John Krinitsky. These few people, along with so many more, deserve a very public thank you for a job done exceptionally well.

I've heard the theme of the Bicentennial ridiculed by some whom I don't believe have the insight as to just what a wonderful country we live in. Plymouth has shown dearly the importance of the celebration, and Plymouth people showed everyone what can be done with hard work and time to give recognition to the nation's birthday.