Mr. Hershey's 150th Birthday Celebration!
Help commemorate Mr. Hershey’s 150th Birthday by joining in a unifying community celebration!
September 13 is always a special day in Hershey. But in 2007, the day takes on even greater significance.
The M.S. Hershey Foundation is proudly spearheading a community event to celebrate Mr. Hershey's 150th birthday on Thursday, September 13, 2007.
Numerous Hershey organizations have collaborated to create a celebration worthy of the man who started it all. The planning committee had two objectives: To create a meaningful and educational experience to commemorate Milton Hershey’s enduring legacies and thereby honor his life; and to engage residents, businesses and visitors in a unifying celebration.
Join the celebration!
All day: Participating Derry Township businesses are offering a one-time activity, admission fee, special or giveaway of their choice. It’s a chance for everyone to recognize Mr. Hershey in their own, unique way.
1:30 p.m.: A 150th birthday time capsule will preserve the essence of the community as it is today. Derry Township organizations and individuals were asked to donate items for the capsule. Selected items will be sealed in a ceremony on September 13 at Chocolatetown Square in downtown Hershey. Next year, the capsule will be buried at the new Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue. It will be marked with a plaque instructing that it be opened on Mr. Hershey’s 200th birthday in 2057. The community is invited to see the contents of the time capsule on display at the Hershey Library in August. The time capsule is generously donated by the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Click here to see time capsule contents.
1:50 p.m.: To commemorate the 150 years since Mr. Hershey’s birthday, a moment of silence will be held at exactly 1:50 p.m. The Fire Company alarm will sound and church bells will ring throughout Hershey to pay tribute to our founder. Everyone is invited to take just a moment to remember Mr. Hershey in their own way.
5:00 to 7:30 p.m.: Founders Park will set the scene for a family-friendly birthday party to include music, food and fun for all ages. Mr. Hershey would be proud to know the event is being produced by students who are working together from the Milton Hershey School and Hershey High School.
7:40 p.m.: Be a part of history!
1,500 Founders Park celebration attendees will be given flashlights to aim skyward to spell out the illuminated words, “Thank You.” An aerial photograph will capture the dramatic moment for future generations. Flashlights generously donated by Capital BlueCross.
8:00 p.m.: The Grand Finale!
Bring a blanket for a fantastic fireworks show at Founders Park.
In addition to The M.S. Hershey Foundation, the 150th Birthday Celebration Committee includes volunteer participation from The Hershey Company, Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co., Hershey Theatre, Hershey Community Archives, Hershey Museum, Milton Hershey School, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the Hershey Chronicle and Neiman Group.
Please call The M.S. Hershey Foundation at 717-298-2219 for more information about this community celebration.
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