The City of Reading will soon be observing its 275th anniversary. Established in 1748, the City was formed 28 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, a steering committee has been formed to highlight the city’s history and diversity. On Wednesday (the day of Reading’s 274th birthday) at the Santander Performing Arts Center, the committee invited a select group of local officials and community leaders to unveil their preliminary plans to celebrate the anniversary.
Speakers included local historian George Meiser IX, Wynton Butler,
Reading School District Director of Social Services, City Councilwoman Donna Reed, Laura Reppert, City of Reading 275th Special Event Coordinator, and Berks County Poet Laureate, Anthony Orozco.
The committee unveiled several ideas, include planting flower bulbs all over the city, media projects to tell the stories of Reading residents, a New Years Eve downtown celebration, and March 16th citywide celebration with a parade.
The committee is also looking for ideas from the community for suggestions on additional events and activities highlighting the past, present, and future.
A new webpage for the 275th anniversary celebration has been launched to for information and to gather community feedback: readingpa.gov/visitors/275
The 275th Anniversary Steering Committee includes Mayor Eddie Moran; Councilors Donna Reed and Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz; Council President Jeffery S. Waltman Sr.; City Auditor Maria Rodriguez; Acting Managing Director Frank Denbowski; City Clerk Linda Kelleher; Berks County Prothonotary Jonathan DelCollo; Berks County Convention Center Authority Member Michael Fiucci; Berks Community Television Executive Director Heather Adams; David Farrar, and General Manager of the Santander Arena and SPAC.
