The town of Wesson celebrated the community’s 150 years at the annual Founders Day celebration Saturday.

Marilyn Britt of the Wesson Chamber of Commerce opened the Founder’s Day ceremonies by ringing the historic bell that sits in front of Trustmark Bank on Highway 51.

“I think it fitting that to open our Founder’s Day celebration we ring this historic bell,” Britt said. “This was the bell they rang each morning at the textile mill to bring in the workers.” Britt then welcomed guests and thanked volunteers for being a part of the event.

“On behalf of the Wesson Chamber of Commerce I want to say thank you to everyone,” she said. “I appreciate everyone pitching in to put this thing together.”

Britt told the audience about the Wesson Historical Museum, which has photos and memorabilia from the town’s founding as a textile town and its development into a college town. She also encouraged people to visit the Smithsonian Institution exhibition of “The Way We Worked,” which will be in the Mutton Building Gallery through May 9 at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Admission to both historical museums is free.

State Sen. Doty presented a proclamation to the town from Gov. Phil Bryant that recognized the 150th anniversary and noted Wesson was the birthplace of famed blues musician Houston Stackhouse and that it was the first city in Mississippi to have electric lights.

Attorney Elise Munn also presented a resolution on behalf of the Copiah County Board of Supervisors recognizing the city’s 150 years.

The Founder’s Day parade began at 11 a.m. There was live music and entertainment on stage downtown. Visitors to the event enjoyed food and many arts and crafts vendors.

Wesson sesquicentennial events continued through Saturday night.